Position Title:Director of Public Relations Job Category:Staff Department:Public Relations - 7010640 Division:Advancement Required Documents:Cover Letter, Resume Position Statement:Founded in 2005, Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) is one of 28 institutions within the University System of Georgia. GGC is a premier 21st century liberal arts institution accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Serving nearly 13,000 students, GGC’s innovative practices, caring culture, and extremely affordable tuition are changing the game in higher education and changing the future for students at all levels, of all ages, and from all walks of life. Gwinnett County (pop. 920,000+) is home to a variety of businesses, including organizations involved in health care, education and information technology. Description:

As a leader in the Public Relations area of the Advancement Division, the director develops and executes strategies in support of the college’s communications efforts. The director will be responsible for communications between the organization and various media outlets and external communications in an effort to build the Georgia Gwinnett College brand among key stakeholder audiences.

The director will produce media releases and coordinate media events to build and maintain relationships with media sources and journalists; implement and manage an annual editorial calendar plan to obtain optimum media coverage and support the college’s communications goals; as well as analyze strategies, tactics and results. Responsibilities include writing, reviewing and editing copy of external correspondence, print communications and publications; and content creation, curating and promotion for events.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Serves as the college’s principal point of contact for broadcast, print and online news media. Develops and manages relationships with media partners and key stakeholders across the institution to produce positive and effective communications.
• Oversees the day-to-day operations and functions of the Office of Public Relations and serves as a backup to the associate vice president of communications in his/her absence. Manages multiple concurrent communications projects, including tracking, reporting status, project budgets and measurement of tactics.
• Creates and manages public relations strategy; actively engages, cultivates and manages press relationships to ensure coverage surrounding programs, special events and public announcements; oversees college branding and messaging; provides crisis communications support; and develops and implements annual editorial plans in support of the overall strategy.
• Executes external communications and media relations including writing press releases, researching and writing story ideas, working with external agency, photographers, videographers, etc. as necessary.
• Reviews, revises and proofs all publications for accuracy, clarity, consistency and brand standards.
• Maintains a thorough understanding of state and federal laws and regulations (e.g. sunshine laws) related to Georgia public institutions of higher education.
• Supervises at least three direct reports, the Assistant Director of Media and Publications, Graphic Design Specialist and Marketing Coordinator.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum and Preferred Qualifications:REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing or related field.
• 10+ years of professional experience in the public relations field.
• Demonstrated ability to manage personnel and successfully recruit talent.
• Must have a good attitude and the demonstrated ability to work across departments or divisions.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and be an active listener.
• Relationship building skills; Ability to be the ultimate liaison and relationship builder.
• Versatile writer with an excellent command of the English language and AP writing style.
• Ability to problem solve and evaluate risks.
• Must be reliable, responsible and dependable.
• Must be flexible and open to change in a fast-paced work setting.
• Ability to work comfortably in the Microsoft Office Suite and have experience in a project management system such as Teamwork or Basecamp

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s Degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing or related field.
• 15+ years of professional experience in public relations field. Experience in higher education is ideal.

Position Disclosure:

Due to the volume of applications, applicants may not receive a reply from the College unless an applicant is selected for an interview. Review of applications will continue until positions are filled. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States and proof of eligibility will be contemporaneously required upon acceptance of an employment offer. Any resulting employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation and credit check if applicable to the position, as determined by Georgia Gwinnett College in its sole discretion. Georgia Gwinnett College, a unit of the University System of Georgia, is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability or religion. Georgia is an open records state.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Position requires local travel. Ability to lift and carry files and materials. Ability to move from one office to another office on campus. Adequate vision, hearing and manual dexterity to interact with people in person, on the phone and in writing. Job takes place in normal environmental conditions. This position raises funds for both Georgia Gwinnett College and secondarily for the Georgia Gwinnett College Foundation. Position may require local travel. Ability to lift and carry files and materials. Ability to move from one office to another office on campus. Adequate vision, hearing and manual dexterity to interact with people in person, on the phone and in writing. Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations.

Position Status:Full-Time FLSA:Exempt