Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary: Serves as the primary officer for building the institution’s visibility and reputation locally, regionally and nationally through communications and PR strategies that support the university’s mission. Collaborates with the University Communications team and works closely with the Executive Director of Marketing and Communications, senior administrators and faculty to create and manage programs that highlight our nationally recognized educational programs. Responsible for the day-to-day news operation management of the Office of Marketing and Communications. Coordinates a comprehensive and diversified media relations program (including development of an annual plan), coordinates the writing and editing of all external news articles, oversees and manages the University’s video production and provides strategic communications advice to faculty and administration.

Duties/Responsibilities:

This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties or responsibility requirements. Employees may be required to perform other job-related instructions as requested by the supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation .

• Manages the day-to-day news operation of the Office of Marketing and Communications. Responsible for researching and writing news releases and news stories to distribute to the news media. Responds to the needs of reporters who are looking for sources for stories. These range from administrative sources to faculty experts to comment on news stories and may include supervising a student journalist
• This involves supervising a reporter/videographer in helping to manage schedules and video requests, researching stories, conducting interviews, writing stories and managing projects. Works in partnership with the Assistant Athletic Director for Communications to manage the reporter/videographer ’s athletic videography duties.
• Works in close coordination with the Executive Director of Marketing & Communications to ensure website content, social media content and marketing campaigns align with overall communications strategies and goals. Also works with EVP of Enrollment, Marketing & Communications on internal communications strategies and tactics.
• Provides strategic communications advice to the faculty and administration. Consults with faculty and administrators on university activities and programs, including publicizing and promoting activities with high news value to the news media. Provides media training to faculty and key administrators.
• Works with the Director of Web Communications to promote Drury via the University’s social media outlets. This involves re-posting stories about Drury that appear in traditional media and using social media as a broadcast tool for Drury’s communications.
• Identifies opportunities to raise the university’s profile through state and national higher education organizations, as well as local civic organizations. Attend civic and community meetings representing the university and advises the President and Drury’s General Counsel on interfacing with local government entities.
• Develops an annual plan – inclusive of media relations, executive visibility, community relations and internal communications -- for raising Drury’s visibility and connecting with key stakeholders in meaningful ways. Researches, writes and distributes news releases, news tips, and media advisories to local, regional, national and international reporters.
• Works with VP of Marketing & Communications on executive visibility and communications stemming from the Office of the President.
• Works with Director of Safety and Security to manage crisis communication plan. Also works with the President and other senior administrators on issues management.

Required Skills/Abilities:

To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum knowledge, skills, and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Strong analytical, organizational and advanced communication skills.
• Requires stellar writing skills, sound news judgment, initiative, results-oriented approach and flexibility. Some travel required. Must know Associated Press style guidelines and basic computer skills.
• As the primary media contact and a member of the crisis communication team, must have 24-hour accessibility.
• Must have excellent management, team-building and communication skills.
• Must have the ability to handle and balance many jobs at once under very tight deadlines.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations or marketing and 5-7 years media relations experience with newspapers, radio, television or public relations firm required; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Directly supervises a reporter/videographer with opportunity for additional direct reports. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; climb or balance; and stoop or kneel. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

WORKING AT DU HAS ITS BENEFITS:

• Generous time off including 4+ weeks of paid time off starting your first year
• Free tuition for your whole family
• Free tickets to Drury home sporting events
• Health and wellness benefits at extremely competitive rates
• Free use of onsite fitness center on Springfield campus
• Discounted meals and Drury merchandise on campus

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