Assistant Director, Communications & Media Strategy

Southeast Missouri State University; Cape Girardeau (MO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

SEMO is seeking an Assistant Director, Communications to craft compelling stories for external and internal audiences. You will lead a team of writers and editors, manage a busy production schedule, and coordinate with University stakeholders to deliver timely messaging.

You will develop emergency communications, serve as media contact, supervise staff and students, and analyze metrics to improve earned media and campaign performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in advertising, communications, English, journalism, marketing, public relations, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience writing compelling stories, including news releases and feature writing.
• Solid understanding of marketing and media channels, content best practices, and AP Style.
• Experience supporting crisis and issues communications, including developing timely messaging and coordinating with audiences.
• Impeccable eye for detail, proofreading and editing skills, and ability to meet deadlines.
• Collaborative working style with media partners and cross-team cooperation.
• Excellent creative, communication, organizational and idea-generation skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop compelling stories and messages to attract a digital audience across platforms and channels.
• Write and distribute media releases and serve as liaison with media professionals to promote SEMO stories.
• Supervise and mentor a team of full-time staff and student writers.
• Edit and manage a busy communications production schedule to ensure timely delivery.
• Collaborate with university stakeholders to target audiences including prospective students, parents, and media.
• Develop emergency communications and campus notifications; assist as media contact during crises.
• Build relationships with reporters and editors at local, regional, and national media outlets.
• Assist in media interview preparation and drafting speaking points for University teams.
• Monitor and analyze metrics to improve earned media and campaign performance.
• Assist in event marketing planning and execution.
• Collaborate with team members to achieve university goals and campaigns.

Skills

Story writing

Media relations

Crisis communications

AP Style

Editing

Deadline driven

Team collaboration

Content strategy

Education

Bachelor's degree in advertising, communications, English, journalism, marketing, public relations, or related field

Job description

SEMO is seeking an Assistant Director, Communications to craft compelling stories for external and internal audiences. You will lead a team of writers and editors, manage a busy production schedule, and coordinate with University stakeholders to deliver timely messaging.

You will develop emergency communications, serve as media contact, supervise staff and students, and analyze metrics to improve earned media and campaign performance.