The Office of Strategic Communication and Marketing at Old Dominion University is seeking candidates for the Director of News and Media Relations (full-time, 12 month) position. This position will enhance the University’s reputation and image through public relations functions, including formulating strategies, crafting messages, and building relationships. Other duties include: lead the operation of the News and Media Relations team, including the conception, development, creation, and dissemination of news, research and/or strategic communications and public relations and reputation management initiatives; communicate with a diverse audience, including news media, internal and external stakeholders, key industry and government constituents, and the community-at-large; serve as editor of InsideODU, Monarch Mailer, and the University’s official news site.

Required Education: Master’s degree in marketing, communications, journalism, public relations or related field; a bachelor’s degree with experience equivalent to a master’s degree may be substituted.

Required Qualifications: Considerable experience working in public relations and communications. Considerable experience supervising staff. Considerable experience working with diverse internal and external constituents. Experience in crisis management and resolving issues through public communications and correspondence. Extensive knowledge of journalistic style, English grammar and design. Considerable knowledge of public relations and publications principles, concepts and techniques. Must be both strategic and detail-oriented and can work proactively and effectively with minimal supervision. Excellent writing and interpersonal skills. Exceptional verbal and written communication and presentation skills with confidence to serve as the university’s spokesperson when needed and media train university leaders, faculty and staff. Strong oral communications skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with others and to speak in public. Strong proofreading and editing skills. Ability to work in a fast-paced, highly matrixed environment with changing priorities and requirements. Demonstrated ability to manage an office composed of various sub-units and supervise employees. Must have excellent digital and social media skills, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Strong media relationships are a must; experience in national, broadcast, and digital media required. This position will also require knowledge of local media. Must be organized and detail-oriented with exceptional time management and multitasking abilities. Passion for emerging media trends.

Preferred Qualifications: Professional experience in writing, website content or marketing for higher education. Professional experience utilizing social media. Experience using web content management systems. Experience in higher education administration. Writing and newsroom experience.

Review Date: The initial application review date for this position is March 8, 2021 and will remain open until filled.