Associate Director of University News & Communications

Miami University is seeking a full time, benefits eligible candidate to fill our Associate Director of University News & Communications position. 

Under the general direction of the Senior Director of News and Communications, and supporting the Vice President/Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, the Associate Director of University News leads the development, production, and management of university news stories in alignment with content strategy.

The associate director supervises the day-to-day operations of the news team, ensuring coverage of faculty and staff excellence, student achievements, administrative actions, and other stories that support university initiatives and presidential priorities. The associate director will manage the production of regular newsletters (currently weekly) and website/social media copy and content (daily), and collaborate across the department to produce content that supports Miami’s brand pillars.

Alongside the director of content strategy and associate director of media relations, the associate director also leads public relations planning for major university initiatives and presidential priorities.
An integral part of the storytelling team, the associate director also will write and pitch stories to news media that actively promote and elevate Miami University’s reputation and brand.

This position is available to persons who are currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time and indefinite basis. (Persons authorized to work on such a basis include US citizens, lawful permanent residents (“green card” holders), asylees, refugees, and temporary residents under IRCA.

This position is approved for remote work on a hybrid basis, schedule currently set at 40% work from home.  Remote work is not a right, but a working arrangement that can be modified or revoked by Miami University at any time for any reason. 

Physical Duties or Demands:

• Collaborate with leaders and communicators across campus to develop and execute internal and external communication plans to engage and inspire audiences.
• Manage team that produces regular newsletters (currently weekly) and website content (daily).
• Research, edit, and write university news stories and press releases and pitch them to the news media

• Working with the Director of Executive Communication, develop structure and plan for internal communication regarding institutional initiatives, issue management, crisis communication, and other university announcements.
• Working closely with the Director of Content Strategy, build integrated communications to support the university goals.
• Collaborate with appropriate staff — such as graphic designers, videographers, and photographers — to write, edit, and prepare for production a variety of university communications.
• Consult with campus partners — including faculty, staff, and students — to determine project scope, expectations, deadlines, and necessary resources.
• Follow process and use appropriate software/tools for successfully monitoring progress of active projects, providing support as needed to ensure timely completion.
• Participate in professional development activities.
• Participate in cross-functional projects.
• Perform other related duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree with an emphasis in communications, marketing, journalism or a related field
• At least 5 years of progressively responsible media relations, integrated marketing communications, public relations, and/or crisis communications experience

Desired Qualifications: 

• At least 7 years of experience in media relations, integrated marketing communications, public relations, and crisis communication
• Supervisory experience

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Experience managing a newsletter, including use of editorial calendaring and/or story budgeting processes
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Experience developing communications campaigns
• Experience working in highly collaborative environments requiring interpersonal communication competence, initiative, active listening, and emotional intelligence

Application Instructions: Submit a cover letter and resume to https://jobs.miamioh.edu/cw/en-us/job/500007/associate-director-of-university-news-communications

Miami University is committed to creating an inclusive and effective teaching, learning, research, and working environment for all.

For more information on Miami University’s diversity initiatives, please visit the Office of Institutional Diversity & Inclusion webpage. For more information on Miami University’s mission and core values, please visit the Mission and Core Values webpage.

Miami University, an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, encourages applications from minorities, women, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.  Miami University prohibits harassment, discrimination and retaliation on the basis of sex/gender (including sexual harassment, sexual violence, sexual misconduct, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking), race, color, religion, national origin (ancestry), disability, age (40 years or older), sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, status as a parent or foster parent, military status, or veteran status in its recruitment, selection, and employment practices. Requests for all reasonable accommodations for disabilities related to employment should be directed to ADAFacultyStaff@miamioh.edu or 513-529-3560.

As part of the University’s commitment to maintaining a healthy and safe living, learning, and working environment, we encourage you to read Miami University’s Annual Security & Fire Safety Report at http://www.miamioh.edu/campus-safety/annual-report/index.html, which contains information about campus safety, crime statistics, and our drug and alcohol abuse and prevention program designed to prevent the unlawful possession, use, and distribution of drugs and alcohol on campus and at university events and activities. This report also contains information on programs and policies designed to prevent and address sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. Each year, email notification of this website is made to all faculty, staff, and enrolled students. Written notification is also provided to prospective students and employees. Hard copies of the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report may be obtained from the Miami University Police Department at (513) 529-2225.  Criminal background check required.  All campuses are smoke- and tobacco free.

Miami University is committed to providing up-to-date information from the Department of Labor to our applicants for employment. Here, you will find links to the current information regarding the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), and the Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA).