Position Information

Job Posting Number S01282

Position Title Associate Director of Media and Public Relations

Department Media Relations Office-1142

Job Category Staff Posting

Position Type Full-Time

Work Location On Campus

Pay Type Salaried

Salary Range

$74,100 – $91,000

Compensation Practices

Experience is taken into consideration in the determination of salary offers. For more information visit https://www.wesleyan.edu/hr/handbook/compensation-practices/index.html

Position Details

The Office of Communications shines a spotlight on the people and programs of Wesleyan University to enhance its reputation as a leader in liberal education. In so doing, it serves as a partner with units across campus, providing expertise in brand management, strategic communication, media relations, digital and social media strategy, website development, content training and strategy, print and online publications, and videography and photography.

Reporting to and partnering with the Director of Content Strategy and Brand Voice, the Associate Director of Media Relations and Public Relations plays a pivotal role in shaping Wesleyan’s reputation. They will serve as an expert in media relations, public relations, and content strategy for campus partners and the overall institution. Beyond the typical responsibilities, this position will serve as a creative storyteller who can bring Wesleyan’s unique stories to life, enhancing its standing both internally and externally. Over the last several years, the Office of Communications has raised the bar for University storytelling to include passionate narratives about the successes, accomplishments, and journeys of Wesleyan’s thought leaders, students, and the institution, which this role will continue elevating through its internal and external communications efforts.

Responsibilities:

Media Relations

• Drive initiatives to increase earned and elite media placements, fostering greater engagement with traditional and nontraditional media.

• Field media inquiries in a timely manner, including on nights, weekends, and holidays.

• Support and elevate thought leaders within the University, including the University President, faculty, and staff, helping them secure national and international media attention.

• Monitor media trends to identify opportunities and track Wesleyan’s media placements for internal reporting purposes.

• Serve as media spokesperson, when appropriate.

• Manage media relations for the Wesleyan Media Project and other high-profile initiatives.

  Public Relations

• Amplify specific elements of the Wesleyan story that tie into the University’s fundraising campaign and University Communications’ message map and overarching strategic communications plan to pitch to the media.

• Proactively plan and execute PR efforts that enhance Wesleyan’s reputation by initiating meetings with faculty members for proactive placement in national and local traditional and nontraditional news outlets.

  Content Strategy

• Collaborate closely with the Director of Content Strategy and Brand Voice to strengthen the University’s brand by showcasing Wesleyan’s vision and achievements.

• Write and edit content for use across a variety of mediums managed by the Office of University Communications, create weekly Connections, update news page, and cover key University events.

• Serve as the liaison between the University Administration and the student newspaper’s editors—preparing the President and other senior staff for interviews—and mediating communication with the editors.

• Work with the Managing Editor of Wesleyan Magazine to determine appropriate audiences and platforms of stories. Serve as a contributing writer for Wesleyan University Magazine.

• Monitor and study news websites and related email analytics to inform editorial decisions.

• Other duties as assigned

This position is an on-campus position with the potential for a hybrid (on-campus and remote) schedule after working two full semesters on campus. Positions will require frequent on-campus meetings.

Hybrid work is only considered for residents of MA, VT, NH, ME, CT, RI, or NY. (Relocation assistance to CT is available for those who qualify).

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, marketing, public relations or related field or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Contact list of national reporters and media decision makers.

Minimum of 15 years’ experience in journalism, public relations, or a related setting; and record of writing and editing excellence.

Demonstrated ability to manage multiple inquiries from reporters nationally and internationally and ability to be on call during crisis management and peak seasons.

Demonstrated ability to proactively plan and implement media and public relations efforts.

Demonstrated ability to train others in internal and external messaging skills.

Demonstrated ability to work a flexible schedule including events, nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed.

Demonstrated commitment to working within a diverse environment and interacting collegially with individuals of different backgrounds

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in either higher education or an equally complex organizational structure.

• Master’s degree in related field or equivalent.

• Demonstrated proficiency in crisis management and working on high-profile PR issues.

• Progressive experience working for or with elite news outlets and high-profile people.

  Special Instructions to Applicants

Position is open until filled. For full consideration please apply by April 2, 2024, when first review of applications will begin.

As a part of your application please provide 3-5 writing samples highlighting diversity in writing. For e.g. a news story, feature story and op-ed.

Additional Information

All offers to external applicants are contingent on the candidate’s completion of a pre-employment background check screening (https://www.wesleyan.edu/hr/pdfs/Wesleyan%20University%20Background%20Check%20Policy_.pdf) to the satisfaction of Wesleyan University.

Benefits

Wesleyan offers a broad range of employee benefits and development opportunities, including comprehensive group insurance plans, wellness programs and incentives, generous paid time off and retirement plans. We also offer flexible work schedules, employee and dependent tuition programs, as well as access to Wesleyan’s BLS & GLS programs for those who qualify (tuition is waived for up to 2 courses a term; some fees and taxes may apply).

Detailed information on the benefits of working at Wesleyan is located at: https://wesleyan.edu/hr/careers/prospective-resources.html.

Quick Link https://careers.wesleyan.edu/postings/10306

Supplemental Questions