Posted On: March 6, 2015
Media-Related Job
Media Organization: Colby College
Company Description
Founded in 1813, Colby is one of America’s most selective colleges. Serving only undergraduates, Colby’s rigorous academic program is rooted in deep exploration of ideas and close interaction with world-class faculty scholars. Students pursue intellectual passions, choosing among 56 majors or developing their own. Independent and collaborative research, study abroad, and internships offer robust opportunities to prepare students for postgraduate success. Colby is home to a community of 1,850 dedicated and diverse students from around the globe. Its Maine location provides easy access to world-class research institutions and civic engagement experiences.
Under the leadership of its new president, David A. Greene, Colby is building on this strong foundation while remaining committed to excellence, to supporting students and faculty at the highest levels, and to the College’s deep liberal arts traditions. This new chapter includes plans for creating innovative academic initiatives and partnerships, strengthening the connections between the liberal arts and the professional world, revitalizing downtown Waterville, and pursuing significant capital projects for performing arts and athletics.
Colby is a private, coeducational liberal arts college that admits students and makes personnel decisions on the basis of the individual's qualifications to contribute to Colby's educational objectives and institutional needs. Colby College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, religion, ancestry or national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, or veteran’s status in employment or in our educational programs. Colby is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and operates in accordance with federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination. For more information about the College, please visit colby.edu.
Job Description
The associate director of communications for media relations is responsible for identifying and writing strategically important stories for Colby’s website, print publications, and the media. As the communications liaison to academic departments and programs, s/he will work closely with key entities throughout campus, including but not limited to the Colby College Museum of Art, the Goldfarb Center for Public Affairs and Civic Engagement, the Center for the Arts and Humanities, the Office of the Provost and Dean of Faculty, and all academic areas to ensure that Colby is effectively telling its story to external audiences. S/he will use traditional approaches (e.g., strategic communications plans, targeted media pitches) as well as innovative ones (e.g., various social media platforms) to get Colby stories and faculty in the spotlight. This person is also responsible for managing incoming media requests, serving as College spokesperson when appropriate, and other projects as needed.
The successful candidate will show an extraordinary degree of self-motivation, a natural tendency toward collaboration, a high level of respect for the kind of learning that happens at liberal arts institutions, and an honest commitment to contributing to make Colby one of the leading colleges in the world.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Create and implement a proactive media relations strategy
• Discover, report, and write stories that convey critical elements of Colby’s academic program
• Identify and pitch key stories to statewide, regional, and national media outlets
• Manage College news; write announcements
• Develop and maintain Colby’s expert database
• Act as liaison between the media and the faculty and Colby community
• Manage and expand hometown news program
• Develop relationships with key education reporters
• Facilitate journalist and special guest visits
• Write editorials
• Collaborate with faculty on writing/editing and placing op-eds
• Manage internal media database and coverage reports
• Oversee Colby in the News web presence
• Identify areas of opportunity and manage media training
• Collaborate with project-specific consultants as needed
• Plan and attend press events
• Attend College lectures and special events
• Consistently read major education publications
• Supervise student editorial assistants
• Oversee other projects as needed
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Five or more years of professional journalism or media relations experience; journalism education and higher education experience preferred
• Superior written and oral communication skills
• Understanding of media relations and placement of stories in media outlets
• Sensitivity to public relations impact of College communications and other College activities
• Ability to present ideas clearly and collaborate with colleagues and constituents
• Outstanding editing skills
• Excellent command of language and grammar; ability to adhere to Colby style guidelines
• Attention to detail and high level of organization
• Ability to thrive under deadlines
• Instinct for identifying undiscovered areas for growth and developing creative solutions
• Deep understanding of and affinity for college environment and Colby’s mission and goals
• Desire to make substantial contributions in a high-functioning, fast-paced environment
• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred
• Strong interpersonal skills with the demonstrated ability to establish and develop productive and collegial relationships, collaborate and communicate with various constituencies (e.g., staff, faculty, students, managers, and visitors)
KEY RELATIONSHIPS:
This position has significant interactions with employees and external media, including faculty, senior staff, deans, directors, supervisors, other members of the campus community and outside constituencies.
PHYSICAL EFFORT/ENVIRONMENT:
Position involves sitting and frequent computer usage involving repetitive hand/wrist motion. Ability to move around campus is crucial.
To Apply
Interested candidates should electronically submit a letter of interest, resume, and the contact information of three professional references to hr@colby.edu and addressed to:
Associate Director of Communications for Media Relations - Search Committee
Office of Human Resources
Colby College
5500 Mayflower Hill
Waterville, ME 04901-8855
A review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.