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Title: Director, Media Relations and Strategic Communications
Division Name: Presidential
Department: Office of Media Relations
Campus Location: Normal, IL

Job Summary

Illinois State University is seeking it next director of media relations to lead the Office of Media Relations and provide management and execution of media relations activities that build, sustain, and protect the University’s reputation. The director develops relationships and works closely with local, regional, state and national media and serves as the primary point of contact for media outlets. Additionally, the director serves as the University spokesperson; works closely with University leadership and staff to plan, develop, and carry out strategic communication efforts aimed at internal and external audiences including speech writing; works with campus partners to anticipate and develop crisis communications and incident management efforts; prepares comments, scripts, and talking points for top administrators; and provides media coaching and assistance for administrators, faculty, and staff.

Benefit Highlights:

Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
Retirement and supplemental retirement
Tuition waiver benefits
Paid vacation (24 days a year) and sick time (12 days a year)
Paid holiday/administrative closures (https://vpfp.illinoisstate.edu/calendar/#2024)
For more University Benefit information: https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/

Salary Rate / Pay Rate

$125,000 - $140,000 combined with an excellent benefits package

Required Qualifications

Baccalaureate degree in journalism, communications, broadcasting, public relations, marketing, digital media, liberal arts, or related fields AND seven (7) years of experience in journalism, communications, broadcasting, public relations, marketing, digital media, or media relations fields

OR

Master’s degree in in journalism, communications, broadcasting, public relations, marketing, digital media, liberal arts, or related fields AND five (5) years of experience in journalism, communications, broadcasting, public relations, marketing, digital media, or media relations fields

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree, knowledge and understanding of issues impacting higher education and a strong background in strategic communications. Digitally fluent and possesses a strong understanding of the complex media landscape. Experience guiding, directing and motivating team members.

Functional Expectations

Must be able to complete the following with or without a reasonable accommodation:
1. Remain at a workstation for extended periods
2. Move about in various locations on and off campus as needed to complete day-to-day work
3. Effectively communicate on a daily basis

Required Applicant Documents

Resume, cover letter, reference list

Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

Special Instructions for Applicants

Application review will begin on November 9, 2023, and continue until the position is filled.

Contact Information for Applicants

Lisa Mason
lmmason@ilstu.edu

Important Information for Applicants

This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.

If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311.