Posting Number: R0005203
Location: Salem Campus
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Instructions for Applicants:
Please read the following carefully before beginning the online application process.
To be considered for employment at Willamette University, please complete our online employment application. Your application and all required attachments - listed at the bottom of the page - must be submitted for each individual job post that you are interested in applying for. If there is an application deadline, please ensure that your application is submitted by the deadline. Once you submit your application you will not be able to edit your application.
Position Summary:
The Director of Communications reports to the Chief of Staff and Vice President for Communications and works to generate recognition and support for the university's initiatives, programs and achievements to its stakeholders, both internally and externally. The Director is responsible for planning and managing strategic communications, media, and public relations programs that increase the level of positive awareness of Willamette University in local, regional, and national media while supporting the university's overall strategic objectives and brand. This position will work closely with the VP for Communications and with senior leadership to develop communications strategies that will broaden awareness, extend Willamette's reach, and deepen its impact.
Reasonable Accommodations Statement:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may
be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Develop and manage the strategic direction of Willamette's internal and external communications to effectively communicate university messaging to all stakeholder groups;
• Develop and implement strategic media, communication and public relations plans that support the university's strategic initiatives and result in positive coverage for Willamette;
• Develop, direct, and manage the strategic direction of Willamette's media relations for local, regional, and national story placement and effectiveness;
• Recognize trends in higher education and capitalize on opportunities for Willamette to be featured in ways that support the university's mission and strategic goals. This includes creating any niche media strategies with targeted outreach plans;
• Perform hands-on media relations work in collaboration with the Associate Director of Communications, including but not limited to: responding to direct media inquiries, researching university facts, identifying university experts and news sources, and proactively communicating with journalists across media outlets to advance the mission of the university;
• Support the implementation of a crisis communications plan for internal and external audiences with media relations, web and other emergency communications components;
• Write speeches and other executive communications directed to faculty, staff, students, alumni, and other stakeholders;
• Support the President, Provost, Vice Presidents, Deans, and other senior administrators to better communicate with internal and external audiences when they serve as spokespersons for Willamette;
• Build strong, positive working relationships with Willamette administrators, faculty, and staff that will lead to a long-term and sustainable infrastructure for strategic communications and media relations at the university that will enhance Willamette's reputation.
• Prepare special reports, presentations, white papers, position papers and related collateral materials that support presidential and executive leadership issues, programs and activities.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide management of the day-to-day operations of the Office of Communications;
• Hire, train, and evaluate the Associate Director of Communications (and other staff), as appropriate by being versed in all aspects of the program and the work of implementing effective communications. Provide advice, support, and guidance to the Associate Director of Communications, and any student assistants;
• Keep on top of changing technology as it impacts communications and public and media relations with the ability to recognize and adopt new media to the benefit of the university;
• Lead the creation and/or oversight of strategically focused media relations/news-generating programs such as media tours, faculty/administrator experts programs, and media trainings;
• Work with faculty and outside resources to develop, solicit, and place contributed articles, bylines, editorials, and other key mentions;
• Edit, proofread, and produce "Knowledge Into Action," the university's bi-monthly internal newsletter;
• Monitor Willamette's media presence. Track the resulting media from press releases and institutional press mentions;
• Measure and evaluate internal communications methods, making recommendations for changes to improve effectiveness;
• Manage external vendors related to public relations and communications activities;
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Five to ten years of progressively responsible experience in communications or public relations. Prior experience in higher education is preferred;
• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, English or a relevant discipline or an equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Ability to develop and execute strategic public relations and communications plans with implementation strategies, metrics, timelines, and budgets;
• Strong working knowledge of media relations best practices, strategies, and systems and techniques for obtaining positive news coverage and strategically positioning an organization to enhance its reputation and awareness level;
• Ability to oversee and drive multiple projects to completion under deadline pressure, ensuring a high level of attention to detail;
• Excellent research, interviewing, writing, editing and proofing skills, including knowledge of AP style guidelines;
• Established, demonstrated media contacts in the Pacific Northwest and national media preferred;
• Self-motivated and strategic, with the ability to develop and follow through with ideas and projects;
• Outstanding interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively to plan and execute integrated communications strategies and projects;
• Demonstrated ability to exercise judgment and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to make thoughtful, timely decisions using sound judgment and knowledge of the organization's goals while consulting the appropriate individuals and keeping supervisor informed;
• Ability to follow directions and complete tasks accurately and accept supervisory input and constructive feedback.

All University positions require that candidates submit to a criminal conviction record check prior to hire. Conviction does not automatically preclude candidates from being hired. Nature of conviction will be considered relative to the duties of the position.
You will need to upload the following documents as part of your application materials in the "My Experience" section labeled Resume:

• Cover letter addressing the required/desired qualifications and presenting any other applicant characteristics which deserve emphasis
• Current Resume

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as received until the position is filled.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Believing that diversity contributes to academic excellence and to rich and rewarding communities, WU is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse faculty, staff and student body. We seek candidates, particularly those from historically under-represented groups, whose work furthers diversity and who bring to campus varied experiences, perspectives and backgrounds.
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