Assistant Director of Public and Media Relations

Millikin University is a private university that provides undergraduate and graduate education to a diverse student body of approximately 1,600 students on a 75-acre residential campus in Decatur, Ill. Millikin’s unique approach to education, known as Performance Learning, allows students to perform the work of their future careers through hands-on, real-world experiences starting on day one. Through these experiences, students gain access to a professional network they will carry throughout their careers. This commitment to innovation and excellence propels students to career success. Millikin offers over 50 academic programs in its College of Fine Arts, College of Arts & Sciences, College of Professional Studies and Tabor School of Business.

Applications are only accepted for open positions. A supplemental resume/CV may be attached in lieu of completing the Education and Employment sections only. All other sections must be completed.

Description

The Assistant Director of Public & Media Relations is the chief source for information about Millikin University and is responsible for telling the University’s story to enhance the Millikin brand by creating high-quality content such as news releases, feature pieces, articles, and other written materials.

This role is responsible for the planning, execution, analysis, and continual improvement of a comprehensive, proactive, and outcomes-driven media and public relations plan that enhances Millikin University’s visibility, reputation, relationships, and resources. The outcomes of these efforts will demonstrate increased awareness and interest of the University. The Assistant Director of Public & Media Relations is also responsible for assisting in managing emergency and crisis communications plans and activities. The position's scope of influence is both University and community wide. Success in this position necessitates skills in writing, communication, leadership, and collaboration with constituents across marketing and media, campus, and community. The Assistant Director’s schedule includes working evenings and/or weekends when necessary.

Examples of Duties

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to, the
following:

• Writes and produces content for news releases, feature stories, articles, media advisories, alerts, and other written media relations materials
• Yields high-quality media coverage for the University by proactively developing and maintaining relationships and opportunities with local and national media
• Stays apprised of Millikin events and activities both on- and off-campus to identify and pursue opportunities for appropriate media coverage
• Develops and implements a comprehensive media relations plan at the local, regional, state, and national level
• Creates and maintains the news section of millikin.edu (millikin.edu/news)
• Organizes press conferences, media tours, interviews, and other events and activities to promote Millikin's academic programs, initiatives, and news
• Serves as key media relations contact and provides communication support during crisis and emergency events
• Collaborates with appropriate University offices to develop media strategies to advance the Millikin brand
• Monitors Millikin's presence in traditional, online, and social media outlets through the use of media tracking software (Cision)
• Creates and publishes student achievements on the University website
• Provides communication support for administrators, faculty, staff and students
• Tracks current events and higher education issues to explore opportunities for media placements and university collaboration
• Attends and participates in appropriate conferences, events, and networks to establish significant positioning in the community and represent the University
• Works independently and as a productive collaborator of the Marketing & Media Relations team
• Responds to tight deadlines and works on multiple projects simultaneously
• Assists the communications team with special projects and departmental initiatives, performing other work-related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: This position does not have supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.

Typical Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to succeed in a result-driven professional organization. Maintaining professional performance, demeanor, team-approach and focus on results while working under pressure in a dynamic environment

Minimum Education and/or Experience:

• Excellent writing, editing, interviewing, and networking skills
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, English, or another related field
• Minimum three years’ professional experience in media relations or related communication field
• Ability to work independently on projects and collaborate as a strong team member
• A high degree of creativity, initiative, and integrity
• Willingness to stay up to date with emerging trends in media relations
• A confident, professional, and positive attitude
• Sound organizational skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Excellent knowledge of public relations and strategic communication principles and best practices
• Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously and with precise execution

Supplemental Information

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The Marketing & Media Relations Department at Millikin University is devoted to student success from enrollment to commencement. We are dynamic, agile, and culturally responsive. We guide, support, and, on occasion, challenge students as they develop, refine, and pursue their academic, career, and personal endeavors. All staff are responsible for creating a safe, welcoming, diverse, inclusive, respectful, and caring environment for student-athletes, colleagues, and visitors.
We seek skilled and diverse colleagues who are flexible, self-motivated and will embrace and respect who we are and what we do. We also seek colleagues committed to moving the Millikin brand forward. At the employee’s request and in consultation with Human Resources/ (ADA office), employees receive reasonable accommodations to perform the essential duties associated with the position.
PHYSICAL EFFORT: Occasionally sitting at a desk or table; ability to stand for extended periods and respond quickly in emergency situations; occasional lifting 25 lbs. or less; intermittently sitting/standing; hearing and visual acuity within normal range; ability to stoop, kneel and crouch occasionally; high degree of mobility required.?Dexterity to operate a keyboard.
WORKING CONDITIONS: Typical working conditions found in most administrative work areas.
INTERPERSONAL SKILLS Communicates effectively and appropriately. Gets along and cooperates with co-workers and appropriately interacts with others. Participates and functions as an effective member of the team.
CONFIDENTIALITY Exchanges University information with others only on a "need to know" basis.
ATTENDANCE Promptly arrives for the designated shift. Follows all applicable policies regarding schedules, attendance, and organizational requirements. Typically considered an exempt/salaried position, so may involve longer days, weekends, and off shifts as required to successfully perform job duties. Excessive absenteeism will hinder successful job performance.
UNIVERSAL ACCOUNTABILITY Provides excellent service to all customers striving to exceed their expectations. Demonstrates courtesy, compassion, and respect. Is thoroughly committed to the mission and vision of Millikin University.
HAZARDS Working at a university involves a wide variety of potential job hazards, which generally fall into the areas of physical safety, ergonomic, and social/psychological. The specific risks of each are highly dependent on the role.

Review of applications will begin immediatley and will continue until the position is filled. Employment and first day of work is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Millikin University provides equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state or local laws. Beyong meeting fully its legal obligations for non-discrimination, Millikin University is committed to increasing its employee diversity and will consider qualified applicants with experiene in diverse settings, who have a record of research that supports/benefits diverse communities or a record of teaching a diverse studnet population.