University Relations Strategist

Eastern Washington University, United States

Updated: almost 2 years ago
Location: Cheney, WASHINGTON
Deadline: 10 Jul 2022

Posting Details
Posting Details


Position Title University Relations Strategist
Posting Number 2022055EP

Position Information


Classification Title Director-Communications & Media Relations
Working Title University Relations Strategist
Classification Code 1448
RCW Exemption Criteria 21 - Public Information
EWU Position Number E99251
CUPA Code P-443140 - Director Communications & Media Relations
FLSA Exempt - Administrative
Bargaining Unit None
% Full Time 100
Salary / Wage Range AE - 110
Salary Information
$62,489 – $79,000
Anticipated Start Date Position is available now
Term of Appointment 12 months per year
Location Cheney, WA
County Spokane
Project Description
Project Duration
Background Check Yes - Both
Responsible HR User Vara Lyn Conrath
Responsible HR User Email address [email protected]

Posting Text


Job Summary
  • Eastern Washington University is seeking to fill the following position, University Relations Strategist. This position is responsible for providing effective, timely public relations as well as managing and executing both internal and external communications emanating from the Office of the President, and representing the President’s Office on communications from other offices of the university. Reporting to the Associate Vice President of University Relations, this position is a critical member of the University Relations team focused on helping Eastern’s President hone, shape, and express her voice on issues of importance to the campus community and beyond. This position will coordinate speechwriting and other communications processes for the President, working closely with the Associate Vice President of University Relations, the Director of Communications and Media Relations, the Chief of Staff, and other senior leaders at Eastern as well as a wide-range of internal offices and external constituents. The Strategist will assist with issues management, providing communications support within the university as needed. Additionally, this position will work on special projects that advance significant priorities of the president and university.
  • The candidate selected for this position will be rewarded with competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package which includes highly subsidized health/dental plans, retirement plan with 100% university match, generous paid vacation and sick leave, 11 paid holidays, tuition waiver benefit and more.
About Eastern Washington University
Eastern Washington University is a regional, comprehensive public university located in Cheney and Spokane, Washington, with programs offered throughout the state and online with an enrollment of over 12,000 students. Eastern is one of six state-funded four-year institutions of higher education in Washington reporting to its own Board of Trustees.
Eastern’s 300-acre main campus is located in Cheney, a community of 11,000 residents 16 miles southwest of the state’s second largest city, Spokane. Eastern also offers programs in downtown Spokane at the Brand new Catalyst building and on the Riverpoint Campus which is shared with Washington State University. Eastern also offers program throughout the state based on the needs of the community. Eastern offers an array of bachelor’s and master’s degrees and one applied doctorate in physical therapy. EWU offers 135 fields of study, 9 master’s degrees, 12 graduate certificates, 39 graduate programs, 1 educational specialist degree, and 1 applied doctorate to more than 10,000 enrolled students.
Tribal Land Acknowledgement
Eastern Washington University resides within the traditional homelands of the Spokane People and other tribes who are connected through their shared history of this region. This land holds their cultural DNA and it is their Ancestors who are here and bring forth the knowledge of this place—the knowledge that comes from the land.
Diversity Statement
EWU does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, age, marital status, families with children, protected veteran or military status, HIV or hepatitis C, status as a mother breastfeeding her child, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability, as provided for and to the extent required by state and federal laws.
Conditions of Employment
  • This position, during the course of university employment will be involved in the receipt of, or accountability for, university funds or other items of value; as well as the unsupervised access with the developmentally disabled, vulnerable adults or children under the age of 16. The offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion and passing of a background check prior to beginning employment.


