Michigan State University
Deputy Spokesperson / Senior Communications Manager/S
Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States, 48823
Job postings
Deputy Spokesperson / Senior Communications Manager/S
Back to search results Apply now Job no: 909432
Work type: Support Staff
Pay Grade:15
Major Administrative Unit / College:University Communications
Department:Media And Public Information 40001077
Sub Area:APSA- Pro Supervisory
Salary:Salary Commensurate with Experience
Location: East Lansing
Categories: PR/Media/Graphics/Comm/Fund Raising, Professional Supervisory- APSA, Full Time (90-100%), Union, Remote-Friendly
Working/Functional Title
Deputy Spokesperson
Position Summary
The Senior Communications Manager/Deputy Spokesperson provides leadership to and direction for the issues management and crisis communications team to build trust and confidence in Michigan State University among the public and other primary audiences as well as strengthen understanding of MSU as a place that values and fosters a safe and inclusive community for all. The Deputy Spokesperson serves as the day-to-day spokesperson for a wide variety of issues and topics. This requires continuous coordination with multiple units, individuals and activities across MSU to maintain an advanced level of situational awareness. The Deputy Spokesperson works with the University Spokesperson to develop communications strategy and content to address reputation-threatening issues. In crisis situations, the Deputy Spokesperson is a crucial part of the crisis communications team, serving as the lead for media relations, and is a conduit for accurate and timely information to the campus community, media and public. In issues management, the Deputy Spokesperson is responsible for identifying, analyzing and collaborating in managing complicated issues and developing strategies to ensure the right messages are communicated by the right people to the right audiences both internally and externally at the right time. The Deputy Spokesperson responds to media inquiries involving university incidents, campus executives and other senior administrators; develops communications strategies to advance administrative priorities and initiatives; advises individuals and units regarding media engagement, risk management and effective messaging; provides media training and coaching to units and individuals in preparation for interviews; serves as a point person for agency coordination and develops effective background and briefing materials.
Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities:
Provides strategic communications direction to the issues and crisis communications team
Serves as a primary spokesperson on day-to-day issues for the university and as deputy spokesperson on larger issues; serves as backup to primary university spokesperson
Manages, evaluates inquiries and counsels senior administrators and senior leadership on media inquiries
Leads University Communications team on tracking all FOIA inquiries and coordinates with media on FOIA requests when necessary
Oversees University Communication’s media training program for senior leaders and administrators; advises individuals and units throughout the university on issues communication and media engagement
Investigates public information on issues and crisis for the university. Makes recommendations regarding who should be designated content-area or expert spokespersons. Assists in preparing university employees to engage media or the public
Oversees process to track, evaluate and report key performance metrics for issues-based and proactive administrative stories
Forecasts/monitors emerging issues, legacy issues, ongoing issues and crisis for higher education and the university
Develops proactive communications strategies and content to address reputation-threatening issues and to advance issues-related administrative priorities and initiatives
Creates, monitors, updates and executes emergency and crisis communications activities and contingency plans, serving as University Communications point person on emergency planning duties and execution
Leads as a primary responder in crisis situations, providing accurate and timely information to the university community and media while ensuring MSU’s interests are well represented
Participates in and helps plan emergency drills, plays a key role when university responds to an emergency situation
Develops and provides university statements on timely issues and topics of current and continuing interest to top-level leadership and the university community, alumni, general public and the media
Oversees operation of media communications line and email
Leads coordination with crisis agency support
Leads major administrative announcements in conjunction with campus communicators, including projects related to MSU 2030 Strategic Plan and key leadership initiatives
Unit Specific Education/Experience/Skills
The job requires:
Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in journalism, communications, public relations or related field that prepares the individual to communicate effectively with diverse audiences
Five to eight years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in journalism, marketing, advertising, public relations or related field
Experience leading development of communications strategy and content to address reputation-threatening issues/crisis
Success serving as counsel to senior leaders/executives in difficult situations
Demonstrated media relations and PR skills: ability to build strong working relationships and communicate effectively with members of the media; proven ability to promote messaging and stories
Proven editorial excellence: well-honed ability to quickly gather, organize and summarize critical information under deadline pressure; demonstrated ability to write simply, clearly, and persuasively; excellence in composition and editing
Proven knowledge of Associate Press style, word processing, desktop publishing and Web writing
Demonstrated ability to maintain calm and confidence in high-pressure, fluid situations
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with team members and contacts in fast-paced, demanding environment
Ability to set and meet goals while working both independently and as part of a team
Curiosity about what constitutes and drives news, social media engagement and broader public interest
Track record spotting trends, monitoring for emerging or active issues and “seeing around the corner” to predict what might happen next
Or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Desired Qualifications
The desired candidate will have a minimum of seven years of professional experience in:
Communications strategy and execution in higher education, on political campaigns, or with advocacy organizations, including identifying and managing issues
Understanding and grasp of current events and national conversation around emerging socio-political issues like relationship violence and sexual misconduct, gun safety, free speech, diversity, equity and inclusion, etc.
Quickly understanding, analyzing and recommending courses of action for complex issues and effectively communicating complex ideas
Demonstrated excellence in developing communication plans
Strong news writing ability
Demonstrated experience using various channels, including social media platforms, to support communications strategy
Thorough understanding of higher education roles, functions and issues
Two to three years of related experience providing support and leadership to a team
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Application Materials
Cover Letter
Resume
3 Professional References
Writing Sample
Work Hours
STANDARD 8-5
Website
https://comms.msu.edu/
Remote Work Statement
MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.
