Director of Public & Media Relations

Summary

Position Title

Director of Public & Media Relations

Department

Office of Marketing & Communications

Status

Full Time/Exempt

Position Description

The Office of Marketing & Communications at Jacksonville University seeks a Director of Public & Media Relations. This role will serve as the master storyteller for the university through two primary means: public relations and media relations.

The successful candidate will be expected to:

  • Create relationships and procedures internally and externally to collect stories about the JU community and strategically use that content to tell the JU story
  • Act as spokesperson on a variety of issues and topics, as assigned
  • Effectively pitch stories and multimedia packages to secure placements in traditional and new media, with emphasis on high-impact national and international news media
  • Foster relationships with key local, national and international members of the press to better facilitate earned media opportunities for the institution
  • Provide both outbound and inbound media relations support including, but not limited to: inquiry response, pitch development and execution, and story coordination
  • Support the Office through the development of editorial calendars, campaign planning and execution, and production management
  • Draft, edit, and manage the development of communications materials for both traditional and digital channels
  • Support the creation and editing of press releases, success stories, bylined articles, white papers, Power Points, blogs and both email and print newsletters
  • Collaborate with departments to build, maintain, and grow contact list to be used in marketing, outreach, and information notices
  • Coordinate media access to campus and provide media management for special events
  • Provide copy, editing, and distribution support for campus announcements and emails to students, faculty, and staff
  • Collaborate with editorial group to maximize effective usage of content
  • Organize, coordinate, and implement press conferences, speaking engagements, ceremonies, and other public relations events
  • Work with Senior Vice President of Marketing & Communications to counsel senior leadership on media relations activities
  • Support the Office team with analyzing and monitoring ongoing activities and campaigns
  • Proactively stay informed of relevant issues and trends in higher education, communications and areas in which the University has expertise; position and place university experts in national media to address trending topics
  • Ensure the Office delivers excellent customer service to its constituents and key audiences

To be successful in this position, you should demonstrate or have:

  • 5-7 years of experience or demonstrated equivalency in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations or related fields
  • Strong writing and editing skills and have the ability to understand and translate complex concepts into lay terms
  • Ability to leverage University assets (faculty and student research, Division I Athletics programs, University president, etc.) to strategically communicate the institution’s unique value proposition
  • Strong ability to exercise sound judgment, including demonstrated ability to apply discretion and judgment in evaluating implications of publication and information release to internal and external audiences
  • Proficiency with digital and print content development tools (e.g. Adobe Creative Suite, WordPress or other website CMS)
  • Familiarity with tools like Meltwater, Cision, Vocus, GroupHigh, Muck Rack, etc.
  • Basic photography and video production skills
  • Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and work flexible hours (including evenings and weekends, as necessary)

Additional preferences include:

  • On-air experience or experience as spokesperson
  • Working proficiency with video editing and production tools (e.g. Adobe Premier, Final Cut)
  • Publication experience
  • Familiarity with AP style

Important Note

This is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required for this position. The University reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs.

All Jacksonville University employees who work on campus must be vaccinated for COVID-19. Documentation will be requested during onboarding. Our full vaccination policy is available online.

To Apply

To apply, please email marketing@ju.edu with the subject line “Director of Public & Media Relations: [Your Name]” and the following materials: your resume, a JU employment application, and a cover letter summarizing your thoughts on why you are the ideal candidate for this position.