Director of Media Relations

March 20, 2013

Description

The Director of Media Relations is responsible for creating and executing media relations programs with the goal of affirming Earlham College’s stature as a national liberal arts college to local, regional and national media. The Director is the key information source for all media contacts requesting data and insights, and serves as the College’s primary spokesperson to media.

The Director develops social media strategies and outreach efforts aimed at gaining and strengthening recognition for Earlham. In this capacity, the Director makes a significant contribution to the College’s marketing efforts by educating the public, stimulating interest in Earlham and enhancing admissions and fundraising initiatives.  

The Director will play a lead role in communication and issues management, respond to media inquiries and coordinate the campus’ communication with the College leadership and the media at times of significant developments, and serve as an official College spokesperson.

This full-time, 12-month appointment offers a full-benefit package. Salary is commensurate with experience.

The Director of Media Relations reports to the Associate Vice President for Marketing and Communications and works in close collaboration with Marketing and Communications staff to assure a strategic approach to the release of information. Strong relationships are needed with team members, media and with administrative and teaching faculty, students and alumni who help the Director discover and disseminate newsworthy information.

Review of applicants will begin May 1, 2013.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Devise and execute strategies for national, regional and local media news coverage.
• Work in consultation with the Associate Vice President for Marketing and Communications and others to identify opportunities for media coverage.
• Compile information, coordinate responses with faculty and administrators, identify potential Op-Ed and news placements, prepare story pitches and news releases and utilize the best media for distribution, including the Earlham College website, multimedia elements, Marketing and Communications’ online pressroom and online news sources.
• Serve the College’s as de facto Public Information Officer (PIO) in times of emergency or crisis. Additionally, serve on the College’s Emergency Readiness and Response Planning (ERRP) steering committee and advise senior administration on communications issues in times of emergency.
• Monitor media queries and respond with useful information or connections to Earlham experts in a timely manner. Utilize a variety of sources to collect and stay current with media interests.
• Consult with Earlham leadership to coordinate the College’s response to sensitive media inquiries. Coordinate the College’s response to potentially negative coverage, as necessary.
• Continually research best practices information in social media and online communications and recommend uses for incorporating these technologies into media work, admissions communications and the website in general. Manage College’s official Facebook, Twitter and other social media presences and integrate these into the College’s website and Admissions recruitment efforts.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Associate Vice President of Marketing and Communications.

Experience & Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in a related field required, and three years of progressively responsible professional experience in media relations or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
• Ability to create and implement a strategic plan to maximize Earlham’s reputation as a top national liberal arts college to the local, regional and national media. 

• Demonstrated success in producing positive brand awareness via multiple media outlets and leveraging social media. 
• Proficient in the use of social media. 
• Excellent communication skills; ability to effectively communicate information in a clear and understandable manner, both verbally and in writing, demonstrated by a solid work portfolio. 
• Demonstrated experience in writing and editing for professional publication. 
• Thorough knowledge of English grammar, spelling and punctuation. 
• Working knowledge of the Associated Press Style Guide. 
• Proven ability to work with senior management in the development of messages, particularly during a crisis or high-profile issue, and prepare senior leaders to interact with the media. 
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality. 
• Capable speaker, organized, confident, professional and focused. 
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills with the ability to set own priorities to coordinate multiple assignments with fluctuating and time-sensitive deadlines. 
• Ability to remain nimble as long-term and short-term priorities evolve. 
• Photography experience preferred.

Application Instructions

Please send a letter of application that addresses the various responsibilities of the position; resume/vitae; and the name, position title, e-mail address and phone number of three professional references in a single PDF or MS Word file to:

Human Resources Office
Earlham College
801 National Road West
Richmond, Indiana 47374

Email: leama@earlham.edu