News & Public Relations Director
Tennessee Technological University
Cookeville, TN
Full-time
Advertising / Marketing / Public Relations
Posted on October 7, 2022
Position Information
Position Information
Position Number
621120
Working Title
News & Public Relations Director
Job Title
Director
Job Type
Full-Time
Department
Communications & Marketing
Job Purpose
The overall purpose of this job is to direct the news and public relations operation of the university. This involves strategic planning and vision to promote the university in alignment with its strategic plan. The director cultivates, establishes and maintains relationships with local, state and national media contacts. The position promotes a positive image, both in-house and externally, of the university; this is accomplished through regular communication with executive administrators, faculty, staff and students to generate news stories. The director leads production of news content and ensures appropriate distribution of news releases to external and internal outlets.
Tennessee Tech provides impact through its engaged students, dedicated faculty, and career-ready graduates known for their creativity, tenacity, and analytical approach to problem solving. As a STEM-infused, comprehensive institution, Tennessee Tech delivers enduring education, impactful research, and collaborative service that creates, advances, and applies knowledge to expand opportunity and economic competitiveness.
Tennessee Tech is committed to a diverse workforce by fostering an inclusive work environment for students, faculty, and staff. Successful candidates should have a demonstrated commitment and contribution to fostering and advancing equity, diversity and inclusion. Tennessee Tech is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.
Essential Functions
In consultation with the Chief Communication Officer, create and implement a news and public relations plan in support of the university's external and internal strategic goals. Independently initiate regular media contact (by news release, e-mail pitch, visit, telephone call, social media networking, or other means) with news media to inform them about faculty, students, programs and other news of the university. Build relationships with editors and reporters of local, regional, and national media to help promote the university and its activities, as well as respond to media inquiries. Cultivate and maintain relationships with deans, administrators, faculty, staff and students to obtain information about research, teaching, events, student activities and other trends of interest, particularly to national media. Write news releases, media advisories, scripts, talking points, and stories/articles for appropriate external and internal media audiences. Post news releases to university website and distribute news content through PR management platform (Prowly). Responsible for maintaining and updating news/reporter contacts in PR management platform (Prowly). Work with Brand Communications Team to maintain a collaborative workflow for content. In absence of Chief Communication Officer, serve as university spokesperson. Monitoring social media for university mentions that pertain to news and potential PR problems, as well as engage with reporters as appropriate on social media to promote the university. In consultation with Chief Communication Officer, take the lead on crisis communication (including EOC duties), as well as media responses from the university and social media crisis coverage, responding directly on social media in emergency situations. Monitor news media and social media outlets on a 24/7 news cycle, and pitch faculty experts to media, as well as monitor trends and opportunities related to higher education story ideas. Help formulate perception and issues management strategies. Share in after-hours responsibilities. Supervise team of student writers. Track and evaluate media coverage to measure effectiveness of public relations efforts. Provide reports and other information, such as the Tech in the News electronic newsletter, on internal and external communications issues at the request of the Chief Communication Officer.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in communications, journalism, public relations, English or related field. Five years of experience in a news, corporate communications or public relations organization. Proficient in AP style. Knowledge of news media procedures. Outstanding oral and written communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills, as demonstrated by positive and productive relationships. Reporting, writing and editing experience. Ability to meet deadlines consistently and juggle priorities under changing circumstances. Proficiency in word processing programs, Web-based content management systems, email and social media. Knowledge of journalism/public relations ethics. Ability to maintain and handle confidential files and information with sensitivity and discretion.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in relevant field from an accredited institution. News media or higher education public relations experience. Basic audio and video production skills. Supervisory experience.
Work Hours
Typically 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with after-hours and weekends as needed.
Compensation and Benefits
Salary
Commensurate with education and experience
Benefits Information
Tennessee Tech offers a competitive benefits package. Benefits include the accumulation of two vacation days per month and one sick leave day per month, and thirteen University holidays. Other benefits include medical and life insurance (shared cost with the university), retirement, optional 401k, and educational benefits.
Posting Details
Posting Date
07/15/2022
Screening Date
08/12/2022
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants are required to electronically upload a cover letter, resume, copy of transcripts (official transcripts required upon hire), and complete contact information for three references. References will be contacted at a later date. Submission of materials is the applicant's responsibility. Applications without all required materials are incomplete and will not be considered.
