Director of Strategic Communications

Chapman University Careers•Irvine, CA

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Strategic Communications in Strategic Marketing and Communications ( SMC ) is responsible for the quality and effectiveness of Chapman University’s public relations strategy, which includes fully integrated external communications, media relations, thought leadership and other reputation-enhancing initiatives. This position reports to the Associate Vice President of Strategic and Integrated Communications and will have frequent exposure to the SMC leadership team. This role will develop strong brand and institutional positioning for the university with influential media and other influencers locally, regionally, nationally and, selectively, globally. The position will help bring stories to life for media and external audiences for the university, its trajectory and its key thematic priorities and differentiators via earned media, brand journalism and owned content. The position will be responsible for university-wide and some school/program-specific brand storytelling and publicity as well as leadership and faculty expert positioning. The position will collaborate heavily with key institutional areas across the University and with SMC colleagues overseeing marketing, digital, content and other creative specialties. In addition to leading and directing PR, this role will provide promotional support for strategic enrollment and serve as a key liaison supporting research and student affairs, among others. This position supervises one direct report. This position is located at Chapman’s Orange Campus and is expected to be in the office a minimum of 3-4 days per week and on site for any issue, crisis or special event as directed and regardless of day of the week or time of the day or night.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, journalism, or relevant area of study.
Minimum of 7 years of experience in progressively senior roles in communications, public relations and/or journalism.
Experience running public relations for a large-scale, complex organization.
Local and national public relations campaign experience, including deep national connections and media relations strength with press and influencers and direct experience supporting public relations for a CEO , President or Chancellor.
Direct experience in, and understanding of, best practices and trends in brand journalism, internal communications, owned content, multimedia content creation and social media. This includes having strong interdisciplinary orientation across multiple communications and marketing functions, as well as knowledge of and experience with multichannel communications and marketing campaigns, leveraging paid, owned, and earned media, to engage diverse communities and demonstrating measurable results that matter.
Prior management experience.
Expertise in media relations database, distribution, monitoring and analysis software, and social listening tools, including Cision/Muck Rack and EurekAlert!
Experience with online publishing tools and content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal, etc.).
Has strategic and pragmatic problem-solving skills and the ability to excel and multi-task in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
Experience in effectively communicating and building partnerships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels, including direct experience with the highest-level executives of an organization.
Is able to translate complex ideas and strategies into clear, compelling and cohesive communications.
Displays strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and partners at all levels throughout the institution.
Has exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with demonstrated ability to write for senior leaders.
Exercises strong listening skills and the ability to authentically reflect the needs of specific audiences.
Maintains discretion and confidentiality in addressing sensitive and high-profile issues affecting the University’s public image.

Responsibilities

Develop a strategic and holistic public relations strategy for the University and its key leadership and priorities that is fully integrated with marketing and content efforts and initiatives.
Develop a strong institutional position in the press and significantly raise the University’s visibility in Orange County, California and in the U.S. In this regard, collaborate closely with the Senior Director of Executive and Strategic Communications to advise and align on executive leadership PR, positioning and preparation.
Develop customized pitches that showcase Chapman’s differentiators (in alignment with its Strategic Plan) and identify appropriate local and national media targets; develop story angles and customized pitches to media targets to secure placements.
Service and thoroughly vet incoming media requests; prepare evaluations, proposals, briefing sheets, talking points, etc. coordinate interview logistics and staff media interviews; and analyze and report on coverage.
Build and maintain a media relations content and editorial calendar (in concert with marketing, content and social media teams) that helps advance the University’s reputation and, importantly, its enrollment goals and priorities.
Track and archive earned media coverage; monitor progress against goals; develop and maintain regular reports and analytics dashboards.
Develop comprehensive, annual organizational PR plan including key goals, objectives, tactics, etc., tailored to Chapman’s unique needs.
Work closely with leadership, deans, department chairs and key faculty to raise their visibility in accordance with Chapman’s Strategic Plan and advise on strategies for increasing their profiles via earned media, contributed content, interactive media and other thought leadership opportunities.
Proactively monitor the news media for competitive intelligence and news jacking purposes.
Organize and staff press conferences, media tours and interviews and engage in media relationship building throughout the year
Oversee and manage PR agencies, vendors and services related to publicity, as directed.
With SMC leadership and University-wide partners, manage crisis communications and other unexpected communication challenges with professionalism and quality judgment.
Serve as a backup Public Information Officer ( PIO ) as needed and understand and remain up to date with PIO best practices.
Help serve as an emerging leader and culture carrier in the department.
Help develop and implement department-wide principles, norms, operational expectations, etc.
Provide counsel to SMC VP and other senior leaders on matters of strategy and reputation.
Publish and distribute news stories/news releases in the Chapman News hub and on other platforms, as applicable.
Write and edit content for marketing and communications campaign assets, as needed.
Provide marcomm support as needed and directed.
Other duties as assigned