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Director of Media Relations

Employer
University of Oregon
Location
Oregon, United States
Salary
Salary Not specified
Date posted
Mar 21, 2023


Director of Media Relations

Job no: 531494

Work type: Officer of Administration

Location: Eugene, OR

Categories: Business Administration/Management, Communications/Public Relations/Marketing, Journalism/Communication, English

Department: University Communications
Appointment Type and Duration: Regular, Ongoing
Salary: $90,000 - $100,000 per year
Compensation Band: OS-OA09-Fiscal Year 2022-2023
FTE: 1.0

Application Review Begins

April 24, 2023; position open until filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please submit the following with your online application:
A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and requirements outlined in the job announcement.
A resume of your educational and professional work experience.

Department Summary

The department of University Communications (UC) is charged with telling the University of Oregon's (UO) stories to a broad range of audiences and positioning the university to succeed and thrive. The department utilizes and manages a comprehensive suite of communications tools, including public relations, branding, advertising, licensing, digital media, and more for the benefit of the university.

Position Summary

The Director of Media Relations (director) supports University Communications (UC) by working to raise the visibility and enhance the reputation of the University of Oregon (UO) locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.

The director provides strategy and managerial leadership for the media relations team and its efforts while representing UC to internal and external constituents. The director takes the lead role in the development and execution of a robust media relations plan that aligns with university priorities and elevates the visibility of UO's accomplishments through local, regional, national, and international media. Part of this work involves cultivating strong relationships with these media outlets.

The director supervises a team of staff and identifies, assigns, schedules, edits, and approves news releases to communicate the research, academics, and innovation at the university; provides primary news coverage, including news releases, features, tips and advisories, for assigned schools, colleges, and other units; serves in a consulting role, giving professional guidance and support on media relations to university leaders; and prepares faculty and staff to appear in the media.

The director contributes to the production, editing, and posting/distribution of multimedia elements that accompany news releases. The director is expected to use major and emerging social media platforms to promote online content, amplify news coverage, engage with journalists, and monitor media activities.

To measure the effectiveness of the media relations plan, the editor assesses coverage of UO news in the media and ensures a regular and strategic flow of news from the university.

The director reports to the Assistant Vice President, Integrated Communications.

To be successful, the director engages in frequent collaborations with UC staff, campus communicators, administrators, and faculty to mine and produce compelling news stories.

Flexibility, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within University Communications. Inclusion, collaboration, and cultural sensitivity are valued competencies, and this position must effectively interact with a dynamic population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity.

Minimum Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in a communications-related field such as journalism, public relations, marketing, communications, English, media studies, or writing.
  • Five years of experience in news, media relations, public relations, or university news service.
  • Two years of supervisory experience OR two years of lead staff experience.

    Professional Competencies

  • Knowledge of AP Style and journalism ethics guidelines.
  • Demonstrated ability to assimilate complex information and speak, write, and edit for a variety of audiences, channels, and contexts. Candidates should have a portfolio or news writing clips that demonstrate writing ability as well as news judgment.
  • Demonstrated experience managing writers and overseeing distribution and timing of news releases in a strategic way using PR software such as Muck Rack, Cision, etc.
  • Familiar with the use of web and social media for sharing and amplifying news coverage.
  • Ability to provide support, counsel, and training for faculty and administrators on media appearance.
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a complex organization and work effectively with a wide variety of people across multiple units and agencies.
  • Ability to analyze complex materials and translate them to a variety of audiences with accuracy.
  • Ability to demonstrate tact and diplomacy, and the ability to manage confidential or sensitive information and issues responsibly.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively with individuals and teams from diverse backgrounds and differing perspectives.
  • Commitment to and experience with promoting and enhancing diversity equity, and inclusion and working with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
  • Flexibility to shift directions quickly when priorities change, recommend creative solutions to problems, deliver against frequent and tight deadlines, and balance multiple projects.
  • Ability to maintain a professional demeanor during stressful and highly visible situations.

    Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience working in a higher education environment.
  • Experience working in a newsroom in the capacity of editors.
  • Established network of media contacts.

    FLSA Exempt: Yes

    All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background inquiry.

    University of Oregon students and employees are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. For additional information see: https://hr.uoregon.edu/uo-covid-19-vaccination-requirement-employee-process.

    The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit http://hr.uoregon.edu/careers/about-benefits.

    The University of Oregon is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the ADA. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply, and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please contact us at uocareers@uoregon.edu or 541-346-5112.

    UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, Office of Civil Rights Compliance, or to the Office for Civil Rights. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed on the statement of non-discrimination.

    In compliance with federal law, the University of Oregon prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and services. The Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://clery.uoregon.edu/annual-campus-security-and-fire-safety-report.



    To apply, visit https://careers.uoregon.edu/en-us/job/531494/director-of-media-relations



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