| Job Summary: |
JOB TITLE: Director of Public Relations NATURE OF JOB:
The Director of Public Relations will serve as the University's chief public information officer and is a direct report to the Vice President for Operations. The Director is charged with building and managing a high performing marketing and communications team equipped to meet the needs of a growing university, including brand building, website strategy, advertising, social media, print publications and media and public relations. This position will be responsible for designing and implementing an overall University internal and external communications strategy that advances the University's mission, educates the public, and garners support from the community. The Director leads the development and implementation of the University's brand vision, strategy, and public relations campaigns to enhance national and global visibility, attract the best students, motivate alumni and donors, and recruit talented faculty and staff. Ensures strategic alignment among all external and internal communications deployed across multiple platforms and channels. The Director will be responsible for the management of time-sensitive, urgent and/or confidential communication issues in consultation with the Vice President for Operations and the President as appropriate. Additionally, the Director will coordinate and oversee all aspects of public relations, serving as the University's chief spokesperson and works to present a compelling image of institutional goals and accomplishments. The Director builds and maintains a positive image of the University among its various constituencies and assists in maintaining and building student enrollment. RESPONSIBILITIES
- Plans, organizes, implements, directs, and evaluates marketing, advertising, public information, media relations, community relations, social media, website management and publications pro- grams for the University.
- Creates and implements university brand awareness, integrated marketing campaigns, and media strategy with a relevant portfolio of proven outcomes.
Promotes positive social media relations with local, state, and national news organizations.
- Utilizes exceptional writing, editing, and oral communication skills and proficiency in communicating and engaging effectively with a wide range of constituencies, including senior management, faculty, board members, staff, alumni, and students.
- Leads the development and implementation of institution-wide marketing and communications efforts, including the creation of a comprehensive strategy.
- Demonstrates knowledge of trends and best practices in brand management, marketing, and public relations as well as communication technologies.
- Develops and implements strategic communications and research-based marketing plans.
- Initiates, develops, implements, evaluates, and continually improves upon strategies to promote and enhance the image of the University and its various programs.
- Provides leadership, supervision, mentoring and opportunities for learning enhancement and improving performance for a specialized staff in the areas of media relations, graphic design, photo- graphic services, videography, and community relations.
- Uses market research data and knowledge of current best practices to determine the most effective techniques and approaches for reaching target audiences and put this information into action.
- Works closely with academic and administrative units and serve as liaison between the University and external media.
- Leads the adoption and maintenance of university-wide graphics standards. Educate faculty and staff about the proper use of such standards. Develop, maintain and promote a suite of complementary graphic design productions and advertising as needed.
- Directs the social and new media efforts of the University, including content development and messages for Facebook, You Tube, Twitter, TikTok, and other digital media platforms.
- Oversees the production of high-quality institutional publications.
In conjunction with the Executive Director of Enrollment Management, oversees the production and placement of targeted advertising to enhance student recruitment, including social media, radio, TV and print. - Provides artistic direction to the graphic design, photography, and video efforts of the Office of Public Relations.
- Develops and leads institutional committee charged with reviewing materials submitted by units for distribution internally and externally for quality and adherence to graphic standards.
- Meets with administration, faculty, staff, media representatives, and others to plan University communications, marketing, and public information projects.
- Prepares speeches, scripts, public service announcements and represents the University at meetings and press conferences.
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| Position Qualifications: |
EXPERIENCE - Exceptional communication, writing and organizational skills.
- Expertise in making presentations; communicating with the media and key stakeholders, especially in a crisis or controversial situation.
- Experienced in staff development, budgeting, research, and customer service.
- Working knowledge of content management software.
- Skilled in Adobe Creative Suite.
- Proficiency in email distribution platforms like Constant Contact, MailChimp, etc.
- Proven ability to build social media, website, and messaging engagement.
- Ability to effectively manage multiple communication projects across various departments and schools.
- Bachelor's degree (Master's degree preferred) in marketing, communications, public relations, journalism, English, or a closely related field with eight years’ experience in marketing and/or communications with at least five years in a senior leadership position, preferably in higher education.
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| Langston University (LU) strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, LU conducts pre-employment background checks on final candidates. Offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal (felony and misdemeanor) history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the university, it is reasonable and prudent to do so. |