Director - Communications & Media Relations

Posting Details

Increase your chances of reaching the interview stage by reading the complete job description and applying promptly.

Position Title : Director - Communications & Media Relations

Posting Number : 2024077EP

Classification Title : Dir-Marketing & Creative Services

Working Title : Director - Communications & Media Relations

Classification Code : 1443

RCW Exemption Criteria : 11 - Executive Head

EWU Position Number : E99686

CUPA Code : P-443140 - Director Communications & Media Relations

FLSA : Exempt - Executive

Bargaining Unit : None

Full Time : 100

Salary / Wage Range : AE - 113

Salary Information : The salary for this position is $80,631 (minimum) up to $112,887. Where the hired candidate will begin within this range is dependent on education, experience, and skills.

Anticipated Start Date : As soon as possible

Term of Appointment : 12

Location : Cheney campus

County : Spokane

Background Check : Yes - Both

Responsible HR User : Kenlyn Mackey

Responsible HR User Email Address : [email protected]

Position Details

Job Summary : Eastern Washington University (EWU) is currently seeking skilled and team-oriented applicants for the position of Director of Communications and Media Relations.

This key position, located within the Advancement division and reporting to the Associate Vice President for University Relations, serves as the university’s chief communications and public information officer as well as its primary media relations contact.

The Director plays a crucial role in communicating EWU’s mission, vision, and values, working within an environment that highly values cross-divisional collaboration.

Responsibilities include overseeing community and media relations, managing crisis communications, and developing content across multiple platforms.

The Director also supports various units within the Advancement division and contributes to enhancing visibility and awareness both within the university and throughout the broader community and region.

About Eastern Washington University : Eastern Washington University, a regional, comprehensive public university with an enrollment of over 10,000 students, is one of six state-funded four-year institutions of higher education in Washington.

EWU’s main campus is located in Cheney, a community of 12,000 residents 16 miles southwest of Spokane. Eastern contributes to the vitality of the region and the state through its wide array of bachelor’s and master’s degrees in over 100 fields of study.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, or Journalism required.
• Minimum of ten (10) years writing / editing experience required, preferably with a media or public relations focus.
• Experience writing communications using original or innovative techniques or styles.
• Leadership experience, including mentoring, coaching, and / or developing employees.
• Strong ability to communicate effectively and professionally, both verbally and in writing.
• Strong interpersonal skills required.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret data.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of situations.
• Demonstrated interest, ability and / or experience promoting cultural competency and diversity.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with media tracking programs and analytics.
• Understanding of higher education and / or government.
• Graduate degree.

Job Duties

• Manage all external communications relating to news releases and public relations efforts.
• Serve as primary university spokesperson.
• Oversee the development of proactive public relations initiatives.
• Perform media tracking and provide regular reports to leadership.
• Partner with administration on messaging and communications.
• Foster and maintain constructive relationships with internal staff.
• Build relationships with community partners to enhance EWU’s brand image.
• Supervise issues management and emergency communications.
• Collaborate with key campus constituents as part of Emergency Response Team.
• Support the writing of key speeches and communications for university administrators.
• Manage the production of major external communication pieces.
• Attend all EWU Board of Trustees meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

J-18808-Ljbffr