External Communications Director

External Communications Director George Mason University's Office of University Branding is looking for a self-motivated and talented communications professional to promote and protect the university's brand by developing internal and external messaging and web sites that tell the full story of Mason, including its leadership, mission and vision, initiatives and priorities, and facts, as well as leading initiative for communications campaigns, issues and crisis communications management, and overseeing media relations.George Mason University has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff, and strongly encourages candidates to apply who will enrich Mason's academic and culturally inclusive environment.Position Responsibilities:The External Communications Director's primary purpose is to lead our external communications activities such as media relations, reputation management, crisis communications, and key initiatives and themes that engage university stakeholders and build Mason's brand recognition. The ideal candidate will be an excellent communicator, with brilliant presentation and organizational skills, and able to multitask and work well under pressure.Within the Office of University Branding's Integrated Media team, this position will report to the Executive Director of News and Content, and will proactively design and manage communications campaigns, including messaging and story creation, around the university's high-level projects and priorities such as Mason's Virginia Promise, Green Mason, and Workforce/Talent initiatives.The External Communications Director will serve as the editor for the main Mason informational webpage that will serve as a digital press kit to external audiences ("About Mason"). The Director will be responsible for identifying appropriate information for the webpage and will work across the university to ensure that the content is current and relevant.The External Communications Director will be responsible for ensuring the consistent communication of talking points, facts, issues, and background materials across all Office of University Branding platforms. Collaborating with the Presidential Communications team, the Director will also produce content for senior leadership, including the annual President's Report, talking points, email communications, op-eds, fact sheets, backgrounders, FAQs, and other executive communications.The External Communications Director will oversee national/local/industry media relations for the Office of University Branding, working with a Media Relations Manager, building relationships with media, pitching stories, responding to incoming requests, establishing process for media management, and establishing news procedures with Mason's colleges, schools, and institutes to better align the work.This position will collaborate with Community and Government Relations and Advancement and Alumni Relations to support key priorities.In addition, the External Communications Director will work directly with the Deputy Vice President for the Office of University Branding on updating and maintaining the crisis communications plan, as well as working with the Office of Emergency Management when responding to crisis and other reputational issues.Required Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, or a related field, and more than 10 years' experience in corporate communications or communications and information management;Demonstrated experience writing, editing, and producing for multiple platforms, and translating complex stories for multiple audiences;Strong knowledge of communication practices and techniques;Demonstrated experience in media relations;Ability to multitask and work well under pressure;Ability to consistently meet deadlines; andExcellent interpersonal skills, including being a team player capable of working collaboratively with colleagues and leadership.

For full consideration, applicants must apply at https://jobs.gmu.edu/; complete and submit the online application; and upload a cover letter, resume, portfolio and/or writing sample (as Other Doc), and a list of three professional references with contact information.

"Great Careers Begin at Mason! George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with national distinction in both academics and research. Mason holds a top U.S. News and World Report "Up and Coming" spot for national universities and is recognized for its global appeal and excellence in higher education.Mason is currently the largest and most diverse university in Virginia with students and faculty from all 50 states and over 135 countries studying in over 200 degree programs at campuses in Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William, as well as at learning locations across the commonwealth. Rooted in Mason's diversity is a campus culture that is both rewarding and exciting, work that is meaningful, and opportunities to both collaborate and create.If you are interested in joining the Mason family take a look at our current opportunities and catch some Mason spirit at jobs.gmu.edu/!George Mason University, Where Innovation is Tradition."

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.