Assistant Director of Public Relations

Company Description Cedarville University is an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts, sciences, and professional disciplines. With 7,265 students, it is among Ohio’s largest private universities and is recognized by The Wall Street Journal as one of the nation’s top three evangelical universities. The University is known for a vibrant Christian campus community, rigorous academics, and strong graduation and retention rates. Cedarville provides an environment that integrates faith and learning, preparing students for professional excellence and gospel impact.

Role Description -- Assistant Director of Public Relations (Regular Full-Time--2080 annual hours), Exempt

UNIVERSITY DOCTRINAL POSITION: All job applicants should be aware that Cedarville

University is a private religious employer, which holds specific doctrinal positions. All

employees of Cedarville University must be in full agreement with the doctrinal positions of the

University and agree to live by workplace lifestyle standards. The University reserves the right to

refuse or discontinue employment to any individual who does not agree with the doctrinal

positions of the University or abide by the General Workplace Standards and Community

Covenant. Employees are to meet the general hiring expectations of a personal relationship with

Jesus Christ. Employees are further expected to maintain membership and service in a local

church of like faith and practice the University’s doctrinal positions, consistent with the

University’s Church Membership Expectations.

POSITION SUMMARY: The primary responsibilities are to manage a team of student public

relations writers in the development of stories about university faculty, staff, students, and their

respective programs; Assign student news stories and post them on the university’s website;

Write news releases; Serve as Merit Manager, serve as the liaison for institutional advertising,

and collaborate with academic schools and departments to identify strategic storytelling

opportunities.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Write stories and provide leadership to the student public relations writers

a. Generate newsworthy and mission-aligned stories for internal, external, web, and social media audiences

b. Train, mentor and evaluate student PR writers

c. Assign news stories to the student writing team; Manage student story deadlines, and train and develop student writers to become exceptional PR writers

d. Manage student schedules and Timesheets

e. Review and edit news releases

f. Post news releases on the university’s website and key department pages

2. Serve as Merit Manager

a. Use the Merit software to communicate student-related stories, dean’s list and

commencement announcements through Merit

3. Cedarville Stories Podcast

a. Write Show Notes

b. Post and Distribute Podcast

4. Advertising Manager

a. Request advertising creative

b. Place ads in selected media outlets

5. Manage ExpertFile

a. Post weekly or biweekly posts to help generate media interviews for Cedarville

faculty.

b. Manage the Experts Guide on Cedarville’s PR web pages.

6. Crisis Communication

a. Assist in crisis communication situations, when needed

7. Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communication, professional writing, English, preferred

2. Strong writing skills required

3. Proven experience in journalism, editing, professional writing, or related area

4. Ability to strategically use Ai

5. Exceptional proofreading and editing skills

6. Ability to read, write, and speak English language

7. Proficient in common office software systems (Photoshop knowledge, preferred)

8. Valid Driver’s license

REQUIRED MENTAL/PHYSICAL ABILITIES

1. Ability to type (keyboard proficiency)

2. Ability to read and proofread with extreme care and accuracy

3. Ability to hear/discern spoken words on the phone or in person for interviews

4. Attention to detail

5. Ability to organize, prioritize, and complete assignments with minimal supervision

6. Ability to multitask