  • All new employees must comply with EWU immunization Policy 602-02 and provide proof of immunity or vaccination to MMR and proof they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before beginning work at EWU. Waivers for the immunization requirements are available for medical or sincerely held religious beliefs.
  • COVID-19 Vaccination and Exemption Information link: https://inside.ewu.edu/hr/
Physical Demands
Pre-Placement Physical No
Hearing Test No
Medical Monitoring Post Hire No
Protective Equipment
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism or related field.
  • 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in public relations/communications fields at varied levels.
  • Demonstrated experience working strategically with the web and social media.
  • Candidate must demonstrate interest, ability and/or experience promoting cultural competency, universal accessibility and/or diversity.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Master’s degree in communications, journalism, or related field.
  • Prior experience in higher education preferred.
Other Skills and Abilities
  • This position will require an individual that understands the mission of the university and our dedication to providing quality education to our students through excellence in learning.
  • Demonstrated record of speechwriting and developing and implementing communications strategy for a senior executive or principal.
  • Exceptional interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
  • Strong analytical skills and the ability to get up-to-speed quickly on new and complicated policy areas.
  • Experience in managing sophisticated messaging including crisis situations.
  • Demonstrated experience in working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to manage stress and work under pressure while multitasking under deadlines.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage responsibilities independently and work with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to follow directions and complete tasks accurately and accept supervisory input and constructive feedback.
  • Demonstrated ability to advise, interact comfortably, and work well with a wide-range of people at all levels of the organization and with external parties.
  • Knowledge in Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Knowledge in Google Drive.
Work Schedule Type Regular
Work Schedule
Monday – Friday
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Some nights and week-end work required depending on the demands of the position.
Posting Date 06/24/2022
Open Until Further Notice No
Closing Date 07/10/2022
Screening to Begin 07/11/2022
Special Instructions to Applicants
  • Attach a detailed cover letter in which you explain how you meet each of the required qualifications [and preferred qualifications, if applicable]. It is preferred that you provide that information in a bulleted list or within a table within your cover letter.
  • Attach a chronological resume including work history and major duties, education, and any specialized training or skills related to the position. Please list at least 3 professional references including: names, titles, organization name, phone numbers, email addresses, and connection to you (these can be identical to the references listed on the application).
  • Complete the online application form and respond to the online questions, if applicable.
  • Diversity Response – As an equal opportunity employer with a multicultural staff and student population, we are interested in how your qualifications prepare you to work with diverse faculty, staff, and student populations representing various cultures and backgrounds that may be different from your own. You will be asked to attach a diversity response as part of the online application process: Please describe how you will apply an approach that is supportive to the diverse needs, including universal access, of our students, faculty, staff, and the public.


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    Application Types Accepted Application

    Job Duties


    % of Time 100
    Responsibility / Duty
    1. Working with the President on speechwriting and talking points development process for the President. This includes researching and drafting speeches, talking points, presentations and other external-facing communications materials for the President; coordinating with senior leadership across the university and external parties to develop communications materials; and supporting the President to maximize the impact of public appearances.
    2. Draft, edit and produce clear written communications for the President. This includes researching and drafting campus memos and newsletters, reports, op-eds, articles and stories; coordinating with senior leadership across the university and significant external parties to edit and refine these materials; and ensuring that the President’s written communications align with the overall university communications strategy.
    3. Create, manage, present and execute a comprehensive communications plan, in coordination with University Relations, for all major university undertakings including change initiatives, issues management, presidential messaging and other important outreach efforts.
    4. Lead and coordinate all internal presidential communication efforts (in collaboration with team members from Advancement, University Relations, Enrollment Management, Human Resources, Business and Finance, and the Office of the Provost).
    5. Support internal communications including development and implementation of regular and ad hoc vehicles for information dissemination and sharing to ensure effective internal communications.
    6. Working with the Chief of Staff, manage and support a diverse array of special projects that advance significant priorities for the university and the President.
    7. Manage external vendors related to public relations and communications activities.
    8. Advise and assist the Executive Leadership Team, when necessary, on communications matters that will potentially impact the Office of the President.
    9. Collaborate with stakeholder groups to ensure a variety of perspectives inform university communications and initiatives.
    10. Manage university events for the Office of the President and University Relations.
    11. Collaborate with University Relations on website content.
    12. Provide content for the President’s social media posts and monitor for issues, concerns and encouraging information.
    13. Other duties as assigned.
    Essential Function Indicator Yes

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