Director of Public Relations

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Working at Lewis & Clark College

The campus is located on 137 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds in Portland's southwest hills. Our strong commitment to sustainability is reinforced through recycling programs, energy conservation, alternative transportation options, and farm to fork initiatives. For benefit-eligible positions, we offer a competitive benefits package that includes options for health, dental, vision, tuition, life insurance, retirement and more.

Lewis & Clark College is committed to achieving a diverse workforce. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to status as a protected veteran or a qualified individual with a disability, or other protected status, such as race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or age.

PRIMARY PURPOSE

The Director of Public Relations develops and implements public relations strategies, with a focus on garnering high-profile regional, national, international and higher education media, to advance Lewis & Clark's priorities, and to enhance and protect the institution's reputation. The Director is also responsible for collaborating with communications and marketing colleagues to develop and promote high-quality, multimedia content through a variety of channels, including for our online newsroom and social media channels.


The Director of Public Relations will also provide external communications support for the President and Executive Council members, such as institutional message development, speechwriting, crisis communications, issues management and other writing/editing support as needed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Public Relations and Media Relations

• Develops and executes strategic public relations and media relations initiatives that support the mission and priorities of Lewis & Clark.
• Builds and maintains relationships with local, regional, national, and international media outlets.
• Serves as a primary institutional spokesperson for media inquiries.
• Manages incoming media requests and coordinates responses with institutional stakeholders.
• Generates media-facing content, including press releases, articles, statements, and opinion pieces.
• Establishes and maintains media monitoring systems and reports on media relations outcomes and effectiveness.
• Participates in strategic communications planning and institutional reputation management efforts.

Strategic Messaging and Content Development

• Creates strategic content for the Lewis & Clark newsroom and other communication channels.
• Develops key messages, talking points, speeches, FAQs, media statements, and other executive communications materials.
• Provides messaging guidance and communications support to faculty, staff, and administrators participating in public forums and external engagements.
• Collaborates with communications and marketing colleagues to amplify institutional storytelling across digital and social media platforms.
• Contributes to the production, editing, and distribution of multimedia content.

Issues Management and Crisis Communications

• Provides communications counsel and messaging support to senior leaders on issues with potential reputational impact.
• Assists in the development and execution of crisis communications strategies and response plans.
• Supports issues management, community relations, and sensitive communications initiatives.
• Coordinates communications responses during emerging issues and critical incidents.
• Helps ensure consistency and alignment of institutional messaging during complex situations.

Administration and Program Support

• Supports select government affairs initiatives in collaboration with the Vice President for Communications.
• Participates in strategic communications planning and cross-functional initiatives.
• Manages public relations and media outreach budgets, metrics, and reporting.
• May supervise student employees, including assigning work, providing training, and monitoring performance.
• Tracks project outcomes and maintains records related to communications initiatives.

Other Duties as Assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, & BEHAVIORS

• Superior verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including communicating complex and sensitive information clearly to a wide range of audiences.
• Excellent media relations knowledge and understanding of news cycles, journalistic practices, and public affairs communications.
• Proficient strategic thinking and judgment in assessing reputational risk and developing effective communications approaches.
• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills across print, digital, and multimedia platforms.
• Superior relationship-building skills with journalists, community partners, faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, including managing multiple priorities and competing deadlines.
• Proficient use of media monitoring, media database, content management, social media, and analytics platforms such as MuckRack, Cision , and related communications technologies.
• Superior discretion, professionalism, and sound judgment when handling confidential, sensitive, or high-profile matters.
• Excellent collaboration skills and commitment to fostering a workplace culture where individuals from varied backgrounds, identities, experiences, and perspectives feel respected, valued, and supported.
• Extremely effective crisis communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills in rapidly changing and high-pressure environments.
• Proficient presentation and public speaking skills when representing an organization in professional and public settings.
• Superior adaptability, initiative, and resilience while navigating changing priorities and emerging communications challenges.

REQUIRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Public Affairs, English, or a related field.
• Five years of professional experience in public relations, media relations, strategic communications, journalism, public affairs, or a closely related field.
• Experience developing and implementing communications strategies for complex organizations.
• Experience serving as a spokesperson, managing media inquiries, and cultivating relationships with media outlets.
• Experience writing and editing content for multiple audiences and communication channels.
• Experience providing communications counsel and messaging support on sensitive or high-profile issues.
• Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and organizational objectives.

PREFERRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

• Master's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Public Affairs, Marketing, or a related field.
• Seven years of progressively responsible experience in public relations, media relations, strategic communications, government relations, or issues management.
• Experience working in higher education settings.
• Experience supporting executive leaders, elected officials, or senior administrators on communications strategy and public affairs matters.
• Experience with crisis communications, issues management, and reputation management.
• Experience supervising student employees, interns, or professional staff.
• Experience working with local, regional, and national media organizations.

WORK SCHEDULE

• Full Time/Part Time: Full Time
• Schedule: 37.5 hours per week, Monday through Friday. Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required to support media opportunities, special events, crisis communications, or other institutional priorities.
• Benefit Eligible: Yes
• Travel: Occasional local, regional, and national travel may be required for media relations activities, conferences, professional development, and institutional representation.
• Hybrid/Remote: This position is primarily in person, with limited hybrid flexibility based on departmental needs and college policy. Occasional on-campus presence outside of regular business hours may be required to support institutional communications needs.

PAY RATE

• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Starting at $90,000 per year, with consideration for experience

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• General office environment with occasional attendance at campus events, community meetings, and media engagements.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Frequent use of a computer, telephone, and other standard office equipment.
• Communicate effectively via phone, email, online meetings, presentations, and in-person interactions.
• Read, prepare, and review written communications, reports, digital content, and presentation materials.
• Move throughout campus and attend meetings and events in a variety of campus locations.
• Occasionally transport or set up communications materials, displays, audiovisual equipment, or event supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Work effectively in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions and changing priorities.
• May occasionally work outdoors and travel between campus locations or off-site venues in varying weather conditions.
• Maintain the flexibility to respond to urgent communications matters, including crisis situations that may arise outside of standard business hours.

Directions for Cover Letter

Please include a cover letter describing your interest in joining Lewis & Clark and the ways you can contribute to a culture of inclusion on our campus.

Lewis & Clark College adheres to a nondiscriminatory policy with respect to educational programs, activities, employment, and admission. We do not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, sex, religion, age, marital status, national origin, the presence of any physical or sensory disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, and local laws. The Associate Vice President of Human Resources has been designated to handle inquiries regarding employment- and disability-related non-discrimination policies. Title IX inquiries may be directed to the Title IX coordinator or deputy Title IX coordinators

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Reasonable Accommodation

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.


Background Check

Lewis & Clark College will conduct a background check on the finalist, which will include a criminal record check. If a conviction is discovered, a determination will be made whether the conviction is related to the position for which the individual is applying or would present safety or security risks before an employment decision is made. A criminal conviction does not necessarily automatically bar an applicant from employment.

Eligibility to Work

In order to comply with US Homeland Security Department regulations, all employees must complete an I-9 form in Workday prior to or no later than the first day of work and bring originals (no photocopies) of their supporting documentation to Human Resources no later than the 3rd business day of employment. Failure to have a completed I-9 form on file with the College will result in immediate termination of employment.