Director of Media Relations and Public Affairs

Essential Duties

• Works with the university’s chief marketing and communications officer and senior director of marketing and communications to develop comprehensive strategies and messaging to effectively protect and promote the image, brand and reputation of the university.
• Serves as the primary spokesperson for Mizzou and UM System, responding promptly to media inquiries and sharing information proactively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Provides strategic counsel to Mizzou and UM System leaders, and colleagues from across the division and campus.
• Establishes and maintains strong working relationships with local, state and national media, and leverages those connections to ensure accurate coverage and high-profile placements for the university in line with its strategic priorities.
• Maintains a communications strategy and plan to effectively communicate important safety messages to the university community.
• Works closely with the MUPD chief and members of the Emergency Management team.
• Prepares for and manages Mizzou and UM System press conferences.
• Manages and leads training in the university’s crisis communications plan.
• Manages MU Alert and media inquiries in the event of a crisis.
• Manages and tracks media coverage of the university and UM System in coordination with the managing editor of Show Me Mizzou.
• Manages the three-person Media Relations and Public Affairs team and the related on-call schedule.
• Develops and monitors an annual budget related to the goals and operational needs of the Media Relations and Public Affairs team.
• Assumes other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Shift

This is an exempt position expected to fulfill job responsibilities as required to meet business needs, rather than a set hourly schedule. While the role typically operates during standard business hours, the incumbent must maintain flexibility and be available outside those hours, including evenings and weekends, to address urgent or time-sensitive matters. This includes being reachable and responsive during crisis situations, such as media inquiries, where immediate coordination and action are required.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 6 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.
• A minimum of 10 years of leading and managing communications, preferably in the higher education sector.
• A bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing or a related field, or its equivalent.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as excellent editing skills.
• Experience and confidence in public speaking and on-camera interviews.
• Experience in crisis communications and working under pressure in crisis situations. Ability to horizon scan and proactively advise university leaders on emerging issues and develop appropriate risk mitigation strategies, including holding statements.
• Experience writing communications that represent organizations and organizational leaders.
• Experience supervising a team of employees to accomplish strategic objectives.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks or projects in a fast-moving environment while meeting assigned deadlines.
• Possess a high level of discretion, integrity, accuracy and decision-making ability.
• Experience collaborating in a large organization.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills, and the ability to take initiative.
• Excellent interpersonal, teamwork, problem-solving, time management, project management and presentation skills.

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary Range: $120,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year
Grade: GGS 013
University Title: Director I Strategic Communications

Application Materials

University application with a resume, cover letter and three writing samples materials

Community Information

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours’ drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County’s largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.