This position is a leadership position in the Marketing & Communications division of the University. Under the direction of the Vice President for Marketing & Communications, this position leads the development and implementation of media, public relations, and crisis communication strategies, plans, and programs that support the University’s mission, strategic plans, and programs. Such communications may involve multiple audiences and constituencies, including those internal and external to the University, through a wide variety of communications platforms, including digital, print, social, video, media, and television.

This is a full-time, 12-month, exempt position with benefits. Benefits include: medical & dental insurance, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, sick & vacation time, tuition remission benefits starting after 90 days (employee) or 2 years (spouse and children) of employment, retirement contributions after 2 years of employment, and eligibility for the University’s home purchase assistance program consistent with program requirements. (Please note that eligibility for all University benefits is subject to applicable policies, practices, and requirements.)

The full job description is available at: www.bitly.com/DirPublicAffairs

This posting was posted on September 30, 2019, and applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
 

Support the Vice President for Marketing & Communications in developing and implementing earned media, public relations, and crisis communications strategies, plans, and programs that support the University’s mission, strategic plans, and programs. Such communications may involve multiple audiences and constituencies, including those internal and external to the University, through a wide variety of communications platforms such as digital, print, social, video, media, and television.

Support the Vice President for Marketing & Communications in developing, refining, and implementing the University’s brand and core messages.

Support the Vice President for Marketing & Communications in developing, refining, and implementing the University’s crisis communication and reputation management strategies, plans, and programs.

Oversee and implement the University’s response to media and press inquiries.

Develop and advance effective relationships with media and other key stakeholders in the areas of media and public relations.

Identify opportunities for positive media coverage, anticipate emerging areas and issues, and develop appropriate communications.

Proactively manage and coordinate all media outreach and media events, including providing on-site support for crisis situations.

Set up and maintain ongoing evaluation and analytics for all media and crisis communications strategies, plans, and programs.

Help coordinate and implement social media strategies, plans, and programs in collaboration with other positions on campus with responsibilities or duties related to social media.

Build effective relationships with constituencies and key stakeholders across campus (including, but not limited to, University leaders, administrators, faculty, and staff) in order to identify stories and to develop the strategies and tactics necessary for achieving effective media coverage.

May supervise staff position(s) and student employee position(s). Supervisory responsibilities include hiring processes, setting of expectations, training and professional development, performance management and evaluations, and disciplinary processes including termination of employment.

May manage relevant budgets, contracts, and vendors. May develop and oversee relevant policies and processes.

Other duties as relevant to the position or as assigned by supervisor or designee.

Please note that the above list of duties is not comprehensive but generally demonstrates the types of matters under this position’s purview and responsibility. 
 

Education and Experience

Required: Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, English, or related field.

Required: five or more years of relevant experience.

Required: In-depth knowledge and understanding of a wide variety of communications platforms (including digital, print, social, video, media, and television), and how platforms can be strategically deployed to share stories and important news.

Strongly preferred: Experience developing effective media relationships and programs.

Preferred: Experience working in a higher education environment.

Or equivalent education and/or experience.

Certifications and Licenses

Preferred: active driver’s license.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Strong ability to develop and implement media, public relations, and crisis communications strategies, plans, and programs.

Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Strong ability to exercise sound judgment.

Strong storytelling and story development skills.

Strong copywriting and editing skills.

Strong relationship development skills.

Strong skills in using and navigating social media applications.

Ability to function successfully in a fast-paced work environment with dynamic priorities.

Ability to follow through on an idea from conception through completion.

Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

Strong time management skills, with the ability to work under pressure, manage multiple tasks, and be detail-oriented and deadline-driven.

Strong orientation towards taking ownership of projects and assignments and being proactive with projects, assignments, and process improvements.

Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Competence with and commitment to diversity and inclusion; ability to be an effective partner with diverse students, faculty, and staff.

Professional demeanor and ability to establish effective working relationships, professional rapport, and effectively accomplish work within a University setting that includes a wide array of individuals, groups, policies, and processes. Ability to work effectively with various constituencies including the general public, faculty, staff, administrators, students, alumni, and other members of the UP community.

Ability to use and learn computers, technology, software, and applications at level of proficiency and sophistication required for the duties of the position, including, without limitation, Microsoft Office and the internet.

*All University of Portland positions require the ability to use and/or learn to use in a timely manner current or new technologies, software, and applications at level of proficiency and sophistication required for duties of the position. In most situations, the necessity of learning, using, and/or supporting new technologies, software, and/or applications does not change a job description nor make the position one that involves higher level duties.

Please see full job description (link in most postings) for information about physical requirements, working conditions, work standards, and statement about reasonable accommodations.


Supplemental Questions

1. Why are you interested in this position at the University of Portland?

2. What are your areas of work-related strength? What are work-related areas that you would like to improve?

3. Please explain what diversity, inclusion, and equity means to you. Please describe your education and work-related experiences applicable to diversity, inclusion, and equity.

4. Please share your vision of how your potential success in this role will appear to colleagues, stakeholders and upper management?