Director of Communications

General Statement of Job

Provides leadership and oversight of the university’s internal and external communication efforts, including functioning as the university’s Public Information Officer. Works collaboratively with the president and other internal and external stakeholders, to assist with implementation and communication of university vision and goals.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Duties:

Serves to strategically plan and implement the university’s internal and external communications efforts.

1. as the university’s Public Information Officer (PIO), including leading response to crisis and emergency situations or events.

Internal Communication -- Supports faculty, staff and students by implementing an internal communications strategy to provide timely information that includes focus on the university’s mission and strategic priorities. Authors regular and special campus communications.

External Communication/Public Relations — Supports a strong and positive understanding of the university by implementing a pro-active communications plan, including earned media. Authors media alerts and press releases, and serves as principle contact for media.

Works collaboratively with advancement, marketing and other campus offices on communications, marketing, events and other initiatives to ensure an effective external relations strategy.

Represents the university through engagement in select external committees, events, and other initiatives.

Collaborate with Executive Assistant to the President and others in planning and implementing regular internal meetings/events and occasional special events initiated by the President’s Office.

Carries out special projects as assigned by the President.

Education, Experience, and Licenses

The successful candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree in marketing, communication, public relations, journalism, business administration, or a related field with at least five years of leadership experience preferred in a public relations, marketing, advancement, and/or media relations operation.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collaboratively with internal and external constituencies.
• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills, including ability to draft correspondence.
• Strong analytical skills including ability to assess and solve complex problems while ensuring compliance to state, federal and university policies.
• High level of organization and attention to detail, including the ability to anticipate needs, plan well in advance and a commitment to high standards of professional work.
• Excellence in project management overseeing large, cross-functional organization-wide projects or initiatives
• Personal qualities of integrity, professionalism, good judgment, appropriate discretion, a strong work ethic and a commitm