Director of Communications & Media Relations

SummaryDevelops and executes strategic communications plans to promote the university’s key initiatives and advance the university’s reputation among targeted external and internal audiences. The Director oversees the creation and implementation of marketing campaigns across all communication channels with a particular focus on external media through the creation and/or sponsorship of events and earned media placements in regional and national news and trade publicationsEssential Job FunctionsDevelops and executes an integrated media relations strategy that drives measurable outcomes, media coverage, name recognition, brand awareness and institutional reputationDevelops, executes and shapes key talking points and written communications in order to reinforce the university’s mission, values, and strategic prioritiesCreates and implements media outreach opportunities to promote the university by generating earned media coverage by national, regional, local and trade media, especially outlets that cover higher education and the industries related to academic areasManages and responds to media relations inquiries to leverage internal expertise and manage institutional reputationServes as a university spokesperson and prepares designated spokespeople as subject matter experts or within crisis situationsCreates thought leadership opportunities to leverage academic and other leaders as experts and university spokespeopleProvides ongoing media training for leadership and facultyDevelops strategies for reaching alternative and non-traditional media outletsFacilitates industry speaking engagements or panelist opportunities for the university’s senior leadership teamCreates and produces regular reports tied to goals and outcomesRepresents the university on various professional association committees and at professional conferences, as neededSupervises and develops the department staff, facilitating professional opportunities to improve individual capability and managing performance against job accountabilities, department goals and established university, campus and department policies and procedures.Performs other duties as assignedRequired QualificationsMinimum of a bachelor's degreeSignificant amount of experience working in communications, media relations, public relations or other related experiencePreferred QualificationsProven track record of securing press coverageCompensation: $105,000 - $110,000/annualizedBenefits: This full-time position offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, paid holidays, sick time, vacation time, a 401(k) retirement savings plan, health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSA), educational assistance benefits, and an employee assistance program. Participation in any benefit is subject to meeting eligibility criteria. The university reserves the right to modify, amend or terminate any benefit or benefit programs as they apply to any participants, including but not limited to current and former employees. This is only a summary; the full details, which control, are in the applicable plan documents. Please Note:Qualified candidates must live or relocate to live within a daily commuting distance of the Providence Campus location upon hire.Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until job posting is closed.Johnson & Wales University is an equal opportunity employer. The university does not illegally discriminate on the basis of any protected class. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnic and national origin, familial status, gender or gender identity, genetic information, military service, national origin, pregnancy and related conditions, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected class.