Job Description: East Carolina University's Communication, Public Affairs, and Marketing area is currently accepting applications for the Director of News Services/Public Affairs. Reporting to the Executive Director of Communication, Public Affairs and Marketing, this position is responsible for ECU's overall public relations and image enhancement efforts. The Director is responsible for developing internal and external relations with appropriate media or other groups and organizations. The Director oversees resources of ECU News Services unit comprised of public communication specialists, visual arts specialist, media relations specialists. ECU News Services conducts routine daily media relations for university, develops and executes crisis communication strategy, produces and pitches print, broadcast and web stories for public that tell university's story and enhance understanding and support for ECU's mission. Office is daily portal for release of accurate public information regarding the university. The Director will supervise a department of at least seven people, along with assisting the executive director of communication, marketing and public affairs oversee public communications specialists in academic units university wide. Position focuses on direct support for unit's news reporting, storytelling, media relations and public affairs responsibilities, including production of ECU Today, our monthly digital newsletter, publication and design of the ECU News home page, crisis communication, including ECU Alert and operation of ECU Lite page in public safety emergencies. Interpersonal communication skills are critical for this position, especially with respect to building cross-institutional relationships, trust, and respect for the unit. Ability to work collaboratively with senior leaders on campus and accomplish the institution's established goals in a fast paced, team environment is important.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree from an appropriately accredited institution in Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, Communications, Business or a related field, with eight or more years comparable/related experience required; management/supervisory skills are required. Master's degree from an appropriately accredited institution preferred. Experience in higher education is preferred.

Special Instructions to Applicants: In order to be considered for the position, all applicants are required to submit a candidate profile, a letter of interest, a current resume/vitae, and a list of references including contact information online.

In addition, each candidate should arrange to have a minimum of three letters of reference that speak directly to the candidate's qualifications for this position submitted to the Chair of the search committee at the address indicated below:

Dr. Austin Bunch
East Carolina University
Provost Office
Spilman Building
Mail Stop #111
Greenville, NC 27858-4353

Additionally, original official transcripts, as well as a criminal background check, will be required upon offer of employment.

East Carolina University seeks to create an environment that fosters the recruitment and retention of a more diverse student body, faculty, staff and administration. In order to promote the university's diversity goal, we strongly encourage applicants from women, minorities, and historically underrepresented groups.

Date Initial Screening Begins: 02/10/2013

Job Close Date: Open Until Filled

East Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action University and accommodates individuals with disabilities. Proper documentation of identity and employability is required at the time of employment.