Assistant Director, Communications & Media Relations (18232)

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About the Department/Unit

WAMU 88.5 is Washington DC’s leading public radio station for NPR news and information. It’s our mission to connect Washingtonians with each other and the world through balanced, enlightening, inspiring and entertaining programs of the highest quality.

Summary/Objective

The Assistant Director of Communications and Media Relations assists in the development of both regional and national communications strategies and serves as the primary media contact for the organization. The incumbent will work with the Sr. Director of Branding & Engagement to develop and implement comprehensive internal and external communication strategies that build WAMU’s reputation and drives both staff engagement and audience engagement across WAMU’s on air print, online, social and other digital media platforms.

The position is responsible for driving newsletter engagement through compelling content, in addition to writing all copy for press releases, media advisories, newsletters, programs, speeches, annual reports and other deliverables for print, electronic, digital, social and on-air platforms. The position assists in the development of key messaging by target audience segments and ensures those messages are integrated and updated across all communications. In coordination with the Senior Director of Branding & Engagement, the incumbent will provide consistent and timely information to employees through WAMU’s Intranet and other communication channels, and is responsible for ensuring that the content is clear, accurate, and relevant. In coordination with American University’s VP of Communications, the incumbent responds to members of the media in a timely manner; composes and distributes press releases as needed.

The Assistant Director, Communications and Media Relations reports to the Director of Branding & Engagement and works closely with other members of the Advancement Department and key stakeholders in the Content, Development and Membership Departments. At times, this position may serve as a representative for the department in meetings with other departments and helps to develop and executive all media relations strategies.

Essential Functions

1. Internal Communications:Develops internal communications strategy to inform staff on organizational activities utilizing e-mail, Intranet, WAMU’s internal staff newsletter and other digital platforms. Write, edit, and maintain content for WAMU intranet.
2. External Communications:Develops effective communications strategies that support marketing and fundraising goals, donor relations, events and programs by leveraging on-air, digital, social, electronic, direct mail and print distribution channels. Write and edit for WAMU website, and four bi-weekly and monthly e-newsletters.
3. Media and Public Relations: In tandem with the Senior Director, Branding & Engagement, develop media strategies and campaigns that focuses on earned media placements about WAMU and all its personalities, anniversaries, special projects and national and local programs.Write and distribute press releases and media advisories, and submit calendar submissions, to local and national media to grow audience for WAMU and its programs.
4. Other duties:Provide metrics and reports on media relations activities, newsletter engagement and eblast performance on a monthly and quarterly basis. Support Talent management at events, particularly where media is present.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Full Time - monthly, 35 hours per week.
• Project Leader/Advisor B
• Exempt
• This is a union-eligible position.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent
• 4-6 years of relevant experience

Preferred Education and Experience

• Master's degree
• 5-8 years of relevant experience

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Proven ability to write in varying voices and styles to represent the brand, Talent and leadership.
• Ability to incorporate effective storytelling to help build engagement and loyalty and generate media interest.
• Strong writing, editing, and verbal communication skills necessary.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Proficient in the use of Cision software.
• Proficient in the use of an email service software like MailChimp, Constant Contact.
• Proficient in social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, LinkedIn) and social media monitoring software.
• Must be creative, detail-oriented, organized, and capable of multi-tasking many projects often on tight deadlines.
• Demonstrates a collaborative working style, is receptive to feedback and takes accountability for projects.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment.
• A self-starter and continuous learner who is comfortable operating in an environment that strives to constantly innovate.
• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
• To ensure the health and safety of our community AU requires COVID-19 vaccinations for faculty and staff. Click here to learn more about our health and safety directive .

Others

• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite.Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options .

Union Eligibility

This position is part of a collective bargaining unit represented by SAG-AFTRA. That means the terms and conditions of your employment are governed by university policy (including the Staff Personnel Policies Manual) and any collective bargaining agreement entered into between American University and SAG-AFTRA.

Current American University Employees

If you are a current employee at American University, please log intoAsuccessfulU through themyAU portal . Once in AsuccessfulU, please select the Careers tile which will take you to our internal career page.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu .

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.

Nearest Major Market: Washington DC