Director of Public Relations

TITLE: Director of Public Relations 

DEPARTMENT: Office of the President 

REPORTS TO: The President  

CLASSIFICATION: Staff-12 months 

EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD 

STANDARD WORK HOURS: 37.5 hours per week 

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time  

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt 

JOB SUMMARY:  

The Director will advance the mission and goals of the University by developing and executing comprehensive communication and media strategies encompassing local, national, and international media, and serve frequently as a spokesperson for the President and the University. 

The position provides leadership and oversight for the University’s internal and external communication efforts, including functioning as the institution’s Public Relation and Communication Officer. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:  

• Plans, evaluates, and executes University and foundation public relations efforts including public relations campaigns, projects, and events.
• Plans, executes, and evaluates specific initiatives in support of the President's office.
• Develops and executes strategic communication plans for the President and ensures adherence to his voice, brand, and key messages.
• Works closely with the President, Leadership Cabinet, and others on subject matters that typically require considerable sensitivity, discretion, or judgment.
• Works closely with the President and Leadership Cabinet on crisis communication and helps develop comprehensive strategies and messaging that preserve and protect the reputation of the University and the well-being of students, faculty, and staff.
• Ensures Leadership Cabinet is aware of, and knows their role in, the University’s Crisis Communication Plan.
• Provides strategic communications counsel to the University leadership team as well as guidance to and coordination with the implementation of internal and external communications and media relation strategies.
• Serves as the spokesperson of the University, responding to media inquiries and sharing information proactively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Manages and tracks media reports on the University and coordinates media access to campus.
• Develops and monitors an annual budget related to the goals and operational needs of the unit.
• Participates in University and system organizational development activities including service on university or system committees or involvement in other initiatives as assigned.
• Supports the President and University by building and maintaining strong community relationships with elected officials, agencies, organizations, institutions, the media, and community groups, representing the University in community and regional initiatives as appropriate.
• Maintains effective communication with all units within the University, other educational institutions, and the community at large.
• Develop and maintain information network with colleagues and counterparts in the system and in higher education.
• Comply with University policies and procedures including preparing required reports, plans, proposals, and projections and ensure compliance among staff, advise as needed.
• Work closely with the Marketing Department to assist with institutional branding initiatives to enhance the image and recognition of the University in the community.
• Ensures press releases and supporting press materials are produced and distributed on a timely basis.
• Provides oversight for communications activities supporting program activities throughout the institution.
• Serves as the university’s point person for strategic communications, particularly in emergent situations or major developments that receive media or stakeholder attention.
• Assume other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the President.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:  

• Knowledge of digital communications.
• Personal and professional integrity.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Speak with confidence.
• Poise and discretion to individuals and to groups in a variety of settings.
• Skilled in writing for social media.
• Working knowledge of digital photography and videography.
• High levels of integrity, accuracy, diplomacy, intellect, diligence, discretion, and communication and decision-making skills.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:  

• This position does have supervisory responsibility. 

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL EFFORT:  

• Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment which does not subject the employee to any unpleasant elements.
• Involves sometimes working outside standard business hours to cover events, conduct interviews, and assist with communication.
• Involves travel off site to cover events, conduct interviews, and assist with communication.
• Position is physically comfortable; individual has discretion about sitting (80%), walking (10%), standing (10%), etc.
• Work environment involves minimal exposure to physical risks.
• Must be able to move up to 45lbs.

OTHER DUTIES:  

• Performs additional duties as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Bachelor’s degree (related field), and three years related experience, or equivalent.
• Master's Degree preferred

Licensing and Certifications: NA 

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa. 

Internal Candidates are Encouraged to Apply.