Director of Public Relations

TITLE: Director of Public Relations 

DEPARTMENT: Office of the President 

REPORTS TO: The President  

CLASSIFICATION: Staff-12 months 

EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD 

STANDARD WORK HOURS: 37.5 hours per week 

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time  

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt 

JOB SUMMARY:  

The Director will advance the mission and goals of the University by developing and executing comprehensive communication and media strategies encompassing local, national, and international media, and serve frequently as a spokesperson for the President and the University. 

The position provides leadership and oversight for the University’s internal and external communication efforts, including functioning as the institution’s Public Relation and Communication Officer. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:  

• Plans, evaluates, and executes University and foundation public relations efforts including public relations campaigns, projects, and events.
• Plans, executes, and evaluates specific initiatives in support of the President's office.
• Develops and executes strategic communication plans for the President and ensures adherence to his voice, brand, and key messages.
• Works closely with the President, Leadership Cabinet, and others on subject matters that typically require considerable sensitivity, discretion, or judgment.
• Works closely with the President and Leadership Cabinet on crisis communication and helps develop comprehensive strategies and messaging that preserve and protect the reputation of the University and the well-being of students, faculty, and staff.
• Ensures Leadership Cabinet is aware of, and knows their role in, the University’s Crisis Communication Plan.
• Provides strategic communications counsel to the University leadership team as well as guidance to and coordination with the implementation of internal and external communications and media relation strategies.
• Serves as the spokesperson of the University, responding to media inquiries and sharing information proactively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Manages and tracks media reports on the University and coordinates media access to campus.
• Develops and monitors an annual budget related to the goals and operational needs of the unit.
• Participates in University and system organizational development activities including service on university or system committees or involvement in other initiatives as assigned.
• Supports the President and University by building and maintaining strong community relationships with elected officials, agencies, organizations, institutions, the media, and community groups, representing the University in community and regional initiatives as appropriate.
• Maintains effective communication with all units within the University, other educational institutions, and the community at large.
• Develop and maintain information network with colleagues and counterparts in the system and in higher education.
• Comply with University policies and procedures including preparing required reports, plans, proposals, and projections and ensure compliance among staff, advise as needed.
• Work closely with the Marketing Department to assist with institutional br