Director of Media Communications

Posting Details

Posting Information

This position is security-sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information.

Requisition
202300021ES

Title
Director of Media Communications

FLSA status
Exempt

Hiring Salary

Commensurate with education and experience.

Department
Integrated Marketing Communications

Division
Integrated Marketing Communications

Open Date
06/07/2023

Open Until Filled
Yes

Educational and Experience Requirement

Bachelor’s degree in Media Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field. Five years of professional experience in writing, media relations, social media, news reporting, or experience in a related field. Experience in an academic environment is preferable.

Nature & Purpose of Position

The Director of Media Communication plans, develops, and implements media communications strategies that raise the University’s public visibility and reinforces its mission with external and internal audiences. This position is responsible for gathering information, disseminating news releases and publicity about the University, and writing for the Office of the President. This position has been designated as weather and emergency essential. In the event of a university closure or emergency, the incumbent must report to work and respond as requested.

Primary Responsibilities

Advises the President and other administrators regarding media messages and connects the President (or designee) with media representatives. Monitors internal and external media channels, including social media, local, regional, and national news, and reports results of key initiatives to the President, cabinet and advancement through the Chief Marketing Officer. Advises departments, programs, and offices on planning and ensuring publicity for their events and projects. Assists the CMO in notifying news media, activating the University’s KatSafe messaging system during weather warnings, and identifying campus emergencies. Forecasts potentially damaging publicity and implements strategies to mitigate it. Drafts talking points, speeches, guest editorials, scripts and other executive communications messages for the president and other administrators and offers training to them in communicating clearly and concisely with media. Advises the President and other key administrators regarding messages that enhance public opinion about the University and position the President as a thought leader. Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Other Specifications

Ability to efficiently operate a personal computer and associated software (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.). Communicate effectively and appropriately. Maintains the confidentiality of records and information. Interact in an effective and appropriate manner with various populations, the University community, and the public. Detects and corrects grammatical and spelling errors in written correspondence. Maintains files accurately, on paper, and in software programs. Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Effectively supervise personnel and complete all associated personnel actions promptly and accurately. Assimilate information quickly, outline it logically and produce a well-written, accurate release, following “The Associated Press Stylebook” rules. Learn to write in the President’s voice, reflecting the President’s vision, tone, and interests. Commitment to meeting deadlines.

Up to 20% of this position, over the fiscal year during off-peak periods, may be performed remotely as determined by the supervisor.

Full Time Part Time
Full Time

Position Number

Quicklink
https://shsu.peopleadmin.com/postings/35242

EEO Statement

EEO Statement

Sam Houston State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and Smoke/Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or gender identity or expression. Sam Houston State University is an “at will” employer. Employees with a contract will have additional terms and conditions. Security sensitive positions at SHSU require background checks in accordance with Education Code § 51.215.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. Letter of Recommendation 1
4. Reference Contact Information
5. Writing Sample

Optional Documents

1. Letter of Recommendation 2
2. Letter of Recommendation 3
3. Web Site Sample

Screening Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * How did you learn about this position?
   • The Chronicle of Higher Education
   • Diverse Issues in Higher Education
   • HBCU Connect - Historically Black Colleges and Universities
   • HACU - Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities
   • The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education
   • Association for Women in Science
   • TWC - Work in Texas
   • Inside Higher Ed
   • Higher Ed Jobs
   • HERC - Higher Education Recruitment Consortium
   • SHSU Website
   • SHSU Employee
   • SHSU Recruiter
   • Other
2. If your response to the question above was 'SHSU Employee' please indicate employee's name and department.
   
   (Open Ended Question)
   
   
3. If your response to the question above was 'Other' please indicate from what source.
   
   (Open Ended Question)