Associate Director of News and Media Relations

Note for Current UM Employees

Current employees must apply internally via ConnectU > connectu.olemiss.edu

The University of Mississippi

"The University of Mississippi — fondly referred to as Ole Miss — stands as a premier public research institution with a proud legacy of academic distinction. We are devoted to nurturing a vibrant, inclusive community where every member — student, faculty, and staff — can achieve their fullest potential.”

Department Summary

University Marketing & Communications is a community of passionate storytellers and creative professionals driven to capture, share and distribute the enduring experiences created on our campuses every day. We strive to align, engage, inspire, and connect the University of Mississippi with all stakeholders who know or seek to know Ole Miss.

We collaborate with campus partners to leverage all forms of digital and traditional media to disseminate stories that:
● Demonstrate how a University of Mississippi education builds leaders and prepares its graduates to pursue fulfilling lives and careers of the future;
● Promote how the University of Mississippi cultivates a better quality of life for Mississippi and beyond as a force for innovation, discovery, and economic development;
● Showcase the university’s academic rigor, vibrant student life and campus community, intimate learning environment, robust research, and network of connections that enrich the lives of its alumni for a lifetime; and,
● Project the University of Mississippi brand in ways that emphasize the distinctive elements of our culture, sense of community, quality of life, engagement and affinity among our students, employees, alumni, and the broader university community.

Role Specifications

Below you will find classification and compensation information.  For additional details behind the University of Mississippi classification system please visit Human Resource Compensation Page

Family -  Communications and Marketing

Sub-Family - Communications

Career Track / Level - M2

Grade - 11

Role Summary

Manage, conceive, research, write, and edit publications, articles, proposals, speeches, promotional material, news, and digital content. Manage, coordinate and provide specialized support for writing and editing efforts such as proofreading, citation checking, or quality control of content.

This position participates in the implementation of communication strategies and efforts to raise public awareness of, understanding of, and appreciation for The University of Mississippi and/or departmental interests. The incumbent contributes to the production and dissemination of information to internal and external audiences.

Examples of Work Performed

• This position participates in the implementation of communication strategies and efforts to raise public awareness of, understanding of, and appreciation for The University of Mississippi and/or departmental interests. The incumbent contributes to the production and dissemination of information to internal and external audiences.
• Lead and manage a team of communications specialists to ensure the timely and strategic creation and distribution of university news.  
• Collaborate closely with the director and assistant director to review news releases and develop distribution plans that capture the attention of targeted reporters and outlets.  
• Develop and implement comprehensive media relations strategies and activities that highlight and promote the achievements of the university, faculty, students and staff.  
• Work with the director to respond to media requests in a timely manner, often under strict deadlines. 
• Coordinate and facilitate media interviews with faculty, staff, students, and administrators, including providing media interview training, interview prep and in-person support.   
• Maintain and update a list of subject matter experts to assist reporters in localizing breaking news stories and to elevate the university's academic and research priorities. 
• Cultivate mutually beneficial and trusting relationships with strategic members of the media. 
• Prepare and distribute compelling media advisories, press releases, and story pitches that generate interest in the university and its community. 
• Monitor and analyze media coverage to assess the effectiveness of media relations strategies and adjust plans accordingly. 

Essential Functions

These essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following.  Additional essential functions may be identified and included by the hiring department.

1. Manages staff and administers the day-to-day operations.
2. Develops and implements strategic initiatives to reach internal and external audiences.
3. Prepares, rewrites, and edits copy to improve readability and resolves errors in spelling, punctuation, and syntax.
4. Develops and schedules staff operational work plans and enforces deadlines.
5. Monitors the unit or program budget and approves unit expenditures.

Minimum Education/Experience

Education: Bachelor's Degree

Experience:  (3) Three Years Experience including Supervisory Experience

Preferred Qualifications

Experience: 
Five years of professional news reporting, broadcast journalism or public relations experience, supported by a portfolio of writing and published/broadcast samples. 
 

EEO Statement

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and affirmative action and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information.

Minimum Physical Requirements

Physical Requirements:  These physical requirements are not exhaustive, and additional job-related physical requirements may be added to these by individual agencies on an as needed basis. 

Corrective devices may be used to meet physical requirements.

Physical Exertion:  The incumbent may be required to lift up to approximately 10 pounds.

Vision:  Requirements of this job include close vision. Speaking/Hearing: Ability to give and receive information through speaking and listening.

Motor Coordination:  While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is frequently required to talk and hear; and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The incumbent is periodically required to sit. The incumbent is occasionally required to stand; walk; and reach with hands and arms

Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

Background Check Statement

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.