Career Center

Communications and College Relations Director

Job ID

Location

Lehman College

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

POSITION DETAILS

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Communications and Marketing, the Director of Communications will design and implement an aggressive communications program that supports Lehman College???s strategic objectives and advances Lehman College???s mission. The Director will also serve as College spokesperson as needed.

Responsibilities include:

• Develops an overall media outreach plan for the College to promote key initiatives, special events, and fundraising news. Determines media strategy and enhances approach in response to outcomes.
• Works with the Provost???s Office, deans, and departmental chairs to develop newsworthy items for media promotion and to establish a list of experts for media pitches in response to breaking news.
• Serves as media advisor to college administrative and faculty leadership. Provides media training and briefings to college personnel as needed.
• Experience managing media relations on sensitive issues and/or crisis situations
• Develops and manages overall digital content strategy for the College, including internal and external communications, social media, e-newsletters, and other digital communications
• Collaborates with the Division of information Technology on website development projects
• Collaborates with the College???s Multimedia Center on the development and use of photography, video, and related multimedia resources
• Designs and implements systems that actively measure, manage, optimize and communicate the performance of the content issued by the College against the its operational objectives and strategies
• Researches, writes, edits and proofreads news releases, media advisories, op-eds, statements, blog posts and other communications vehicles as needed
• Writes statements and talking points
• Working with the AVP, develops an overall media outreach plan for the College to promote key initiatives, special events, and fundraising news
• Works with the President???s Office, Provost???s Office, deans, and departmental chairs to develop newsworthy items for media promotion and to establish a list of experts for media pitches in response to breaking news
• Supervises Communications staff
• Serves as liaison to CUNY media relations team

Lehman College, of The City University of New York, ranks among the top five institutions in the nation for fostering social mobility. A four-year Hispanic-Serving Institution in the Bronx, Lehman offers bachelor???s, master???s, and advanced degrees and certificate programs in the Liberal Arts, sciences, and professions. The College???s community-driven mission and notable academic programs attract a diverse, international enrollment of over 15,000 students who take courses on its 37-acre, tree-lined campus and online degree programs. Many thousands more community members benefit yearly from its active cultural, educational, health, and economic outreach programs and services.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree and eight years' related experience required; bachelor???s degree or higher in communications, public relations, journalism or related subject preferred; eight years of progressive experience in media relations preferred
• Knowledge of AP style
• Strong leadership skills, ability to take initiative, exercise sound judgment, and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment; required to work independently, multitask and manage multiple projects and situations simultaneously and with diplomacy
• Excellent verbal, written, listening, editing and presentation skills with proven success placing stories in top-tier outlets
• The ability to communicate in writing is an important job-related competency.

Candidates will be required to provide proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 upon commencing employment. Exemption (medical or religious) requests to this requirement will be considered in accordance with applicable law. Being fully vaccinated is defined for this purpose as being at least two weeks past their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen. Final candidates must be fully vaccinated as of their first day of employment.

CUNY TITLE OVERVIEW

Directs College communications and public relations efforts.

• Establishes goals consistent with the College mission and works collaboratively with senior management to develop short- and long-range plans to further College outreach
• Develops and maintains comprehensive press, public relations, and internal communications strategies
• Represents the College to a variety of external and community organizations, establishing good working relationships and two-way communications on areas of common interest
• Oversees College web site and other major communications vehicles, such as publications
• Plans, organizes, and implements special events including conferences, receptions, and informational programs
• Develops and implements campaigns to foster awareness of College activities and initiatives
• Researches and develops speeches and other critical communications by senior management
• Maintains media relationships and serves as spokesperson representing the College
• Identifies and leverages opportunities to promote the visibility and reputation of the College.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Job Title Name: Communications and College Relations Director

CUNY TITLE

Higher Education Officer

FLSA

Exempt

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

$82,233-$122,212

Salary commensurate with education and experience.

CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development. We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off. Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world.

HOW TO APPLY

Visit www.cuny.edu, access the employment page, log in or create a new user account, and search for this vacancy using the Job ID or Title. Select "Apply Now" and provide the requested information.

Candidates must attach a resume, cover letter, and three professional references (name, title, organization, and contact information).

All candidates will draft a writing sample as part of the interview process to demonstrate their ability to write memos and letters that are grammatically correct and express information clearly.

CLOSING DATE

June 4, 2022

JOB SEARCH CATEGORY

CUNY Job Posting: Managerial/Professional

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply. At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our protected groups. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.