Director of Public Relations and Communication

The University of Pikeville (UPIKE), the Leading University in Central Appalachia, is currently seeking applicants for its Director of Public Relations and Communication. This key leadership role on-campus sets and guides the strategy for all marketing, digital communications, website development, and public relations strategies. The Director of Public Relations and Communications is responsible for planning and managing all communications messaging and activities and building external relationships with University of Pikeville stakeholders. The Director will work with senior colleagues within the organization on a variety of strategic initiatives and collateral to support the university's mission.

Responsibilities:

1. Supervise an effective public relations team of approximately five (5) professionals, with the capacity to execute the strategy in a consistent, unified, effective manner.
2. Maintain effective administrative systems to ensure that accurate and attractive content is captured, developed, and presented consistently and efficiently using channels that will have maximum impact for each unit.
3. Lead University communications accounts and activities and set strategy for University marketing and communications.
4. Oversees the development and execution of public affairs, marketing, digital communications, website development, social media, and other communications strategies and programs to increase the visibility of the people and programs of the University.
5. Collaborate with faculty to implement outreach strategies in support of their respective academic activities.
6. Support production of the alumni/advancement magazine targeted efforts focused on alumni relations.
7. Advise key University leaders on current and potential public relations, marketing, and communication issues; recommend an effective course of action.

Relationships: 

Position requires daily contact with students, faculty, staff, and alumni in order to advance the mission of the University of Pikeville. These relationships are conducted through e-mail, telephone, written mail, person-to-person contact, and media relations.

Education and Experience:

• A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, and/or related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in Public Relations, Marketing, Communications, or a related field.
• Ability to communicate and develop relationships/partnerships within the University and surrounding community.
• Experience managing budgets and personnel.
• Experienced in developing crisis communications or strategies.
• Ability to be detail oriented with excellent time management and organizational skills in order to develop priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with various co-workers.
• Alignment with the University of Pikeville mission.
• Ability to embrace diversity to best serve a growing higher education community.
• Ability to foster excellence and innovation.
• A history of demonstrating strong character and outstanding integrity.

The University of Pikeville offers a competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. UPIKE offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, telemedicine, long-term disability, tuition waivers, a 403(b)-retirement plan, and HSA, FSA, & dependent care accounts. UPIKE also offers a generous holiday schedule and paid leave program.

Important Notes: Resume and other application materials will be reviewed to determine if you meet the required qualifications for the position. If it is determined that you meet the required qualifications, your application materials will be used to identify a top group of the most highly qualified candidates. Please, specifically address the qualifications, competencies and desired qualifications in your resume and application materials.

The University of Pikeville is committed to providing a safe and productive learning, living and working community. To achieve this goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history.

The University of Pikeville is an equal opportunity employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. The University of Pikeville does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age or disabilities in its programs, activities, hiring, or the admission of students.

For more information about the University of Pikeville, please visit http://www.upike.edu. Interested applicants should complete the online application by visiting http://jobs.upike.edu. In addition to the application, interested applicants are requested to attach to their application a letter of interest, current resume, and the contact information for three to five professional references.