Director of External Relations and Editorial Content

(posted 1/29/25)

Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Director of External Relations and Editorial Content.

About the Role

The Director of External Relations and Editorial Content will focus on advancing reputation and building recognition for Hollins University with a focus on multiple constituencies, including alumnae/i, donors, employers, academia, prospective and current students, faculty, and staff, with a goal of increased engagement and awareness of the university, its brand, and its successes. Reporting to the Executive Director of Marketing and Communications, the director also writes and edits copy, manages story collection and generating ideas, and assists with internal communications and other external communications that support the university’s overarching mission, goals, and strategic plan.

Specific duties include the following:

• Develop and implement a proactive and strategic communication, media relations, and reputation management plan encompassing campus, local, national, and international media and including long-term and short-term goals, with methods of measuring the plan’s impact on and contribution to the institution
• Provide support and direct consultation in leading an effective crisis and issues management program
• In collaboration with the executive director and other senior leaders, build proactive strategies and execute rapid responses to time-sensitive issues
• Collaborate with others on the marcomm team, as well as with campus administrators, faculty, staff, students, alumnae/i, and donors to deliver creative, compelling, and high-impact communications across all outward-facing platforms including the website, social media, print publications, and external outlets
• Lead outreach efforts for educational stakeholders and prospective students. This includes assisting with outreach communications, as well as developing, supporting, and coordinating content published on Hollins print materials, websites, and social media
• Actively monitor both existing and emerging campus, local, regional, state, national, and international issues and proactively ensure the institution communicates positions on various issues to media and other stakeholders
• Provide strategic media counsel to campus communicators and administrators on local, regional, state, and national issues. Prepare experts/other spokespersons and staff media interviews (e.g., background material, key messages, media prep/coaching, etc.)
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with local and top media organizations and individual journalists
• Respond to media inquiries and write statements and/or interview talking points in coordination with campus units and subject-matter experts
• Serve as a spokesperson for the university
• Serve as the primary news writer for the institution
• Serve as the editor of Hollins magazine
• Produce detailed reporting every six months of all external media efforts in regard to media outreach and successful media placements

Position Qualifications

Successful applicants must have the following qualifications and experience:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Minimum of five years of experience in media relations
• Knowledge of the essentials of branding, marketing, messaging, and storytelling
• Knowledge of the current national media landscape, including an understanding of the issues facing higher education, and abilities to make sound news judgments and to quickly analyze and prioritize rapidly emerging issues
• Sound writing, editing, proofreading, verbal communication, and interpersonal skills
• Strong experience with print, digital, and broadcast media
• Track record of success in navigating complicated, high visibility issues
• Abilities to conduct interviews, complete research, and produce compelling written and multimedia content
• Strong attention to details and accuracy
• Demonstrated commitment to take on complex, challenging situations in a dynamic organization and the ability to envision, articulate, and realize both process and program improvements within the marketing communications function
• Abilities to self-start, proactively problem-solve, and maintain a solution-oriented mindset
• Abilities to work in a fast-paced environment with flexibility with changing priorities and assignments; meet tight deadlines; initiate, prioritize, and manage multiple projects; and work successfully independently and as part of a team
• Commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity and demonstrated effectiveness in addressing issues of diversity and multiculturalism
• Ability and willingness to work occasional evening and weekend hours
• Valid United States driver’s license with minimal violations

Preferred candidates will have the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or related field
• Relevant experience in higher education, particularly at a private, liberal arts institution
• Experience as an advisor to a political leader, higher education president, high-profile executive, or similar position
• Experience with techniques for research, reporting, and media monitoring tools (e.g., Meltwater, Cision, Muck Rack, etc.)

Application Process

Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to hollinshr@hollins.edu. Candidates are encouraged to comment in their cover letter on how their contributions will further the university’s efforts to ensure the success and inclusion of all members of its community. Semi-final candidates will be asked to submit contact information for three references. Once the selected candidate accepts a contingent employment offer, a motor vehicle background check will be conducted. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

About Hollins

Hollins University is dedicated to academic excellence, creativity, belonging, and preparing students for lives of purpose. Hollins provides an outstanding and academically rigorous undergraduate liberal arts education for women and entrepreneurial and innovative graduate programs for all in a gender-inclusive environment. The university promotes opportunities for research, study abroad, and leadership training, and offers real-world experience through global internships supported by an extensive alumnae/i network.

An equal opportunity employer, Hollins fosters diversity and inclusiveness at every level of the university. Persons of all genders, gender identity/expression, and sexual orientation; persons with disabilities; persons of all racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds; and first-generation college graduates are encouraged to apply.

Visit www.hollins.edu for more information.