Associate Director of Communications and Media Relations

Doane University; Crete (NE); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Doane University in Crete, Nebraska, seeks an Associate Director of Communications and Media Relations to serve as a lead writer and editorial resource, shaping high‑quality content across audiences and platforms while safeguarding the University’s voice.

The role directs the marketing team and freelancers, manages news and public relations, coordinates event publicity and media coverage, and supervises a copywriter and a digital/social media specialist, reporting to the Director of Marketing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field.
• Minimum four years of progressively responsible experience in communications or media relations.
• Experience in crisis communications and managing sensitive media issues.
• Proven ability to supervise staff and manage multiple projects.
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling across formats and audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead writer and editorial resource for the University’s communications.
• Oversee news and public relations activities, including internal newsletters.
• Coordinate media events and general event publicity coverage.
• Supervise copywriter and digital/social media specialist; report to Director of Marketing.
• Ensure content is accurate, on-brand, and aligned with university priorities.

Skills

Lead writer

Editorial direction

Crisis communications

Staff supervision

Media relations

Storytelling

AP style writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications/public relations/journalism

Tools

Content coordination tools

Newsroom processes

Job description

Associate Director of Communications and Media Relations

Position Information

Position Title

Associate Director of Communications and Media Relations

Job Type

Full Time - 12 months

Division

Department

Office of Strategic Marketing

Job Location

Position Summary

TheAssociate Director of Communications and Media Relations at Doane University is a key leadership role within the Office of Strategic Marketing. This position serves as a lead writer and editorial resource for the University, developing high-quality content for a variety of audiences and platforms while helping ensure a consistent institutional voice. The Associate Director will coordinate and provide editorial direction to the marketing team, freelance, contract, or other contributing writers to ensure content is accurate, engaging, on-brand, and aligned with University priorities.

This position is also responsible for managing all news and public relations activities for the university, including overseeing internal monthly newsletters and collaborating with the content team to maximize positive news coverage. The associate director also plays a critical role in mitigating any sensitive media issues to ensure that Doane University is portrayed in the best possible light. Additionally, this position handles event publicity coverage and coordinates media/press events. The Associate Director of Communications and Media Relations supervises the copywriter and digital and social media specialist and reports directly to the Director of Marketing.

Doane University actively works to create and sustain a welcoming learning community for all members to fulfill their potential, feel valued, and make meaningful contributions to the University. Doane University is an equal-opportunity employer and seeks candidates who reflect the diversity of our society. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Doane University does not provide employment visa sponsorship for this position.

FLSA

Salary Commensuarate with experience

Minimum Required Qualifications

Requires a Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field, plus at least four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, or media relations.

Experience must include:

• Crisis communications and managing sensitive media issues.
• Supervising staff and managing projects from conception to completion.
• Professional writing, editing, and storytelling across multiple formats and audiences.
• Success in managing media relations and securing positive media coverage.

The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate:

• Excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to craft press releases (AP Style).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in using various media channels and tools to disseminate information effectively.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects at one time.
• Ability to collaborate with the public, students, faculty, staff, and communities Doane serves.
• Technical proficiency with camera settings, lighting, and composition.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of higher education and/or nonprofit environments is desirable.
• Knowledge of Google Analytics is desirable.
• Knowledge of communication tools to assess media and content performance.

Required Licenses/Certifications

Preferred Licenses/Certifications

Physical/Environmental/Working Conditions

Travel between campuses is required along with flexibility for occasional travel to specific locations for photo shoots, video shoots and/or other content creation activities.

Travel Required

Yes

Physical Requirements

Sedentary work

Outdoor Exposure

Primarily exposed to indoor elements

Background Check Required

Yes

Posting Number

STF206

Desired Start Date

Position End Date (if temporary)

Open Date

Review Start Date

Close Date

Open Until Filled

Yes