Associate Director, News and Public Relations

Application Instructions:

External Applicants: Please upload your resume on the Apply screen. Your application will automatically populate your resume details, and you may verify and update data on the My Information page.

Please add your cover letter and any other documents required for the position to the Resume/CV document upload section at the bottom of the My Experience application page. Use the Select Files button to add multiple documents including your cover letter and supporting documents. The My Experience page is the only opportunity to add your cover letter and supporting document attachments. You will not be able to modify your application after you submit it.

Current Employees: Apply from your existing Workday account. Do not apply from the website. Log in to Workday. Click on the Jobs Hub and select Browse Jobs. Locate the position and click Apply. Update your Education and Job History.

Job Description Summary

Job Description

Essential Functions:

• Serves as communications and public relations counsel to colleagues and University leaders in assigned coverage areas.
• Develops and implements strategic communications plans with measurable outcomes under the supervision of the Executive Director.
• Writes and edits editorial content, including news releases, articles, social media posts, talking points and other communications materials designed to advance the University's goals and enhance its brand and reputation.
• Fosters strong and trusting relationships with faculty, staff and journalists; gathers story ideas through regular conversations and commitments to stay informed. Follows issues and trends in higher education and in the news generally and promotes faculty expertise on timely topics.
• Engages strategically with local and national media; researches relevant topics, outlets and platforms to pitch stories and experts successfully. Prepares faculty, staff and students for interviews.
• Contributes to issues and crisis management efforts.
• Collaborates with University Marketing and Communications team members to create compelling content and post/distribute through Wake Forest and external communication platforms and channels. Assists with metrics and reporting.
• Enhances the news team's social media presence on key social media platforms in collaboration with partners in strategic communications and across campus.
• Posts content to the University's news website on the WordPress platform.
• Monitors the latest public relations trends and best practices, including tools, applications, social media platforms and strategies and leverages them to increase the team's impact.
• Contributes to a transparent and equitable organizational culture where ethical and equity policies and practices are understood and lived out by staff.
• Have high standards for your work and are proud to contribute to a mission-driven organization.
• Contributes to a transparent and equitable organizational culture where ethical and equity policies and practices are understood and lived out by all staff.
• Have a passion for workplace diversity and inclusion.
• Get excited about the prospect of joining a team that is making a difference in people's lives every day.

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in journalism, public relations, or marketing communications.
• Demonstrated track record of earned media coverage and successful media relations.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills, with proven ability to translate complex subjects into engaging narratives.
• Experience developing and executing strategic communication plans.
• Strong interviewing skills with the ability to draw out compelling stories.
• Proficiency in WordPress, social media platforms, and basic digital tools.
• Demonstrated experience with social media and digital content strategy, including distribution across multiple channels.
• Outstanding project management skills with the ability to handle multiple deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills and collaborative mindset.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Demonstrates curiosity, creativity, and adaptability in approaching work.
• Ability to travel locally and nationally as needed.
• Should be able to meet the University's automobile insurance requirements.
• Availability for occasional evening and weekend work.
• Commitment to equity, particularly racial equity, with a willingness to learn about it and integrate it into all aspects of the work.
• Respect for the dignity and abilities of all people.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Familiarity with higher education and current issues in academia.
• Experience working with media relations teams.
• Videography and other digital storytelling skills.
• Proficiency in PR software and media monitoring tools.

Accountabilities:

• Responsible for own work.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Conditions:

Sedentary work primarily involving sitting/standing; communicating with others to exchange information; repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers; and assessing the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned. No adverse environmental conditions expected.

Note: This position profile identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for performance. It cannot encompass all specific job tasks that an employee may be required to perform. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform job-related duties as may be reasonably assigned by the employee's supervisor.

To help provide a safe learning and living community, Wake Forest University conducts background investigations and drug screens for all final candidates being considered for employment.

Wake Forest seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce and encourages qualified candidates across all group demographics to apply.

Wake Forest University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in employment for individuals with disabilities.

Additional Job Description

In University Advancement, we believe in equity, not just equality. We understand that in order to develop a fully engaged constituency; individuals must receive equitable treatment instead of equal treatment. Establishing equality means treating everyone the same. Equity necessitates transforming our community to meet the needs, interests and cultural norms of our University Advancement staff.

Authentic and transparent engagement and collaboration from all groups and individuals is at the foundation of University Advancement at Wake Forest University. We aspire to be an exemplar for belonging and inclusion where personal and team achievements are realized and celebrated. University Advancement approaches each moment with sincere gratitude, deep and abiding respect, unwavering optimism, profound humbleness, and an eye to learn something new. Our yesterday has shaped us, our today molds us, and together, our tomorrow at University Advancement and Wake Forest University creates an opportunity for aspirations and inspiration for all generations.

Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet all requirements listed in the job description. In University Advancement at Wake Forest University, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace. If this role appeals to you, but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification on the job description, we encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Time Type Requirement

This position profile identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for performance. It cannot encompass all specific job tasks that an employee may be required to perform. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform job-related duties as may be reasonably assigned by his/her supervisor.

In order to provide a safe and productive learning and living community, Wake Forest University conducts background investigations and drug screens for all final staff candidates being considered for employment.

WakeForestseeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce while promoting an inclusive work environment committed to excellence in the spirit of Pro Humanitate.In adherence with applicable laws and as provided by University policies, the University prohibits discrimination in its employment practices on thebasis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, disability and veteran statusandencourages qualified candidates across all group demographics to apply.