Bidding eligibility ends on 11/7/2023 at 11:55 PM
Advertised: Nov 1, 2023 Eastern Daylight Time
Deputy Spokesperson / Senior Communications Manager/S
Back to search results Apply now Job no: 909432
Work type: Support Staff
Pay Grade:15
Major Administrative Unit / College:University Communications
Department:Media And Public Information 40001077
Sub Area:APSA- Pro Supervisory
Salary:Salary Commensurate with Experience
Location: East Lansing
Categories: PR/Media/Graphics/Comm/Fund Raising, Professional Supervisory- APSA, Full Time (90-100%), Union, Remote-Friendly
Working/Functional Title
Deputy Spokesperson
Position Summary
The Senior Communications Manager/Deputy Spokesperson provides leadership to and direction for the issues management and crisis communications team to build trust and confidence in Michigan State University among the public and other primary audiences as well as strengthen understanding of MSU as a place that values and fosters a safe and inclusive community for all. The Deputy Spokesperson serves as the day-to-day spokesperson for a wide variety of issues and topics. This requires continuous coordination with multiple units, individuals and activities across MSU to maintain an advanced level of situational awareness. The Deputy Spokesperson works with the University Spokesperson to develop communications strategy and content to address reputation-threatening issues. In crisis situations, the Deputy Spokesperson is a crucial part of the crisis communications team, serving as the lead for media relations, and is a conduit for accurate and timely information to the campus community, media and public. In issues management, the Deputy Spokesperson is responsible for identifying, analyzing and collaborating in managing complicated issues and developing strategies to ensure the right messages are communicated by the right people to the right audiences both internally and externally at the right time. The Deputy Spokesperson responds to media inquiries involving university incidents, campus executives and other senior administrators; develops communications strategies to advance administrative priorities and initiatives; advises individuals and units regarding media engagement, risk management and effective messaging; provides media training and coaching to units and individuals in preparation for interviews; serves as a point person for agency coordination and develops effective background and briefing materials.
Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities:
Provides strategic communications direction to the issues and crisis communications team
Serves as a primary spokesperson on day-to-day issues for the university and as deputy spokesperson on larger issues; serves as backup to primary university spokesperson
Manages, evaluates inquiries and counsels senior administrators and senior leadership on media inquiries
Leads University Communications team on tracking all FOIA inquiries and coordinates with media on FOIA requests when necessary
Oversees University Communication’s media training program for senior leaders and administrators; advises individuals and units throughout the university on issues communication and media engagement
Investigates public information on issues and crisis for the university. Makes recommendations regarding who should be designated content-area or expert spokespersons. Assists in preparing university employees to engage media or the public
Oversees process to track, evaluate and report key performance metrics for issues-based and proactive administrative stories
Forecasts/monitors emerging issues, legacy issues, ongoing issues and crisis for higher education and the university
Develops proactive communications strategies and content to address reputation-threatening issues and to advance issues-related administrative priorities and initiatives
Creates, monitors, updates and executes emergency and crisis communications activities and contingency plans, serving as University Communications point person on emergency planning duties and execution
Leads as a primary responder in crisis situations, providing accurate and timely information to the university community and media while ensuring MSU’s interests are well represented
Participates in and helps plan emergency drills, plays a key role when university responds to an emergency situation
Develops and provides university statements on timely issues and topics of current and continuing interest to top-level leadership and the university community, alumni, general public and the media
Oversees operation of media communications line and email
Leads coordination with crisis agency support
Leads major administrative announcements in conjunction with campus communicators, including projects related to MSU 2030 Strategic Plan and key leadership initiatives
Unit Specific Education/Experience/Skills
The job requires:
Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in journalism, communications, public relations or related field that prepares the individual to communicate effectively with diverse audiences
Five to eight years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in journalism, marketing, advertising, public relations or related field
Experience leading development of communications strategy and content to address reputation-threatening issues/crisis
Success serving as counsel to senior leaders/executives in difficult situations
Demonstrated media relations and PR skills: ability to build strong working relationships and communicate effectively with members of the media; proven ability to promote messaging and stories
Proven editorial excellence: well-honed ability to quickly gather, organize and summarize critical information under deadline pressure; demonstrated ability to write simply, clearly, and persuasively; excellence in composition and editing
Proven knowledge of Associate Press style, word processing, desktop publishing and Web writing
Demonstrated ability to maintain calm and confidence in high-pressure, fluid situations
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with team members and contacts in fast-paced, demanding environment
Ability to set and meet goals while working both independently and as part of a team
Curiosity about what constitutes and drives news, social media engagement and broader public interest
Track record spotting trends, monitoring for emerging or active issues and “seeing around the corner” to predict what might happen next
Or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Desired Qualifications
The desired candidate will have a minimum of seven years of professional experience in:
Communications strategy and execution in higher education, on political campaigns, or with advocacy organizations, including identifying and managing issues
Understanding and grasp of current events and national conversation around emerging socio-political issues like relationship violence and sexual misconduct, gun safety, free speech, diversity, equity and inclusion, etc.
Quickly understanding, analyzing and recommending courses of action for complex issues and effectively communicating complex ideas
Demonstrated excellence in developing communication plans
Strong news writing ability
Demonstrated experience using various channels, including social media platforms, to support communications strategy
Thorough understanding of higher education roles, functions and issues
Two to three years of related experience providing support and leadership to a team
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Application Materials
Cover Letter
Resume
3 Professional References
Writing Sample
Work Hours
STANDARD 8-5
Website
https://comms.msu.edu/
Remote Work Statement
MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.
Bidding eligibility ends on 11/7/2023 at 11:55 PM
Advertised: Nov 1, 2023 Eastern Daylight Time