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Associate Director of Media Relations - Office of Marketing Communications

Willamette University announces a full-time position for an Associate Director of Media Relations.  The Associate Director for Media Relations is responsible for providing leadership, innovation, direction and advice regarding Willamette University's media presence and external communications.  The Associate Director will serve as liaison to all media, ensuring that all stories generated by Willamette and the messages communicated with outside media and key stakeholders are consistent with the University's mission and in support of its strategic goals and integrated communications initiatives. The Associate Director works under the direction of the Director of Marketing Communications and in collaboration with members of the marketing communications team.

The position of Associate Director of Media Relations is a 12-month administrative appointment and requires flexible work schedule, which may include evenings and weekends.  Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications and offers an attractive benefits package.   

Duties and Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to the following functions which, are not listed in any particular order of significance: 

1. Develop, implement and benchmark a comprehensive communications plan.
2. Collaborate as a member of a larger marketing communications team that implements communication priorities and key messages to ensure a positive and cohesive public image of the University.
3. Serve as spokesperson for the University and secure administrators/faculty for comment as required.
4. Manage media coverage for significant campus programs and speakers, coordinating press releases, press passes and press conferences. 
5. Establish relationships with key media resources and consistently court their awareness of Willamette University.
6. Pitch and place high value news, feature and OP-Ed stories in targeted print, electronic, online and social media.
7. Maintain an up-to-date and relevant online speaker/experts guide.
8. Position key University leaders as experts, commentators and guests to reporters, editors and producers.
9. Establish relationships with faculty members in order to identify news story, op-ed and other news opportunities that will enhance awareness of Willamette's academic programs.
10. Track and promote University news, events and accomplishments as part of the larger marketing communications team.
11. Develop and maintain an effective online newsroom in collaboration with members of the marketing communications and web teams.
12. Ensure that all stories pitched to the media and those appearing on the University website reflect the University's strategic goals and objectives.
13. As needed, research and write news, opinion pieces, blog posts and feature stories that reflect Willamette's priorities as identified in the communications plan to post on the University website and be shared with media contacts.
14. Track Willamette media coverage and prepare a top-level report for internal audiences.
15. Develop partnerships and coordinate with distributed campus communicators (i.e., athletics, graduate schools, etc.) to leverage media and public relations opportunities.      

Required Skills 

1. Possess excellent communication and presentation skills; ability to convey complex information in a clear manner.
2. Superior writing and editing skills to produce a variety of materials under deadline, including news stories for print, web and social media, radio, TV, magazines, newsletters and stand-alone articles. 
3. Outstanding organizational skills, including high attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
4. Sophisticated and balanced approach to crisis management.
5. Working knowledge of web design and layout, databases and usage of video.
6. Ability to work under the direction of senior University staff to prioritize projects and develop an effective work plan.
7. Results-oriented and problem-solving skills.
8. Ability to maintain positive and supportive working relationships will staff at all levels of the University.
9. Proven media relations skills and relationships with media, experience as an institutional spokesperson.
10. Ability to be intuitive, innovative, take initiative and be a self-starter.
11. Ability to be hands-on as well as strategic thinker/partner.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Bachelor's degree in public relations, journalism, communications or related field
2. Minimum of five to seven years related experience in media and public relations, marketing communications, journalism or related field.
3. Qualified candidates will demonstrate experience in the practice of effective media relations.
4. Qualified candidates will demonstrate outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
5. A passion for supporting Willamette's mission of teaching and learning in a diverse community is critical.
6. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty and staff members, and alumni.
7. Outstanding interpersonal skills.
8. Willingness to work flexible hours and evenings as needed.
9. Membership in professional organizations is desired.
10. Ability to effectively interact with a wide variety of people in a manner that positively portrays the University and its programs, personnel and philosophy.
11. Successful clearance of a criminal conviction record check.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Experience in social/new media outreach, practices and techniques. Familiarity with newer online social media resources (e.g. YouTube, Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, Wikis, blogs, etc.).
2. Experience as an institutional spokesperson.
3. Experience in crisis communications planning and media response.
4. Experience in communications plan development and measurement.

Application Packet

All application materials must include the following information:

• A cover letter of application addressing the required/desired qualifications and presenting any other applicant characteristics which deserve emphasis
• A current, complete resume or curriculum vitae
• Three names of professional references with contact information [title, place of activity, mailing address, telephone number, e-mail address] who are readily accessible and would provide a letter of reference if requested to do so. Please indicate briefly how you have been associated with the referent.
• Confidential Applicant Information form

How to Apply

Only complete packets will be reviewed by the screening committee. It is important that your application clearly indicate that you meet the minimum qualifications for the position. Please include enough relevant training and experience to demonstrate that you possess the minimum qualifications.

Electronic submission is strongly encouraged. Application material may be submitted in person, mailed, or faxed and must be received by the application deadline.

All submissions in support of the application should be addressed to:

Human Resources
Willamette University
900 State Street
Salem, OR 97301

Email: human-resources@willamette.edu
Fax: (503) 370-6570

Application Deadline

Open until finalists are selected, for optimal consideration materials should be received by 09/08/09 by 5:00pm. 

*Our  office hours are Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Believing that diversity contributes to academic excellence and to rich and rewarding communities, WU is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse faculty, staff and student body. We seek candidates, particularly those from historically under-represented groups, whose work furthers diversity and who bring to campus varied experiences, perspectives and backgrounds.