Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications for Public Relations

Alice L. Walton School of Medicine (AWSOM) is seeking experienced, motivated, and dedicated leaders and educators to participate in the design and delivery of an innovative four-year medical school curriculum that engages medical students in active and novel learning.

Required Documents to Apply:
Reporting to the Director of Marketing and Communications, the Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications for Public Relations is responsible for earned media strategy and execution for Alice L. Walton School of Medicine for the 20-state Heartland region and oversees the School's editorial calendar. This role is a critical part of the Marketing and Communications team as an experienced storyteller and media connection as AWSOM shares its unique story.

Job Description:

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director of Marketing and Communications, the Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications for Public Relations is responsible for earned media strategy and execution for Alice L. Walton School of Medicine for the 20-state Heartland region and oversees the School's editorial calendar. This role is a critical part of the Marketing and Communications team as an experienced storyteller and media connection as AWSOM shares its unique story.

We are building a workplace and learning climate in which inclusive excellence and whole health principles are inextricable parts of our culture and practices. All voices are heard and valued, and professional and personal growth are actively supported. While AWSOM does not have a tenure track, we are building a school that will facilitate exceptional professional development opportunities for our faculty and other team members.

Principal Responsibilities

• Develops and executes earned media strategy that elevates and protects the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine reputation among key audiences.
• Identifies, researches and builds relationships with relevant journalists in Northwest Arkansas and the 20-state Heartland region.
• Supervise Editorial Manager.
• In coordination with external PR agency, proactively pitches news and experts to local and regional journalists with a focus on Northwest Arkansas and the surrounding 20- state Heartland region.
• Works closely with the Editorial Manager to maintain up-to-date detailed experts list.
• Coordinates timing of press releases, media advisories and media opportunities in coordination with external PR agency.
• Under the direction of the Director of Marketing and Communications and in coordination with external PR agency, identify faculty and high-level staff speaking opportunities and prepare talking points, situation reports and serve as a media liaison at events.
• Provides media training, including interview simulations, for faculty and staff in preparation for media interviews, community events, speaking opportunities and as AWSOM brand ambassadors.
• Provide media training workshops for AWSOM medical students.
• At the direction of the Director of Marketing and Communications, manages public relations calendar in coordination with Art + Wellness Enterprises communication team.
• Develops an AWSOM Public Relations internship program and oversees vetting and placement of interns.
• Tracks media coverage and prepares monthly media report.
• Serve as acting Director of Marketing & Communications in the absence of the director with full understanding of plans and protocols in emergency situations.

Qualifications

Education, Training, and Traits:

• Master's degree in communications, journalism, English or public relations OR Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) credential required
• Ability to adapt easily between different professional environments
• Excellent verbal communication skill, including superb writing and editing abilities
• Ability to understand and maintain the highest levels of confidentiality
• Highest ethics as they relate to all aspects of private non-profit practices
• A high level of professional integrity and the ability to handle sensitive issues and situations with discretion

Minimum Work Experiences:

• 7-10 years of relevant experience in journalism or public relations
• Experience at public relations agency OR media experience at newspaper or TV news outlet.
• Experience creating earned media impact reports

Preferred Work Experiences and Qualifications:

• Teaching experience in the areas of advertising, public relations or journalism
• National-level public relations exposure
• Higher education experience OR demonstrated experience with a higher education client while at an agency.

Required Skills:

• Familiarity with media industry and AP Style
• Familiarity with media monitoring service
• Proficient communication skills
• High degree of professionalism
• Demonstrated time management and priority setting skills
• Demonstrates a high commitment to quality
• Flexibility to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment with a collaborative and energetic approach
• Seeks to acquire knowledge in all areas of a medical school
• Highly thorough and dependable
• Demonstrates a high level of accuracy, even under pressure, including crisis situations.

Preferred:

• Demonstrates videography and/or photography skills