Director of Media Relations

Job Title: Director of Media Relations

Location: USO-TW Building ATL

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Job ID: 263606

About Us

The University System of Georgia (USG) is comprised of 26 higher education institutions as well as the University System Office (USO). Within the USO, our administrative operations are primarily housed in the Trinity Washington Building located in downtown Atlanta. Our Information Technology Services (ITS) division is located in Athens. The University System of Georgia Shared Services Center (SSC) is located in Sandersville. The Georgia Public Library System is located in Atlanta. The Georgia Archives is located in Morrow. The State of Georgia Records Center is located in Austell.

Job Summary

The Director of Media Relations reports to the Vice Chancellor for External Affairs and serves as a member of the Communications team.

This Position Requires

• Strong media relationships.
• On-the-record and on-camera experience.
• Sharp and accurate writing and editing.
• An ability to communicate clearly.
  
  

Responsibilities

• Provide media relations expertise, respond to media inquiries, proactively pitch stories and serve as System Office spokesperson on matters as deemed appropriate.
• Prepare articles and press releases for the media.
• Provide help with crisis communications within the System Office as well as for USG institutions.
• Draft talking points for senior leadership team.
• Research topics and, as needed, draft speeches.
• Establish and maintain ongoing network of media relationships and contacts.
• Provide suggestions for media coverage of the University System as well as for USG institutions.
• May serve as a communications expert on various systemwide projects and strategic initiatives.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in public relations, journalism, communications or related discipline and seven or more years of job-related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• Experience in media relations or higher education communications at a USG institution preferred.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in written communication to executives and subject matter expert audiences.
• Skill in collaborating with multiple constituents.
• Skill in decision-making and problem-solving.
• Skill in interpersonal relations and in dealing with the media and the public.
• Ability to respond diplomatically to sensitive and critical issues.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple demands and to meet strict deadlines.
• Ability to analyze information and identify trends in data.
• Ability to summarize complex information and data.
• Knowledge of Board-level governance, functions, relationships, and history.
• Knowledge of current trends in higher education.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws, rules and regulations impacting higher education.
• Knowledge of Board of Regents policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of University System of Georgia ethics policy.
• Knowledge of AP Style.
  
  

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Conditions of Employment

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University System Office as determined by the University System Office in its sole discretion; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University System Office is an equal employment, equal access, and equal educational opportunity, and affirmative action institution. It is the policy of the University System Office to recruit, hire, train, promote and educate persons without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status as required by applicable state and federal laws (including Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Sections 503, and 504, ADEA, ADA, E.O. 11246, and Rev. Proc. 75-50).

For questions or more detailed information regarding this policy please contact the University System Office Human Resources at 404.962.3242. Individuals requiring disability related accommodations for participation in any event or to obtain print materials in an alternative format, please contact Human Resources.

Background Check

A pre-employment background check, including a check of criminal history, education, and driving records, will be required.