Communications and College Relations Director (HEO)- Office of Communications

POSITION DETAILS

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Communications and Marketing, the Director of Communications will design and implement an aggressive communications program that supports Hunter College’s strategic objectives and advances Hunter College’s mission. The Director will also serve as college spokesperson as needed.

Responsibilities include:

• Develops an overall media outreach plan for the College to promote key initiatives, special events, and fundraising news. Determines media strategy and enhances approach in response to outcomes.

• Works with the Provost’s Office, deans, and departmental chairs to develop newsworthy items for media promotion and to establish a list of experts for media pitches in response to breaking news.

• Serves as media advisor to college administrative and faculty leadership. Provides media training and briefings to college personnel as needed.

• Contributes to overall digital content strategy for the College, including internal and external communications, social media, e-newsletters, and other digital communications

• Collaborates with the Division of information Technology on website development projects

• Collaborates with the College’s Multimedia Center on the development and use of photography, video, and related multimedia resources

• Designs and implements systems that actively measure, manage, optimize and communicate the performance of the content issued by the College in relation to the operational objectives and strategies

• Researches, writes, edits and proofreads news releases, media advisories, op-eds, statements, blog posts and other communications vehicles as needed

• Writes statements and talking points

• Working with the AVP, develops an overall media outreach plan for the College to promote key initiatives, special events, and fundraising news

• Serves as liaison to CUNY media relations team.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree and eight years' related experience required; bachelor’s degree or higher in communications, public relations, journalism or related subject preferred; eight years of progressive experience in media relations preferred.

• Knowledge of AP style.

• Strong leadership skills, ability to take initiative, exercise sound judgment, and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment; required to work independently, multitask and manage multiple projects and situations simultaneously and with diplomacy.

• Excellent verbal, written, listening, editing and presentation skills with proven success placing stories in top-tier outlets.

• Experience managing media relations on sensitive issues and/or crisis situations.

• The ability to communicate in writing is an important job-related competency.

CUNY TITLE OVERVIEW

Directs College communications and public relations efforts.

• Establishes goals consistent with the College mission and works collaboratively with senior management to develop short- and long-range plans to further College outreach

• Develops and maintains comprehensive press, public relations, and internal communications strategies

• Represents the College to a variety of external and community organizations, establishing good working relationships and two-way communications on areas of common interest

• Oversees College web site and other major communications vehicles, such as publications

• Plans, organizes, and implements special events including conferences, receptions, and informational programs

• Develops and implements campaigns to foster awareness of College activities and initiatives

• Researches and develops speeches and other critical communications by senior management

• Maintains media relationships and serves as spokesperson representing the College

• Identifies and leverages opportunities to promote the visibility and reputation of the College.

• Performs related duties as assigned.

Job Title Name: Communications and College Relations Director

CUNY TITLE

Higher Education Officer

FLSA

Exempt

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Salary commensurate with education and experience ($90,634-$124,656).

CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development. We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off. Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications must be submitted online by accessing the CUNY Portal on City University of New York job website www.cuny.edu/employment. To search for this vacancy, click on SEARCH ALL POSTINGS and in SEARCH JOBS field, enter the Job Opening ID number 28460 .

Click on the "APPLY NOW" button and follow the application instructions. Current users of the site should access their established accounts; new users should follow the instructions to set up an account.

Please have your documents available to attach into the application before you begin. Note, the required material must be uploaded as ONE document under CV/ Resume (do not upload individual files for a cover letter, references, etc.). The document must be in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .rtf, or text format- and name of file should not exceed ten (10) characters – also DO NOT USE SYMBOLS (such as accents (é, è, (â, î or ô), ñ, ü, ï , –, _ or ç)).

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Please include:

• Cover Letter and/ or Statement of scholarly interests

• Curriculum Vitae/ Resume

• Names and contact information of 3 references

(Upload all above listed documents ¿ as ONE single file-- PDF format preferred.)

CLOSING DATE

The committee will begin reviewing complete applications on June 3, 2024. Applications submitted after the deadline will only be considered if the position(s) remain open.The search will stay open , and screening and review of applications will be ongoing-- until the position is filled.

JOB SEARCH CATEGORY

CUNY Job Posting: Managerial/Professional

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply. At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our protected groups. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.

Job ID

28460