Director of Communication

Department: School of Journalism & Communication

Appointment Type and Duration: Regular, Ongoing

Salary: $75,000-$90,000 per year

FTE: 1

Application Review Begins

May 3, 2017; position open until filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

Complete online applications must include a resume, cover letter, and 3 professional references.

Department Summary

The School of Journalism and Communication (SOJC) is an accredited research and professional school serving approximately 2,200 undergraduates and 100 graduate students both on the University of Oregon campus in Eugene and at the George S. Turnbull Center in Portland. Degrees offered are the BA, BS, MA, MS and Ph.D., as well as a minor in Media Studies. The school also supports the interdisciplinary major in Cinema Studies and interdisciplinary minors in Multimedia and Native Studies. The SOJC employs approximately 125 individuals as faculty and staff, over 50 graduate employees as well as roughly 50 student employees. The School is one of the oldest journalism programs in the nation, founded in 1916.

Position Summary

The Director of Communication designs and leads the execution of a targeted communication program dedicated to build a clear voice, reputation, and brand for the School of Journalism and Communication (SOJC). This position will develop the overall communication goals and objectives with metrics for success. Superb writing and editing skills are essential. As a key member of the development and external relations team, the director will be responsible for all aspects of strategic communication (i.e., public relations, advertising, and recruitment/marketing) both internally and externally. A primary goal of this position requires designing and implementing systems to effectively use traditional, interactive, social, and innovative media strategies to engage diverse audiences, including prospective and current students, faculty and staff, alumni, donors, Eugene and Portland communities, and relevant academic and professional groups. This position requires strong strategic and tactical skills (e.g., social media strategy, metrics-based decision making, writing, editing and design/visual communication knowledge); evidence of effective project management experience; the ability to coordinate and produce quality work on deadline; and experience effectively managing staff, students, and freelancers. A commitment to support the University’s emphasis on academic excellence in a culturally diverse environment is critical.

This position has supervisory responsibility for two classified staff (writer/editor and graphic designer), as well as student employees and freelance agents, as needed. It also has authority over the SOJC communications budgets.

The Director of Communication has a dual report to the Dean of the School of Journalism and Communication and the VP of University Communications.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree

• 5 years’ experience in strategic communications, advertising, public relations, and/or journalism.

Professional Competencies

• Strong organizational and written communication skills.

• Writing, editing and AP style proficiency.

• Managing personnel, contracts, and budgets.

• Applying strategic communication (e.g., public relations, advertising, and recruitment/marketing) principles and practices.

• Providing metrics to capture the impact of the communication program and campaigns.

• Overseeing web content management.

• Producing quality work on a deadline.

• Strategic thinker, team player, and ethical communicator.

• Attention to detail and understanding of excellent customer service.

• Working knowledge of the relevant technology and terminology of the trade (e.g., digital publishing, social media, photography, etc.).

• Demonstrated ability and/or commitment to working with faculty, staff, and students from diverse backgrounds in an inclusive, welcoming environment; ability to effectively work and communicate with individuals from varied cultural backgrounds all committed to the academic excellence.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven knowledge regarding trends and emergent platforms in social media and analytics.

• Demonstrated experience managing content strategy.

• Proven track record of innovation.

• Evidence of consistent productivity in a high paced, high demand environment.

• Expertise in media relations, particularly with major and emergent news media outlets.

• Implemented examples of effective systems in strategic communication and/or project management.

FLSA Exempt: Yes

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background inquiry.

The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit http://hr.uoregon.edu/careers/about-benefits .

The University of Oregon is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the ADA. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply, and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status.

UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity, or to the Office for Civil Rights. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed on the statement of non-discrimination .

In compliance with federal law, the University of Oregon prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and services. The Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at http://police.uoregon.edu/annual-report .