Pacific University achieves excellence and distinction by investing in exceptional people to think, care, create, and pursue justice in our world. We embrace discovery in a close nurturing environment that leads to genuine transformation. Our community is diverse, sustainable, and dedicated to discovery and excellence in teaching, scholarship and practice.

At Pacific University we thrive in an extraordinary environment, surrounded by the beauty of the great Pacific Northwest, with campus locations in Forest Grove, Hillsboro, Eugene, and Woodburn. We humbly acknowledge and thank the original caretakers of the lands on which we live, work, teach, acquire and share knowledge.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION:

The Associate Director of Communications is the lead writer, editor and media liaison in the Office of Marketing & Communications. They will develop high-quality written storytelling for print and online publications and will serve as university spokesperson and professional media liaison. The Associate Director of Communications will develop a deep knowledge of Pacific University and will strategically leverage that knowledge to support the brand management, marketing and promotion of Pacific University as a high-quality undergraduate and graduate institution devoted to inspiring students to think, care, create, and pursue justice.

Salary: Approximately $70,000/year

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Approaches storytelling and media relations in a way that is honest, authentic, accessible and supportive of equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Plans, develops, researches and writes news, feature and profile pieces for a variety of platforms and publications in support of student recruitment and retention, as well as alumni, donor and community engagement.
• Conducts background research and interviews subject-matter experts, as well as students, professors, donors, and other individuals. Crafts engaging journalistic and feature style written stories for the web, print, email and/or marketing collateral.
• Collaborates with colleagues to create and work to a multichannel, multiplatform editorial calendar that includes print, online, multimedia, email, social media, and traditional media. Works closely with other content creators, including writers and photographer/videographers to create cohesive content.
• Serves as spokesperson and media relations liaison for Pacific University. Develops a network of media contacts, monitors/evaluates media coverage, and leverages content for optimum visibility and positive brand recognition.
• Maintains a faculty expert database, proactively positions Pacific University and its people as experts and thought leaders, pitches earned media content, and responds to media inquiries.
• Manages priorities, resources and projects to leverage assets.

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS

• Writes and copy edits content for marketing collateral, such as brochures, fliers, event materials, advertisements, social media and email, as needed.
• Collaborates with emergency management and crisis communication teams, providing an external communication lens to university emergency plans.
• Issues emergency notifications as needed, including inclement weather notifications or other crisis communications.
• Backs up colleagues in the creation, approval and distribution of mass emails, web content approvals, and social media monitoring as needed.
• Proactively offers new ideas, creativity, and resources to meet the changing needs of the Pacific University audience(s).
• Works collaboratively to create and implement the Marketing & Communications strategic plan.
• Monitors and participates in relevant listservs, publications and professional groups to maintain a strong knowledge of developments in the fields of marketing and communications, higher education, and media trends.
• Is an active participant in the university community, following all policies and procedures, keeping current on university news and events, and assisting with signature events and initiatives.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

JOB SCOPE

Uses writing, marketing and editing skills to write, edit and pitch stories across all channels in support of the Pacific University brand, student recruitment and retention, alumni engagement, fundraising, and internal communications. Develops intimate knowledge eof Pacific University and builds relationships internally and externally. Performs duties with little direction given, operating from established directions and instructions. Decisions are made within general university policy constraints but require independent decision making. Collaborates effectively with colleagues throughout the university.

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITY

May supervise student intern(s).

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, communications, media or a related field
• Experience writing and editing for print and online publications
• Experience in working with professional media
• Strong critical thinking and organizational skills
• Expert knowledge of Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Powerpoint) required
• Experience with content management systems and email marketing systems preferred
• Experience with photography and other multimedia, social media, and digital storytelling helpful
• Ability to manage projects
• Experience in higher education helpful, but not required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES & BEHAVIORS:

• A commitment to advancing diversity, and the ability to work well with diverse constituents, including students, alumni, staff, faculty, parents, volunteers, and friends
• Ability to work in a team environment across multiple departments
• Effectively communicates with colleagues, students, faculty, staff and the public
• Ability to work independently
• Demonstrates critical thinking skills in problem solving and decision making
• Builds on basic learning and carries it from one situation to another
• Able to multitask and meet deadlines
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Provides leadership in his/her area of responsibility
• Ask questions and seeks assistance
• Demonstrates confidentiality regarding information pertaining to all constituents
• Positively represents Pacific University as a high-quality institution of higher education devoted to inspiring students to think, care, create, and pursue justice

WORKING CONDITIONS

• This position is based on Pacific’s Forest Grove Campus but may require occasional travel to other campuses, as well as throughout the Portland Metro Area.
• Hybrid work may be possible, but this position will require frequent presence on Pacific campuses.
• This position may require some evening and weekend work.
• This position is primarily office work.

APPLICATION: Please upload your resume, cover letter and three writing samples.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES:
__Climbing __Balancing __Stooping __Kneeling __Crouching __Crawling __Reaching __Standing __Walking __Pushing __Pulling __Lifting __Fingering __Grasping __Feeling _X_Talking _X_Hearing _X_Repetitive motion

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: _X_Sedentary work __Light work __Medium work __Heavy work __Very Heavy work __Visual acuity

At Pacific University we are dedicated to providing experiences that are authentic, holistic, equity minded, and responsive. We continue to develop our equity practices with a particular focus on racial equity.

For qualifying employees, our benefits include generous paid time off for vacation, holidays (including winter break) and sick leave. We offer medical coverage with alternative care (in-network services covered at 100% after payroll deduction), comprehensive dental, vision plans, 9% contribution to retirement after one year of service with no match required, free mental health appointments, and tuition remission for employees and their dependents. We cover employer paid life, short term disability, and long term disability insurance. On campus benefits include free access to our sports facility and library, with discounts on campus food, bookstore purchases, clinic services, and gear rentals through our outdoor program (kayaks, snow shoes, bikes and more).

Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Studies have shown that candidates that are female and/or BIPOC are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet all of the qualifications they find in the job description. We are seeking the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be a person who comes from a less traditional background. We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every minimum qualification described or are unsure if your experience could be considered related experience.

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY

It is the policy of Pacific University not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, religion or religious creed, disability, sex or gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, military, veteran or Vietnam Era status, or any other protected classification recognized by applicable law, in admission, access to, or treatment in employment, educational programs or activities as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, or any other applicable state or federal law, or city ordinance. Questions or complaints may be directed to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, 2043 College Way, Forest Grove, OR 97116, provost@pacificu.edu.

Application materials will be screened and interview candidates will be selected and notified by telephone. The hiring process normally consists of several interviews and can last several weeks depending on the position. All applicants will be notified once the position is filled. Employment is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States.