Director of Strategic Communications
Director of Strategic Communications
Posted on :
05-04-2025
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Job Description
Job Description Summary
The Director of Strategic Communications in Strategic Marketing and Communications SMC is responsible for the quality and effectiveness of Chapman Universitys public relations strategy which includes fully integrated external communications media relations thought leadership and other reputationenhancing 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 universitywide and some school/programspecific 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 Chapmans Orange Campus and is expected to be in the office a minimum of 34 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.
Responsibilities
Proactive media relations strategy and support: 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 Universitys 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 Chapmans 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. Proactive media relations strategy and support: 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 Universitys 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 Chapmans unique needs. Work closely with leadership deans department chairs and key faculty to raise their visibility in accordance with Chapmans 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. Issues and crisis communications: With SMC leadership and Universitywide 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. Advise the SMC leadership team: Help serve as an emerging leader and culture carrier in the department. Help develop and implement departmentwide principles norms operational expectations etc. Provide counsel to SMC VP and other senior leaders on matters of strategy and reputation. Content production and support: 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
Required Qualifications
Bachelors 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 largescale 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 problemsolving skills and the ability to excel and multitask in a fastpaced teamoriented environment. Experience in effectively communicating and building partnerships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels including direct experience with the highestlevel 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 highprofile issues affecting the Universitys public image.
The Director of Strategic Communications in Strategic Marketing and Communications SMC is responsible for the quality and effectiveness of Chapman Universitys public relations strategy which includes fully integrated external communications media relations thought leadership and other reputationenhancing 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 universitywide and some school/programspecific 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 Chapmans Orange Campus and is expected to be in the office a minimum of 34 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.
Responsibilities
Proactive media relations strategy and support: 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 Universitys 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 Chapmans 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. Proactive media relations strategy and support: 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 Universitys 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 Chapmans unique needs. Work closely with leadership deans department chairs and key faculty to raise their visibility in accordance with Chapmans 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. Issues and crisis communications: With SMC leadership and Universitywide 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. Advise the SMC leadership team: Help serve as an emerging leader and culture carrier in the department. Help develop and implement departmentwide principles norms operational expectations etc. Provide counsel to SMC VP and other senior leaders on matters of strategy and reputation. Content production and support: 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
Required Qualifications
Bachelors 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 largescale 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 problemsolving skills and the ability to excel and multitask in a fastpaced teamoriented environment. Experience in effectively communicating and building partnerships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels including direct experience with the highestlevel 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 highprofile issues affecting the Universitys public image.
Required Experience:
Director
Employment Type
Full Time
Key Skills
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