Director of Institutional Communication

Daemen University is a dynamic, independent, liberal arts institution committed to excellence in student centered learning. The University places special emphasis on preparing students for excellence in professional life, civic engagement, and on instilling and understanding that learning is an exciting lifelong journey. Students are encouraged to be creative, innovative, ethically minded leaders for an ever-changing, diverse, and interconnected world.

The Mission of Daemen University is to prepare students for life and leadership in an increasingly diverse and complex world through the integration of education and professional preparation. Daemen University is going beyond instrumental needs to foster the development of individuals who are dedicated to the health and well-being of local and global communities.

Purpose of Role

The Director of Institutional Communication is responsible for managing the University's strategic communication and public relations efforts using all available media and platforms. The Director reports directly to the Vice President for Enrollment Management with a dotted line report to the President and a close working relationship with their cabinet. The Director is a part of the University's Emergency Response Team (ERT) and serves as the Public Information Office (PIO) for all crises.

About This Opportunity

Joining our Marketing and Communication team, the Director of Institutional Communication will be responsible for the following:

• Work with colleagues to develop and implement a strategic media plan for the University.
• Serve as Editor-in-Chief of the University's magazine, Daemen Today.
• Serve as Editor-in-Chief of the University's weekly electronic newsletter, the Daemen Voice.
• Coordinate crisis communications to internal, external, and media outlets in coordination with the structure outlined in the Emergency Response Plan.
• Collaborate with Executive Director of Web Communications, Enrollment Management, Director of Multimedia and Digital Strategy, and Athletics Communication Director to systematize and make efficient and effective the media efforts for the University.
• Compose and/or edit news and feature articles, press releases, media pitches, advertising and marketing copy, formal speeches, and other types of communication as appropriate for disseminating information about the University to a broad spectrum of audiences.
• Attend all high-level institutional events and key ancillary events both inside and outside of normal working hours, ensuring a strong presence and visibility.
• Attend key faculty meetings, President's Leadership Advisory Council group meetings, and set up ongoing touch base meetings with the Office of the President and all Cabinet members.
• Serve as trusted counsel on main college publications, help manage and execute press and special events, and other related initiatives as necessary.
• Create and cultivate relationships with journalists, editors, and other media personnel in both print and electronic media.
• Develop and maintain a database of regional, statewide, and national media contacts.
• Pitch and place stories with media outlets, including blogs and other digital and emerging media formats, with a special emphasis on statewide and national media.
• Respond in a timely and appropriate fashion to media requests for information.
• Employ video, social media, and other types of mixed media to promote the University.
• Proactively solicit from faculty, staff, and students' material for news and feature stories that promote the University's academic excellence.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (minimum) in journalism, communication, public relations, English or related field
• Minimum of five (5) years' experience in journalism, public relations or a related field
• Superior writing, proofreading, public speaking and verbal communications skills
• Proven ability to work successfully in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects and strict deadlines simultaneously
• The ability to serve as a strong, outward facing representative of Daemen University
• Experience in writing in a wide variety of formats and platforms for a variety of audiences
• Proven success in placing stories in the media (national media preferred)
• Familiarity with digital and new media formats and the influence of current events and pop culture on both higher education and public relations

For consideration, please complete the application and submit letter of interest, resume, and references. Review of applicants begins immediately, with priority given to applications received by August 16, 2024.

General Physical Requirements

Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Total Compensation

Daemen University offers a robust total compensation package that includes:

• Health insurance with an option of two plans: an HSA plan with the deductible funded by employer HSA contributions, or a copay plan.
• Dental insurance through the Guardian network.
• Vision insurance through the Guardian network, and an option between the VSP or Davis plans.
• An 8% employer contribution to the retirement savings account when employees contribute just 5%.
• Fully paid long term disability insurance, guaranteed-issue life insurance for new hires up to a volume of $150,000.
• Tuition waiver for full-time employees and their qualified dependents. Entrance in Tuition Exchange scholarship opportunities to pursue education at other institutions.
• Generous time off for administrative and staff employees.

Daemen University strongly encourages all campus community members to get vaccinated for COVID-19, including a booster vaccine.