Thank you for considering Roger Williams University in your search.

About Roger Williams University:
Roger Williams University, located on the coast of Bristol, RI, is a forward-thinking private university with 45 undergraduate majors and more than a dozen graduate programs spanning the liberal arts and the professions, where students become community-minded citizens through project-based, experiential learning. With small classes, direct access to faculty and boundless opportunities for real-world projects, RWU students develop the ability to think critically while simultaneously building the practical skills that today's employers demand. In the three years since launching its signature Affordable Excellence initiative, the University has established itself as a leader in American higher education by confronting the most pressing issues facing students and families - increasing costs that limit access to college, rising debt and the job readiness of graduates. In addition to its 4,000 undergraduates, RWU is home to a thriving School of Continuing Studies based in Providence as well as Rhode Island's only law school.

Roger Williams University is committed to creating and supporting an intellectual community devoted to teaching and learning and providing the opportunity for personal and intellectual growth for students, faculty and staff. The University credits much of its growth and success to the hard work and dedication of its employees.

Who We Are:
In the fall of 2014, Roger Williams University embarked on the Vision Project, an ambitious, campus-wide undertaking to articulate a roadmap for the future of the University. With more than twenty committees comprising faculty, staff, students, and trustees -- along with input from an array of voices from the external community -- a new Core Purpose, a set of Core Values, and a University Goal were authored collectively and adopted unanimously by the Board of Trustees in the summer of 2015. (The details of the Vision Project are on our website: http://rwu.edu/about/who-we-are.)

A university must tell its story differently these days. It no longer suffices simply to generate news releases and pretty pictures. Universities can no long assume that reporters will show up on campus, because there are fewer reporters in the field. The news business has changed. Universities must tell their own stories, and connect directly through social media and other digital technologies and platforms.

Job Description:
Under the supervision and direction of the President, the Director of Media and Public Relations will provide key leadership, innovation and direction in creating and executing effective public relations and media strategies to generate awareness, build relationships, and shape behaviors among members of the wide variety of Roger Williams University's external and internal audiences. Under the purview of the President, the director's role will encompass the following areas of focus: presidential communications, media relations, news and publications, institutional and internal communications.

The Director of Media and Public Relations must be a team-focused and creative advisor who mobilizes and collaborates with colleagues in departments charged with telling RWU's stories and cultivating students and donors. S/he will aggressively seek out emerging opportunities -- in the classrooms, across our campuses, and in the community, and with elected officials as well as develop and execute strategic public relations and media plans that take full advantage of RWU's assets and
opportunities.

Essential functions of this position include but are not limited to:

• Work collaboratively to set priorities, proactively seek out, pitch, and place stories in targeted media outlets using all available, legitimate social media and other platforms.  Create and execute effective local, regional, and national media relations campaigns based on events, initiatives, partnerships, news, and other stories.
• Act as the University spokesperson while providing media training to key leadership personnel.  Field and coordinate responses to inbound media inquiries in a timely manner, calling on expertise from the University, when required.
• Develop and execute strategic public relations plans focused on student and faculty success stories and identified areas of strength in every discipline; oversee reporting outcomes.
• Develop, promote, and oversee RWU Speakers Bureau, ensuring media have ready access to RWU faculty and thought-leaders on emerging stories and trends.
• Monitor broadcast, web, and print media headlines, including higher-ed journals and trends; pitch RWU success stories accordingly.  Anticipate PR needs and opportunities, keep teams and leadership informed of PR trends, and recommend next steps.
• Forge strong relationships with on-campus administrative and academic departments to identify stories for external audiences.
• Measure and report on efforts driving innovation, collaboration, and creativity and represent the University on relevant community-based and/or public policy organizations.
• Engage in regular proactive outreach with civic and elected leaders, key community groups, and external agencies.
• Regularly meet with the President and other senior management staff to contribute to the departmental direction.
• Uphold and promote the President's Office mission and priorities within his/her area of responsibility and the University community.

Requirements:
A Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or a related field is required as well as a minimum of seven years of experience in public relations and/or strategic communications with an emphasis on proactive media relations.  Candidates must be able to demonstrate expertise in social media.  To be successful in this position, the chosen candidate must be a strong leader, collaborator, and communicator in building relationships and possess excellent oral and written communication skills.  Exceptional public speaking is a must.  Candidates must have knowledge of the news media and be able to communicate with media representatives; an existing portfolio of national media contacts is a plus.  Candidates must enjoy working with a variety of people and show qualities of being an enthusiastic learner with a passion for creativity, trying new approaches, and leading by positive example.

A Master's degree in journalism, communications, or a related is preferred as well as 8 - 10 years of experience in public relations, journalism, and/or strategic communications, with strong emphasis on proactive media relations on behalf of an organization.  Proficiency in Cision, Vocus, or similar media-monitoring and reporting software is preferred.  Experience and/or familiarity with the functions of higher education is a plus.

At the University's discretion, the education and experience prerequisites may be excepted where the candidate can demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the University, an equivalent combination of education and experience specifically preparing the candidate for success in the position.

Additional Information:
Roger Williams University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer committed to inclusive excellence and encourages applications from underrepresented populations.

For information on our Non-discrimination and Title IX policy, visit: rwu.edu/NDT9

Application Instructions:
Please apply online at http://rwu.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=73924 and attach a resume (including dates of current and past employment), cover letter, and list of three (3) professional references.