Public Information Officer

The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) invites applications and nominations for the position of Public Information Officer.  This is a renewable, full-time, non-tenured, administrative position and reports to the Vice Chancellor for Community Engagement, Equity, and Inclusion. The position is located in Las Vegas, Nevada.  

The NSHE is comprised of eight institutions: two universities, a state college, four community colleges and a research institute.  The public system of higher education in Nevada continues to experience growth with significant challenges and opportunities in serving over 100,000 students and 15,000 employees.

The Public Information Officer reports directly to the Vice Chancellor for Community Engagement, Equity and Inclusion and is responsible for the NSHE’s internal and external communications program that protects and advances the NSHE’s reputation and achieves overall communications objectives. The Officer provides public relations support to all System Administration departments including the Board Office and System Computing Services. The PIO is responsible for establishing and maintaining relationships with regional and national media, and promoting positive coverage of NSHE events, trends, and activities. The PIO provides communications and/or media counsel to NSHE leadership and to others with communication responsibility across all System Office divisions. The PIO identifies and develops opportunities for earned media to advance the NSHE’s reputation and set a context to help constituent audiences understand NSHE’s and the Board of Regents decisions and directions. The position also promotes collaborative speaking engagements and media appearances for NSHE leadership, including Board of Regents, the Chancellor, and members of the Chancellor’s Cabinet. The PIO responds to requests for information with personal communications or press releases in a clear and timely manner. The PIO also manages the composition of and process for the editing of press releases and articles to the media and other NSHE publications; provides communication support for the Office of the Chancellor and the Board of Regents; and manages the NSHE Web site.  The PIO will also provide support for the Chancellor’s efforts in establishing and maintaining relationships with community and business leaders.  

STARTING SALARY: Grade C ($75,000 to $90,000 commensurate with education and experience). The benefits package includes health, dental, vision, life, and retirement benefits.

APPROXIMATE STARTING DATE:  September 1, 2022

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  The successful candidate must have earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in communications, public relations, marketing, or a related discipline, with five (5) years of experience in public relations or marketing.

Experience in a higher education setting is preferred. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:  Successful candidates must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities.  It is recommended that applicants for this position address each of the following items in the letter of application:

• Strong organizational and prioritization skills;

• Strong research acumen and ability to discover and advocate for best practices;

• Familiarity with marketing and communication in a higher education or government setting;

• Knowledge of Web-based communication, including social media platforms;

• Experience with mass media; and

• Knowledge of or ability to quickly gain understanding of NSHE organizational structure, and policies and procedures related to position.

• Ability to work with diverse individuals in a tactful, productive manner;

• Demonstrated abilities as a team player and a team builder;

• Demonstrate attention to detail, respond to unexpected job demands and keep pace with rapidly changing priorities;

• Ability to work proactively, organize assigned tasks, multi-task effectively, prioritize heavy workload and develop comprehensive timetables and strategies to meet multiple deadlines;

• Ability to make independent decisions appropriately and within boundaries of assigned authority; and

• Ability to speak and write in Spanish is preferred.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, verbal and written; communicate effectively with a diverse population at all levels both internally and externally, using tact and diplomacy;

• Excellent writing and proofreading skills, including proper use of formats, knowledge of correct English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and usage;

• Advanced computer skills, including software such as Microsoft Office (Word, Access, Excel, Email and the Internet);

• Skilled in working independently and following through on assignments with minimal direction; and

• Capability to represent NSHE at public functions.

RESPONSIBILITIES:  The duties of this position will include, but not be limited to:

• Develop an internal and external communications program that protects and advances the NSHE’s reputation and achieves overall communications objectives;

• Develop key messages consistent with the NSHE’s message platform;

• Develop news angles, proactively assess controversies or sensitivities;

• Complete background research;

• Identify and monitor stories that further the NSHE’s priorities, awareness and reputation;

• Generate content including news stories and press releases, following established protocol for approval and dissemination;

• Coordinate logistics for interviews, news conferences and events;

• Act as the lead liaison and coordinate all NSHE social media;

• Lead and develop strategic approaches to using social media;

• Strategically support key communications initiatives through social media;

• Monitor social media for issues and trending topics related to the NSHE, engage when necessary; and

• Work with members of the NSHE legal team to ensure NSHE social media policies and communications is in line with state and federal laws.

• Develop messages that are clear, authentic and help further NSHE’s priorities;

• Respond to and facilitate phone and e-mail inquiries as well as conduct pitches, connecting media with appropriate resources for interviews or information;

• Prepare statements as needed;

• Conduct research to understand focus and interests of journalists;

• Conduct follow-up  stories and inquiries; and

• Assist with upkeep of online newsroom, media distribution lists and overall media relationships.

• Keep senior leaders and others apprised of topics, issues and activities;

• Complete tracking and reporting of social media results; and

• Facilitate internal and external communications as needed and appropriate.

TO APPLY: The application process will be handled through the Workday on-line search process.  Application materials must include a current resume, detailed cover letter, and names, addresses and telephone numbers of four professional references willing to be contacted.  Applicants should fully describe qualifications and experience, since the initial review will serve to evaluate applicants based on documented, relevant qualifications and professional work experience.  Applications will be considered incomplete without all requested materials.  References will only be contacted for those who advance to the final phase of the search and with prior consent of the applicant.  The review of materials will begin immediately.  Materials should be addressed to Sherry Olson, Human Resources, and are to be submitted on-line. 

INTERNAL APPLICANTS:  Current employees within the Nevada System of Higher Education MUST use the “Find Jobs” process within Workday to find and apply for jobs at NSHE institutions.  Once you log into Workday and type “Find Jobs” in the search box which will navigate to the internal job posting site.  Locate the specific job posting by typing the requisition number (e.g. R0000000) in the search box

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications may be submitted until the position is filled. 

For more information about the Nevada System of Higher Education, please visit our website at www.nevada.edu.  The Nevada System of Higher Education hires only United States citizens and aliens lawfully authorized to work in the U.S.

NSHE is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to achieving excellence through diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, creed, national origin, veteran status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, family medical history or genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, or any other factor protected by anti-discrimination laws.  Women, applicants who are members of underrepresented groups and communities of color, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.