Job description
Dayton, OH
EEO Statement
Wright State University is an equal opportunity employer.
Job Category: Administrative (exempt/non-exempt)
Department: Office of Marketing
EEO number: 25P212
Position FTE: 100%
Minimum Annual or Hourly Rate: 80,000
Salary Band: UC S06
Job Summary/Basic Function
The Director of Communications and Media Relations develops, manages, and implements comprehensive and proactive communications strategies for Wright State University. The Director’s focus is on the conveyance of newsworthy information and the successful representation of the University’s interests to internal and external audiences. This role has in-depth knowledge of public relations strategies, media relations, communications technologies, as well as excellent verbal and written communication skills. The Director builds relationships with media and other stakeholders and is a credible and persuasive leader in the fast-paced, ever-changing environment of higher education. The role manages a staff of professional employees and student workers and collaborates with the University Communications and Marketing leadership team and other campus stakeholders to ensure coverage of internal and external messaging within the lens of institutional goals and priorities as well as ensure alignment in positioning for institutional leadership. This role collaborates extensively with outside firms, freelance support, and internal teams.
Minimum Qualifications
- 5+ years progressive experience in marketing, communications, or related field;
- Bachelor’s degree
- Experience with oversight to a team
- Creative thinker in developing innovative ideas and solutions to media relations and communication challenges.
- Ability and experience developing relationships with the media, community, and with an internal audience.
- Ability and experience to think strategically – both long and short term.
- Self-starter with strong problem solving and organizational skills who can inspire and direct others in their work.
- Proven ability to shepherd projects from concept to completion, enlisting the support and enthusiasm of others in the process.
- Written communication and strong diplomatic skills are required, as well as the ability to work with senior administration.
- Must be detail-oriented and able to manage multiple projects.
Preferred Qualifications
- Higher education experience preferred
Essential Functions and percent of time
- Develop, manage, and implement comprehensive and proactive communications strategies (30%)
- Work with institutional leaders on messaging for media request (25%)
- Supervise and manage professional staff, student workers, freelancers, agencies, vendors, and partner relationships. (20%)
- Develop relationships for successful representation of the University’s interests (10%)
- Monitor efficiency and performance metrics (10%)
- Other duties as assigned. (5%)
First Consideration Date: 05/30/2025
