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Director of University Communications
Southeast Missouri State University
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Director of University Communications

Southeast Missouri State University

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Details
Posted:
May 22, 2020
Location:
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Employment Type:
Full-time
Organization Type:
Higher Education Institution
Required Education:
Bachelor’s

Director of University Communications

Southeast Missouri State University, a dynamic and competitive regional public comprehensive institution located in Cape Girardeau, Missouri invites applications and nominations for the position of Director of University of Communications.

The Director of University Communications serves as a member of the Executive Staff, reports to the University President and is responsible for reputation management of the University. In this role, the Director collaborates with the University President and members of the Executive Staff as a strategist to craft and distribute messages and media talking points on key University initiatives. The Director of University Communications also advises and keeps the University President and Executive Staff apprised of news and developments regarding a range of issues impacting the University and the higher education community in Missouri.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, promoting Southeast and its initiatives, conveying a positive public perception of the University to local, regional and national media outlets through strategic media outreach, and managing the daily news flow of the University.  This includes oversight of the University’s news hub at news.semo.edu and master calendar at calendar.semo.edu, distribution of news releases, social media postings, photo editing and daily collaborative work with regional news media. The Director of University Communications also coordinates with University Marketing to ensure cohesive and collaborative institutional messaging to support the University brand and other major University initiatives and activities.

Additionally, the Director of University Communication researches, writes and edits news releases and a variety of documents, vetting information and proactively pitching stories to news and assignment editors to support administrative initiatives of the University, student and faculty accomplishments, the University Foundation, Board of Regents news, River Campus events, University events, alumni news and all academic and co-curricular areas of the campus across all colleges.  The Director of University Communications also coordinates news conferences, serves as a liaison with Southeast Athletics as necessary to convey Athletic news when situations have the potential to impact the institutional image of the University, manages the University’s Style Guide, and drafts internal correspondence at the request of the University President.

Serving as a University spokesperson/public information officer in response to media inquiries and assisting media in identifying campus thought leaders to serve as faculty/staff experts for interviews, the Director of University Communications monitors the public perception of the University through media coverage, monitoring services, and social media; and manages crisis communication using a variety of platforms and tools and in coordination with other University constituents. 

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, marketing or a related discipline relevant to the position preferably with a Master’s degree in a relevant field or an additional credential such as a Certificate, Professional License, or other industry-verified credential.
  • Minimum three years significant and progressive experience in Strategic Communication, Media Relations, Public Relations or Public Affairs in an education, business or not-for-profit setting.
  • Experience with Wordpress; email marketing platforms; Microsoft Office 365; or other communication and notification platforms.
  • Experience in working with media; working as a member of the news media; or working in a public affairs setting.
  • Broad knowledge of broadcast, print, web-based and social media.
  • Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the mission of a regional, comprehensive university, preferably Southeast Missouri State University, its organization and history; and of the southeast Missouri region.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills and strong attention to detail.
  • Ability to interface with a variety of audiences, multi-task and perform well under deadline pressure.
  • Proven record of success in planning, problem solving and ability to think proactively, creatively, and strategically.
  • Demonstrated ability to supervise and develop staff, and sustain good relationships with professional colleagues.
  • Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends. 
  • Demonstrated commitment to a diverse work environment, including working with multicultural populations and an understanding of, and sensitivity to, issues affecting women and minorities.

Application Deadline: To ensure full consideration, application materials must be received by June 4, 2020.  The new Director of University Communications is to assume the position on July 1, 2020, or as soon thereafter as is possible.

To Apply: Submit the following items online at https://agency.governmentjobs.com/semoedu/default.cfm

  • Letter of interest addressing position qualifications
  • Current curriculum vitae
  • Names, emails and current phone numbers of at least three professional references (The references will not be contacted without prior approval of the candidate.)

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

About Southeast Missouri State University
Southeast Missouri State University provides student-centered education and experiential learning with a foundation of liberal arts and sciences, embracing a tradition of access, exceptional teaching, and commitment to student success that significantly contributes to the development of the region and beyond. Recognizing its responsibility for excellence in teaching and student learning, the University supports a wide array of on-and off-campus instructional, research, and public service programs that address the intellectual, professional, personal, social, and cultural needs of its constituent groups. As a multi-purpose institution, the University achieves its educational goals through the offering of degree programs and other learning experiences to its varied constituents. Southeast is an “engaged” university supporting a wide array of research and public service programs that enrich and extend the learning environment. Southeast Missouri State University strives to provide students with high-quality, accessible and affordable educational programs responsive to the needs of the region, the nation, and the world.
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