Director of Public Relations

Regular

SA8902122

Full-Time 40 Hours Weekly

Exempt

$95,000 - $110,000

Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate’s qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.

The Director of Public Relations is a senior level role at Chapman University and is responsible for developing and executing the university’s comprehensive public relations and crisis communication strategies. This role reports to the Assistant Vice President of Communications and Brand Strategy and works closely with senior leaders across campus and supports the university president and senior leaders with strategic input, especially in regard to issues and crisis management.The Director of Public Relations leads a media relations program to elevate Chapman University’s unique position within higher education as a “high research activity,” nationally ranked university. The Director also works closely with the Assistant Vice President of Communications and the Content Strategy team to develop and share the most strategic stories that showcase Chapman’s research, faculty experts, student achievements and leadership accomplishments with the goal of elevating Chapman’s reputation nationally. The person in this role creates and cultivates strong relationships with key media and members of the Chapman community, including developing strong relationships with faculty and campus leadership in an effort to develop stories and issue experts for media outlets.Within the department of Strategic Marketing and Communications, the Director of Public Relations collaborates closely with other directors, team leaders and assistant vice presidents to integrate communication and public relations plans with marketing plans and campaigns.

News and Media Relations: A primary function of the Director of Public Relations is to interact with the media on an as-needed basis including;

• Develop campus-based stories.
• Prepare news and media release content
• Cultivate relationships with media.
• Pitch stories to media contacts.
• Respond to media requests.
• Manage media in the event of a crisis/issues-management occurrence

• Create strategies, tactics and public relations plans
• Determine opportunities for Chapman University personnel to engage in the cultural conversation through media appearances/coverage as faculty experts and thought-leaders

• Develop and lead the public relations team
• Supervise their day-to-day activities and assignments
• Create and communicate success metrics

• Monitor and communicate with the AVP and VP concerning developing issues or potential crises
• Manage reactive and proactive media relations concerning crises and issues management-events
• Provide ongoing reporting on media stories and social media sentiment
• Assist in drafting, revising, and editing statements on behalf of senior leadership
• Is prepared to serve as spokesperson for the university.
• Lead social media efforts, in collaboration with social media team, during a crisis or issues management event

• In conjunction with the Director of Content Strategy and the Communications Team, develop long-term plans and strategies for Chapman University storytelling
• Contribute ideas and direction for earned and owned media efforts

• Experience in public relations theory and practice, including public relations strategy and planning, crisis management and media relations.
• Measurable success in working with media, including writing and disseminating news releases and all types of owned media, as well as developing media relations strategies
• A demonstrated track record of media contacts and relationships, with a keen understanding of producer/editor decision-making processes
• Management experience. Competency in building/influencing teams
• Currency with media monitoring technology and media analytics
• Knowledge of higher education
• Writing, editing and proofreading

Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic global community. The University is dedicated to enhancing diversity and inclusion in all aspects of recruitment and employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.