| Position Type: Administrator Job Number: 206 Full or Part Time: Full Time Employee Status: Regular Job Description Summary: Working alongside the Assistant Vice President of Communications, the Director of Public Relations will assist in the leadership and direction of the department. The Director of Public Relations will become a significant contributor to executing the University's national reputation strategy and will be a driving force behind communicating the Chapman University story strongly and effectively. Working closely with the University's administrative team and other internal stakeholders, the Director of Public Relations will ensure that the direction of Chapman’s public relations efforts best represents the University’s vision, mission, purpose and values while promoting our unique position within higher education. The Director of Public Relations will help share the Chapman Experience to a national audience. In conjunction with the Director of Strategic Content, the Director of Public Relations will develop and implement an integrated PR strategy that supports Chapman University’s brand and strategic university objectives. This role requires exemplary public relations skills (writing, pitching, currency with news media, and knowledge of higher education) and an ability to cultivate media relationships. Additionally, the Director of Public Relations must connect the programs, research and faculty expertise of Chapman University to the cultural conversation. Also, in the area of crisis communication/issues management, the Director of Public Relations will support the Vice President of Strategic Marketing & Communications who serves as the University spokesperson. The position includes supervision of public relations personnel, as well as definition of procedures and priorities to be implemented by the staff. The director is responsible for a variety of other projects (i.e., press events, media training, and presentations to faculty) as assigned by the AVP. Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in related field. At least five year of experience in public relations theory and practice, including public relations strategy and planning, crisis management and media relations. Measurable success in working with media, including writing and disseminating news releases and all types of owned media, as well as developing media relations strategies. A demonstrated track record of media contacts and relationships, with a keen understanding of producer/editor decision-making processes. Leadership and management experience. Strong competency in building, leading and influencing teams. Currency with media monitoring technology and media analytics. Technical skills to learn and use enterprise systems and departmental tools. Ability to work efficiently and effectively under deadlines. Strong written and verbal communications skills. Ability to use tact and diplomacy and work with confidential information. Must be able to multitask and juggle multiple projects simultaneously. Strategic thinking with the ability to make recommendations based on understanding of synthesized analytics. Strong communications skills to proof read and write grammatically correct content for publishing. Strong interpersonal skills to work with diversity individuals at all levels both within and out of the University. Ability to learn and interpret university and department policies and procedures. Desired Qualifications: MA degree preferred. Knowledge of higher education. Special Instructions: Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Chapman University does not sponsor applicants for Staff and Administrator positions for work visas. The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening, and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate. | 
