PRIMARY PURPOSE

The Director of Public Relations develops and implements public relations strategies, with a focus on garnering high-profile regional, national, international and higher education media, to advance Lewis & Clark's priorities, and to enhance and protect the institution's reputation. The Director is also responsible for collaborating with communications and marketing colleagues to develop and promote high-quality, multimedia content through a variety of channels, including for our online newsroom and social media channels.

The Director of Public Relations will also provide external communications support for the President and Executive Council members, such as institutional message development, speechwriting, crisis communications, issues management and other writing/editing support as needed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Public Relations and Media Relations

• Develops and executes strategic public relations and media relations initiatives that support the mission and priorities of Lewis & Clark.
• Builds and maintains relationships with local, regional, national, and international media outlets.
• Serves as a primary institutional spokesperson for media inquiries.
• Manages incoming media requests and coordinates responses with institutional stakeholders.
• Generates media-facing content, including press releases, articles, statements, and opinion pieces.
• Establishes and maintains media monitoring systems and reports on media relations outcomes and effectiveness.
• Participates in strategic communications planning and institutional reputation management efforts.

Strategic Messaging and Content Development

• Creates strategic content for the Lewis & Clark newsroom and other communication channels.
• Develops key messages, talking points, speeches, FAQs, media statements, and other executive communications materials.
• Provides messaging guidance and communications support to faculty, staff, and administrators participating in public forums and external engagements.
• Collaborates with communications and marketing colleagues to amplify institutional storytelling across digital and social media platforms.
• Contributes to the production, editing, and distribution of multimedia content.

Issues Management and Crisis Communications

• Provides communications counsel and messaging support to senior leaders on issues with potential reputational impact.
• Assists in the development and execution of crisis communications strategies and response plans.
• Supports issues management, community relations, and sensitive communications initiatives.
• Coordinates communications responses during emerging issues and critical incidents.
• Helps ensure consistency and alignment of institutional messaging during complex situations.

Administration and Program Support

• Supports select government affairs initiatives in collaboration with the Vice President for Communications.
• Participates in strategic communications planning and cross-functional initiatives.
• Manages public relations and media outreach budgets, metrics, and reporting.
• May supervise student employees, including assigning work, providing training, and monitoring performance.
• Tracks project outcomes and maintains records related to communications initiatives.