"Public Communications Specialist III - College of Business"

Organizational Unit Overview

University Communications (UC) translates ECU's message into strategic and compelling communication and campaigns through the university website, news releases, its official social media, East magazine, storytelling, production of promotional videos and video news stories along with infographics, creation and development of promotional brochures, and annual reports. The purpose is to provide strategic communication and marketing guidance and support to increase the knowledge, understanding, appreciation and support of the University and its work with broad and varied constituencies, from prospective students to identified thought leaders to prospective donors.

Through ECU News Services UC performs media relations, public affairs, internal communication and strategic communication work on behalf of the university and reports and disseminates information about events, activities, research, policies, individuals and alumni of the University, both through the media, videos, ecu.edu, the university website and through owned publications and other forums.

UC, through Creative Services, works with all university departments to conceptualize, design, develop, and produce written, audio-visual, digital and print projects to brand, communicate, and market their messages to appropriate audiences. Creative Services also provides strategic marketing advice for the university, including performing advertising buys for the university.

Job Duties

The public communications specialist will meet the communication needs of the East Carolina University College of Business and will report to the director of communication, academic affairs. This position will work with college leadership to develop and implement effective communication and marketing strategies, and will support the colleges missions as they relate to the universitys strategic plan through storytelling, media relations, video, advertising, and other digital or emerging media. The public communications specialist will also support ECU Advancement and ECU News Services with communication to donors and industry partners. Emphasis will be placed on the roles of the college as they relate to regional transformation in eastern North Carolina as outlined in the universitys strategic plan. This position, with direction from the director of communication, academic affairs, will assess the success of marketing and communications, branding, and development work and use the assessment to make changes that will improve/enhance successful outcomes.

The position requires a strong collaborative relationship particularly with the units comprising Communication, Marketing and Public Affairs: ECU News Services and Creative Services. In addition, relationships with University Advancement and other units across campus are important for this position.

Percentage Of Total Time: 35 - Publications/News and Feature Writing/Digital Media

• Find and develop stories that highlight the work being done at the college that relate to the values and commitments outlined in the universitys strategic plan.
• Write, edit, conduct interviews, and schedule photo assignments for news and feature stories appearing on the web or in publications including the ECU website, East magazine, news blogs, and other university or college publications.
• Develop multi-media and video concepts, scripts and/or storyboards.
• Write, edit, or work with administrators, faculty and staff to create and update college websites and publications.
• Work with the deans, chairs, directors and other college staff, as appropriate, to develop their websites and publications.

Percentage Of Total Time: 30 - Public and Community Outreach, Social Media, Media Relations and Press Information

• Respond to media requests and inquiries.
• Assist college with main social media accounts, including Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and others.
• Write and distribute to the media press releases, features and public service announcements.
• Assist ECU News Services in developing and maintaining good working relationships with local and national media as needed.
• Develop and maintain a list of relevant media contacts including research publications, trade publications, and other media outlets that can be used to raise the prestige of college programs and research among industry, peer groups and peer institutions.
• Promote positive college images and arrange coverage of accomplishments through close communication with the deans office, department chairs, faculty, students, and staff.
• Advise the deans on media issues under direction of the chief of communication and ECU News Services.

Percentage Of Total Time: 25 - Marketing

• Work with college leadership, the chief of communication and the director of strategic marketing to evaluate college and community needs, and identify target markets.
• With direction from college leadership, the chief of communication and the director of strategic marketing, develop/update marketing plan as needed (including goals, timelines, targets, quality indicators and measures).
• Implement, manage and evaluate marketing plan in a manner consistent with college and university priorities outlined in the strategic plan.
• Advise faculty and staff on marketing projects and publications, assess project priorities, and suggest alternative media for message distribution as necessary.

Percentage Of Total Time: 10 - Alumni Relations and Outreach Activities

• Coordinate with the colleges Advancement staff to support efforts regarding communication needs related to alumni/fundraising.
• Other communications needs pertaining to general alumni relations as requested by the dean and/or the Advancement staff.

Minimum Education/Experience

Bachelors degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Preferred Experience, Skills, Training/Education

Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to work as a team player; ability to speak and write in a persuasive manner; ability to write according to correct English usage and accepted standards for magazine and press publications; ability to edit and analyze informational material prepared by others; knowledge of journalistic principles and the techniques for disseminating information to the public; basic knowledge of the purposes and organization of arts and communication education and the social, economic and cultural benefits they add to regional development; ability to work collaboratively to identify, analyze and pose solutions to interpersonal problems in a shifting environment.

Degree in marketing or communications or a closely related field that provides the knowledge, skills and abilities needed in the area of assignment. Prior experience with writing content, graphic design, annual reports and successful relations with press and media markets. Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, mass media representatives, and others contacted in the course of work. Familiarity with marketing and development campaigns, social media, and public relations is highly desirable. Proficiency in computer software programs/functions such as graphic design suites, web development and strategy, Word, Excel, Access, and email.