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Position Information
Position Number
621120
Working Title
News & Public Relations Director
Job Title
Director
Job Type
Full-Time
Department
Communications & Marketing
Job Purpose
The overall purpose of this job is to direct the news and public relations operation of the university. This involves strategic planning and vision to promote the university in alignment with its strategic plan. The director cultivates, establishes and maintains relationships with local, state and national media contacts. The position promotes a positive image, both in-house and externally, of the university; this is accomplished through regular communication with executive administrators, faculty, staff and students to generate news stories. The director leads production of news content and ensures appropriate distribution of news releases to external and internal outlets.
Tennessee Tech provides impact through its engaged students, dedicated faculty, and career-ready graduates known for their creativity, tenacity, and analytical approach to problem solving. As a STEM-infused, comprehensive institution, Tennessee Tech delivers enduring education, impactful research, and collaborative service that creates, advances, and applies knowledge to expand opportunity and economic competitiveness.
Tennessee Tech is committed to a diverse workforce by fostering an inclusive work environment for students, faculty, and staff. Successful candidates should have a demonstrated commitment and contribution to fostering and advancing equity, diversity and inclusion. Tennessee Tech is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.
Essential Functions
In consultation with the Chief Communication Officer, create and implement a news and public relations plan in support of the university's external and internal strategic goals. Independently initiate regular media contact (by news release, e-mail pitch, visit, telephone call, social media networking, or other means) with news media to inform them about faculty, students, programs and other news of the university. Build relationships with editors and reporters of local, regional, and national media to help promote the university and its activities, as well as respond to media inquiries. Cultivate and maintain relationships with deans, administrators, faculty, staff and students to obtain information about research, teaching, events, student activities and other trends of interest, particularly to national media. Write news releases, media advisories, scripts, talking points, and stories/articles for appropriate external and internal media audiences. Post news releases to university website and distribute news content through PR management platform (Prowly). Responsible for maintaining and updating news/reporter contacts in PR management platform (Prowly). Work with Brand Communications Team to maintain a collaborative workflow for content. In absence of Chief Communication Officer, serve as university spokesperson. Monitoring social media for university mentions that pertain to news and potential PR problems, as well as engage with reporters as appropriate on social media to promote the university. In consultation with Chief Communication Officer, take the lead on crisis communication (including EOC duties), as well as media responses from the university and social media crisis coverage, responding directly on social media in emergency situations. Monitor news media and social media outlets on a 24/7 news cycle, and pitch faculty experts to media, as well as monitor trends and opportunities related to higher education story ideas. Help formulate perception and issues management strategies. Share in after-hours responsibilities. Supervise team of student writers. Track and evaluate media coverage to measure effectiveness of public relations efforts. Provide reports and other information, such as the Tech in the News electronic newsletter, on internal and external communications issues at the request of the Chief Communication Officer.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in communications, journalism, public relations, English or related field. Five years of experience in a news, corporate communications or public relations organization. Proficient in AP style. Knowledge of news media procedures. Outstanding oral and written communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills, as demonstrated by positive and productive relationships. Reporting, writing and editing experience. Ability to meet deadlines consistently and juggle priorities under changing circumstances. Proficiency in word processing programs, Web-based content management systems, email and social media. Knowledge of journalism/public relations ethics. Ability to maintain and handle confidential files and information with sensitivity and discretion.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in relevant field from an accredited institution. News media or higher education public relations experience. Basic audio and video production skills. Supervisory experience.
Work Hours
Typically 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with after-hours and weekends as needed.
Compensation and Benefits
Salary
Commensurate with education and experience
Benefits Information
Tennessee Tech offers a competitive benefits package. Benefits include the accumulation of two vacation days per month and one sick leave day per month, and thirteen University holidays. Other benefits include medical and life insurance (shared cost with the university), retirement, optional 401k, and educational benefits.
Posting Details
Posting Date
07/15/2022
Screening Date
08/12/2022
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants are required to electronically upload a cover letter, resume, copy of transcripts (official transcripts required upon hire), and complete contact information for three references. References will be contacted at a later date. Submission of materials is the applicant's responsibility. Applications without all required materials are incomplete and will not be considered.
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- List of References
- Transcripts
- Writing Sample
- Transcripts 2
- Other Documents
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- * Do you at least have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in communications, journalism, public relations, English or a related field?
- Yes
- No
- * Do you have at least five years of experience in a news, corporate communications or public relations organization?
- Yes
- No
- * How did you hear about this job opportunity?
(Open Ended Question)