Associate Director, News and Communications, University Advancement (R0004615)
Wake Forest University
Winston Salem, NC
Full-time
Education
Posted on May 26, 2022
- Summary: The Associate Director, News and Communications expertly blends the skills of a public relations professional; writer, editor and content creator; social media connector; crisis management consultant; and university spokesperson. This person develops and implements strategic communications plans that support a wide range of Wake Forest University communication efforts, including media relations, social media and marketing initiatives. A primary responsibility of the Associate Director is to seek out, create, manage and pitch editorial content within designated coverage areas, including campus life and student affairs, or as otherwise assigned.
The Associate Director must value collaboration, enroll the input of others and seek diversity in perspectives. He/she/they also must be able to make sound decisions independently when circumstances require it. Wake Forest is a uniquely relational place and building strong, trusting relationships is critical to success in this role. He/she/they must consistently demonstrate sound editorial judgment and superb oral and written communication skills to create compelling content, positively influence audiences and mitigate issues. The ideal candidate for the role is an independent self-starter with strong, proven experience in communicating clearly and thinking critically. The Associate Director works within a fast-paced team environment to enhance the University’s reputation and increase awareness, appreciation and value of Wake Forest University among key audiences.
*Please include a writing sample upon uploading your resume and cover letter.*
This Job Is For You If You Are Able To….
- Serve as communications and public relations counsel to colleagues and University leaders in assigned coverage areas.
- Develop and implement strategic communications plans with measurable outcomes under the supervision of the Executive Director, Strategic Communications (News).
- Write and edit editorial content, news releases, articles, social media posts and talking points designed to advance the University’s goals, enhance its brand and protect its reputation.
- Collaborate with team members for effective and creative content distribution through Wake Forest’s communication channels, media relations and social media.
- Foster strong and trusting relationships with faculty, staff and journalists; gathers story ideas through frequent contact.
- Engage strategically with local and national media; builds targeted media lists for pitching.
- Manage many projects simultaneously while adhering to deadlines and managing stakeholder expectations.
- Manage efforts of interns or freelance staff as needed.
- Have high standards for your work and are proud to contribute to a mission-driven organization.
- Contribute to a transparent and equitable organizational culture where ethical and equity policies and practices are understood and lived out by all staff.
- Get excited about the prospect of joining a team that is making a difference in people’s lives every day.
What Skills Do You Need?
- Bachelor's degree with five to eight years of experience in public relations, journalism or marketing, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Strong writing, editing and verbal communication skills.
- Understands how to develop a story that can be leveraged in multiple ways.
- Proven track record of earned media coverage.
- Proven ability to develop strategic communications plans.
- Proven ability to conduct effective interviews that result in engaging content that can be marketed internally and externally.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work professionally, courteously and effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community, including students, faculty, staff, and administrators.
- Outstanding attention to detail, organizational and problem-solving skills.
- Understands the intersections among media relations, public relations, social media and marketing.
- Effectively creates media lists to target multiple markets and audiences.
- Commitment to collaboration and responsiveness.
- Proficiency with technology and computers, including the ability to learn website management and other relevant software.
- Ability to build and engage audiences through new and traditional media.
- Must be goal-oriented with a focus on continual improvement.
- Should be able to meet the requirements of the university’s automobile insurance.
- Respect for the dignity and abilities of all people.
- Commitment to the mission and values of University Advancement and a commitment to equity, particularly racial equity, with a willingness to proactively learn about it and integrate it into all aspects of the work.
Accountabilities:
- Responsible for own work only.
- Responsible for supervision of interns and freelance staff.
*Applications for this position will be accepted through June 26, 2022, 11:59 p.m. EST *
Location/Region: Winston Salem