Director of Public Affairs and Safety Communications

Hiring Department

University Affairs

Job Description

The University of Missouri’s Marketing and Communications Division seeks an experienced communications leader to serve as Director of Public Affairs and Safety Communications. This position reports to the Vice Chancellor of Marketing and Communications for Mizzou.

The Director of Public Affairs and Safety Communications serves as the primary university spokesperson and lead contact for media regarding issues at Mizzou and the UM System. The role will work closely with university police, emergency management and other partners across campus and system, as appropriate, to create and execute a comprehensive safety communications strategy. The Director is responsible for institutional issues management, staying abreast of local and national issues and trends and developing and leading the university’s issues management infrastructure.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
• Works with the Vice Chancellor of Marketing and Communications to develop comprehensive strategies and messaging to effectively protect and promote the image, brand and reputation of the university.
• Serves as a member of the university’s Marketing and Communications leadership team.
• Serves as the primary spokesperson of Mizzou and UM System, responding to media inquiries and sharing information proactively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Manages and develops the two-person Public Affairs and Safety Communications team.
• Provides strategic communications counsel to UM System and Mizzou leaders and MarCom colleagues, including guidance on issues strategy, safety communications and media relations strategies.
• Works closely with university leaders on issues that often require sensitivity, discretion, or judgment.
• Develops and maintains a communication strategy and plan to effectively communicate important safety messages to the university community.
• Works closely with MU Police Chief and members of the emergency management team.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with media in collaboration with the Director of News and Information.
• Oversees UM System and Mizzou press conferences.
• Manages and leads training in the university’s Crisis Communication Plan.
• Manages MU Alert and media inquiries in the event of a crisis.
• Manages and tracks media coverage of the university in coordination with the Director of News and Information.
• Develops and monitors an annual budget related to the goals and operational needs of the Public Affairs team.
• Maintains effective communication with all units within the university, other educational institutions, and the community at large.
• Assumes other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Shift

M -F; 8-5 with some nights and weekends

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 6 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary

Preferred Qualifications

Qualifications
• A minimum of 10 years of leading and managing communications, preferably in the higher education sector.
• A bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing or a related field, or its equivalent.
• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Experience in public speaking and on-camera interviews.
• Experience writing communications that represent organizations or organizational leaders.
• Experience supervising a team of employees to accomplish strategic objectives.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks or projects in a fast-moving environment while meeting assigned deadlines.
• Possess a high level of discretion, integrity, accuracy and decision-making skills.
• Experience collaborating in a large organization.
• Excellent organization and planning skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem-solving, time management, project management and presentation skills.
• Available to work some evenings and weekends

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary Range:$115,000-$130,000

Grade: GGS-13

University Title: Director I Strategic Communications

Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile in myHR.

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits .

Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person’s success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeo or call the Director of Employee and Labor Relations at 573-882-2146.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.

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