University of Delaware Hiring for Senior Director External Relations, Office of Communications & Marketing at Delaware, United States Full Time

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity Employer which
encourages applications from Minority Group Members, Women,
Individuals with Disabilities and Veterans. The University’s Notice
of Non-Discrimination can be found at http://www.udel.edu/aboutus/legalnotices.html

Job No: 499397
Work Type: Staff
Location: Newark/Hybrid
Categories: Communications & Public Relations, Full
Time

PAY GRADE: 33E

CONTEXT OF THE JOB:

The Senior Director of External Relations is responsible for
leading the planning and execution of a media and public relations
strategy aligned with the strategic vision of the University and
brand objectives as determined by the Vice President of
Communications and Marketing (OCM). The Senior Director leads the
media relations team and holds a senior leadership position within
the OCM. The position holder cultivates and sustains relationships
with national, regional, local, and specialty media. This
individual proactively identifies and pursues news stories that
demonstrate the University of Delaware’s strategic vision, research
impact and leadership position within the field of higher
education.

The Senior Director regularly strategizes, develops, and executes
proactive and reactive media engagement activities, converting
University goals into actionable and effective media and public
relations tactics. The senior director regularly serves as the
University’s spokesperson and is the lead University contact for
media outlets across the state, nation, and world.

The Senior Director must be an effective storyteller, writing and
producing narratives that enhance and protect the University’s
reputation.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides direction and leadership to the University media
  relations team, leveraging public relations and storytelling
  skills.
• Conceptualizes and implements integrated marketing
  communications plans attending to a wide range of policies and
  issues, through development and dissemination of key institutional
  messages utilizing a variety of channels, including social media,
  media relations, and digital and print materials.
• Collaborates with and influences peers in OCM to support
  overarching goals of brand and reputation building by pursuing and
  securing news coverage in line with strategic and institutional
  priorities.
• Provides counsel and oversees development of key institutional
  messages and positioning strategies in collaboration with other OCM
  experts. Leads daily content development conversations.

• Responds strategically to institutional media inquiries with
  appropriate statements and information. Acquires requested
  information to develop responses in coordination with campus units
  and subject matter experts.
• Develops and maintains constructive and collaborative
  relationships with reporters, producers, bookers, and editorial
  decision makers within news organizations and with key stakeholders
  both on and off campus. Utilizes social media platforms to target
  and follow influencers, including journalists, to tell and share
  news with a variety of audiences.
• Closely monitors higher education news coverage and events to
  identify and develop media opportunities.
• Manages and maintains UD Experts website to promote
  faculty/staff expertise. Trains faculty and staff to serve as
  expert sources.
• Promotes student achievements to help drive recruitment and
  retention, in addition to awareness and reputation.

• Works closely with the VP and department leadership to help
  manage rapid-response and crisis communications. In partnership
  with the VP, works with senior leadership to develop overarching
  strategies for issues management and crisis communication with an
  eye toward authentic messaging that best reflects the University’s
  brand. Provides expert media relations advice on issues management
  to senior leadership in crisis scenarios. Writes time-sensitive and
  effective messages to the campus community, as a member of the team
  that manages crises and emergent situations. Participates in and
  supports the organization of disaster drills, active shooter
  scenario training and other crisis communications exercises.
• Monitor success metrics/KPIs and effectiveness of public
  relations efforts. Monitors and reports relevant trends. Maintains
  records of media mentions, shares and value.
• Keeps abreast of current and ongoing advances in digital
  strategy and communications including public relations developments
  and news.
• Identifies and develops written communications in support of
  communications activities, including fact sheets, talking points,
  press releases, UDaily (University news service) stories and
  similar materials. Develops and implements various outreach
  activities such as media interviews, editorial boards, press
  availability and press conferences. Coordinates with news media
  regarding their on-campus presence, in alignment with university
  policies.
• Working with the VP and leadership communications senior
  director, helps develop and pitch the University President as a
  subject matter expert through various channels, including op-ed
  opportunities, in-person speaking appearances and strategic media
  interactions.
• Drafts and/or reviews op-eds by various staff and faculty
  members
• Serve as the office’s liaison to the Athletics department,
  government relations unit and various cabinet departments.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred, and
  seven years of progressively responsible and successful experience
  in strategic communications, public relations, marketing/branding,
  journalism, or related fields; preferably with experience in higher
  education.
• Outstanding communication skills, including editing, writing,
  and public speaking.
• Proven experience in crisis communications and issues
  management, including an expert understanding of both strategic and
  tactical approaches, and the roles of various communications
  channels in a crisis environment.
• Experience synthesizing information from a range of executive
  leaders into a coherent, on-brand institutional response.
• Excellent supervisory and leadership skills, with experience in
  employee development and performance management, providing
  motivation and support to staff.
• Proven understanding of the dynamic worlds of digital and
  social media with the ability to drive content, manage talent in
  content creation, and grow awareness in these channels.
• Demonstrated use of predictive measurements to make
  data-informed decisions and determine impact of media on awareness,
  perceptions, and engagement.
• Highly effective communicator with the capacity to work with a
  wide range of professional colleagues and diverse stakeholder
  groups.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and
  inclusion.
• Ability to work flexible hours and adjust work schedule
  according to the needs of the University.
• Demonstrates an understanding and consideration of the
  differing needs and concerns of individuals with varying
  identities, cultures, and backgrounds.
• Committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where
  diversity is celebrated, and equity is a core value.

Notice of Non-Discrimination, Equal Opportunity and Affirmative
Action
The University of Delaware does not discriminate against any person
on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity
or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital
status, disability, religion, age, veteran status or any other
characteristic protected by applicable law in its employment,
educational programs and activities, admissions policies, and
scholarship and loan programs as required by Title IX of the
Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act
of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII
of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and
University policies. The University of Delaware also prohibits
unlawful harassment including sexual harassment and sexual
violence.

Applications close:

PI193130938