Director, Communications

Director, Communications

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics. All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

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.

Position Title  | Director, Communications
Position Type  | Regular
Job Number  | SA66124
Full or Part Time  | full-time 40 hours weekly
Fair Labor Standard Act Classification  | Exempt
Anticipated Pay Range  | $125,000 - $135,000

Pay Range Information  | Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate’s qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.

 Position Summary Information 

Job Description Summary  | The Director of Communications in Strategic Marketing and Communications (SMC) will support the development of strategic communications plans and materials for internal and external audiences. The role will serve as a support to SMC communications leadership in building a strong strategic and operational communications program/culture, in promoting internal and external reputation, and in strategizing and communicating in times of issues and crisis.The position will collaborate heavily with key institutional areas across the university and with cross-functional SMC colleagues. In particular, this role will be a relationship owner/liaison to specific areas within the university that require communications strategy and planning (e.g., university operations, etc.).This position is located at Chapman’s Orange Campus and is expected to be in the office a minimum of 3-5 days per week and on site for any issue, crisis, or special event as directed and regardless of day of the week or time of the day.

Responsibilities  | Serve as a key communications strategist and relationship owner. Serve as a portfolio and relationship owner in advising key university departments and leaders on communications strategies, creating annual communications plans, and developing and executing compelling internal communications campaigns and materials. Support the department’s communications leadership in developing executive communications, including plans, messages, remarks, and presentations, as appropriate. Write university-wide communications as needed and directed. Help to support institution-wide events, as directed. 

Proactive media relations support:Work with SMC leadership and the Director of Strategic Communications/PR in developing and executing public relations strategies that position the university well and tell its institutional story and impact. Help to develop a strong institutional position in the press and significantly raise the university’s visibility in Orange County, California, and in the U.S. Develop customized pitches that showcase Chapman’s differentiators (in alignment with its Strategic Plan) and identify appropriate local and national media targets; develop story angles and customized pitches to media targets to secure placements. Service and thoroughly vet incoming media requests; prepare evaluations, proposals, briefing sheets, talking points, etc.; coordinate interview logistics and staff media interviews; and analyze and report on coverage. Help maintain detailed and customized media lists. In coordination with SMC leadership, the Director of Strategic Communications/PR, and other colleagues to help execute a media relations content and editorial calendar (in concert with marketing, content, and social media teams) that helps advance the university’s reputation and, importantly, its enrollment goals and priorities. Track and archive earned media coverage; monitor progress against goals; develop and maintain regular reports and analytics dashboards.
Issues and crisis communications: Collaborate with SMC leadership, the Director of Strategic Communications/PR, and university-wide partners to help manage crisis communications and other unexpected communication challenges with professionalism and quality judgment. Monitor and prepare coverage/sentiment reports as needed.
Content production and support: Publish and distribute news stories/news releases in the Chapman News hub, Chapman publications, and on other platforms, as applicable. Write and edit content for marketing and communications campaign assets, as needed. Provide marcomm support as needed and directed.

Other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications  | Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education. A communications or related degree is preferred. At least 5-7 years’ professional experience in strategic communications, marketing, journalism, and/or public relations, which includes developing successful internal and external communications, building integrated communications strategies, and handling issues management. Understanding internal communications best practices and tools is essential. Experience working in a complex organization. Experience in executive-level communications. Experience in developing communication plans and crisis communication plans. Direct experience supporting public relations for a CEO, President, or Chancellor. Experience advising/working with an organizational governing board or board of directors and experience working with donors and other VIPs. Demonstrated strong writing skills. Expertise in media relations database, distribution, monitoring and analysis software, and social listening tools, including Cision/Muck Rack and EurekAlert! Connections and media relations strength with press and influencers. Experience with online publishing tools and content management systems (e.g., WordPress, etc.). Ability to consider multiple audiences, sometimes with competing interests, as well as collaboration skills, including the ability to work and communicate with others from different areas and backgrounds to reach a common goal.

Desired Qualifications  | Knowledge of paid/earned/owned strategies and institutional brands. Experience managing teams and initiatives. Team building skills, including the ability to train and coach others, communicate effectively, manage conflict, recognize good behavior, and establish and maintain accountability. Experience working in higher education and/or the nonprofit sector. Some knowledge of the California media market.

Special Instructions to Applicants  | Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics. All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

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.
Minimum Number of References  |
Maximum Number of References  | 

Pre-screening Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

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© 2019 CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY

Contact Us
Office of Human Resources
One University Drive
Orange, California 92866
TalentServices@chapman.edu
 
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.