Executive Director of Communications
Job DescriptionAbout Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University:
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is an independent, culturally diverse institution providing quality education and research in aviation, aerospace, engineering, and other related fields with residential campuses located in Daytona Beach, Florida and Prescott, Arizona.
The University's Worldwide campus provides educational opportunities online and at approximately 130 locations throughout the United States, Asia, Europe, and Central/South America.
As the largest and most comprehensive aviation and aerospace-focused university in the world, Embry-Riddle is a unique institution.
Over the past 90 years, the University has evolved with industry to break new ground and produce top-level graduates who serve the ever-changing needs of aviation and aerospace and other STEM-related disciplines.
Embry-Riddle offers programs in seven primary fields of study including:
Applied Science; Aviation; Business; Computers and Technology; Engineering; Safety, Security, and Intelligence; and Space.
For Academic Year 2022-23, there were over 11,100 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students that attended the University's residential campuses and approximately 20,195 students in total enrolled with the University around the world.
The Opportunity:
The Executive Director of Communications (EDC) at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Prescott Campus will strategically and independently handle media relations activities; develop compelling external news stories; support the internal communications needs of the Prescott Campus; and serve as a deputy to the Vice President for Communications, the Prescott Campus Chancellor, and other leadership, as needed.
The EDC at Prescott will identify, write, and distribute compelling external news stories and related artwork to raise visibility for the institution, thereby enhancing the value of degrees that students are earning from us.
The EDC will further keep the internal university community informed and engaged by creating and distributing campus emails, announcements, and intranet posts.
During crisis communications situations related to weather, safety and security, or other crisis events, the EDC will play a key role in conveying essential messages on behalf of University Administration, the Prescott Campus Chancellor, and other leadership.
In case of safety incidents, the EDC will serve as the primary communications contact at the Prescott Campus.
This position encompasses both strategic and tactical oversight for external and internal communications at the Prescott Campus.
All communications activities must be in alignment with the university's Strategic Plan.
The EDC also must meet News Team standards for media response times; the accuracy and news value of content; and the equitable and diverse representation of people and programs.
All media relations and internal content should reinforce Embry-Riddle's status as the world's premier aviation and aerospace university, and as the go-to source for authoritative information on key STEM-related topics.
Key goals of the Executive Director of Communications will include:
Enterprise newsworthy external story ideas by cultivating a network of student, staff and faculty sources throughout the university, as well as media contacts.
Enhance the visibility and reputation of Embry-Riddle by telling compelling stories, especially but not limited to those emerging from the Prescott Campus.
Respond promptly and appropriately to all media queries directed to the Prescott Campus; collaborate with colleagues to help respond to other media requests, as needed.
Raise awareness of Embry-Riddle among prospective students, industry and donors, by generating earned media that enhanced brand awareness and reputation.
Work to build community at the Prescott Campus and university-wide through informative and engaging internal messaging.
Assist with crisis communications (i.
e.
, snow days, monsoon / wildfire / hurricane preparedness and response, safety and security matters, etc.
).
Assist the Prescott Campus Chancellor by preparing speeches / remarks / testimony and the like, in collaboration with the university's Executive Communications Director, as needed.
Over time, in concert with the News Team and IT colleagues, help streamline internal communications at the Prescott Campus to better serve diverse audiences (students, faculty and staff) and to improve the student experience.
Specific responsibilities of the EDC will include - Identify and write timely and engaging news stories (on topics such as new research grants, research innovations, campus trends, student success stories and experiences, and more), to be posted to Embry-Riddle's online Newsroom and shared with journalists, with a goal to generate earned local and national media placements.
Swiftly, accurately, appropriately respond to all incoming media queries and proactively pitch newsworthy stories to journalists; develop relationships with key journalists to support outreach and the generation of earned media.
Post stories to the Embry-Riddle Newsroom as well as to the intranet (ERNIE).
Distribute stories externally via the Cision database as well as PRWeb and other methods.
Procure and resize appropriate artwork, or produce original artwork, for each story submission, as needed.
Attend campus events for possible coverage opportunities (news / social media / internal).
Prepare campus-wide emails, using approved / branded templates (i.
e.
, University Communications for UA announcements; Campus Events for Prescott events; and so on).
Assist the Chancellor with speeches / remarks / testimony, and her e-letter, upon request.
Although Departments are asked to submit their own internal items to ERNIE by emailing IT, some colleagues may need initial assistance / guidance to learn how to do this task; for those colleagues, the EDC will serve as an educator, providing how-to information and light copyediting, if needed.
Effectively, professionally collaborate with colleagues at all levels, from peers to faculty, deans and executive leadership.
Collaborate closely with all News Team colleagues as well as those with Social Media, Enrollment Marketing, Digital Strategies, Multimedia, and Creative Services.
Be responsive to leadership requests for communications assistance.
Nature and Scope:
The Executive Communications Director will work in a team environment, in close collaboration with the Executive Director of News & Media Relations, the University Communications Manager, and the Vice President for Communications to generate media coverage in support of the university's global reputation, and to build community internally so as to improve the student experience.
The position requires both news-writing and technical skills, and it involves collaboration with colleagues across the marketing and communications teams at all three of Embry-Riddle's campuses.
The EDC is an on-site position headquartered at Prescott, Arizona, requiring quarterly travel to Embry-Riddle's Daytona Beach Campus.
Description:
This position will report to the Vice President for Communications, with close collaboration with the Executive Director of News & Media Relations, the University Communications Manager, and other News Team colleagues.
The EDC position will require a high level of professionalism and diplomacy, to work effectively and in close partnership with faculty, staff and students across Embry-Riddle's three campuses.
In case of weather events, aviation accidents, or institutional issues, the EDC will work very closely with the Vice President / University Spokesperson to keep all university tactical teams well informed, and to swiftly provide approved responses to news media.
This work will typically require the EDC to interact with top leadership, including the VP, the Chief Operating Officer / SVP, the Chief Legal Officer, the University President, Campus Safety, the Prescott Campus Chancellor, and others.
Such work may further require 24/7 availability by the EDC.
ERAU benefits include:
Retirement Plan - ERAU offers immediate vesting and provides a 6% gift and will match up to 4% of employee contributions Two BCBS health plans - PPO and high deductible plan with a health savings account Tuition waivers for employees, spouses, and dependent children Use of various campus services:
fitness center, library, mailroom and enjoy observation flights QualificationsMinimum
Qualifications:
Exceptionally strong writing and editing skills, across a wide range of topics Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or a related field 5
years of professional experience working in a communications setting, preferably with some higher education communications experience and an emphasis on preparing written content Knowledge of what is and is not news, and an ability to ferret out compelling stories Ability to post content online within a content management system Ability to confidently send approved email communications, free of typos or grammatical mistakes, to large audiences Ability to work effectively, responsively and in close collaboration with colleagues Keen attention to detail to ensure a high degree of accuracy of all content Proven track record for consistently meeting deadlines Ability to work quickly, prioritize tasks strategically and maintain a courteous, customer-service approach to colleagues who request communications Willingness to be available and responsive 24/7 in case of crisis communications needs Preferred
Qualifications:
Exceptional writing and editing skillsExperience working effectively in higher education communicationsAbility to identify / create multimedia content to pair with storiesSome familiarity with aviation and aerospace sectors will be helpfulAbility to leverage analytics to measure resultsKnowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Outstanding ability as a writer, editor, and proofreader - capable of handling a wide range of stories, from peer-reviewed research news and scientific or educational advancements by faculty, to events and evergreen profiles or other features.
Adept at identifying stories of interest to specific audiencesAbility to write for many different purposes, from news releases, to internal emails, to intranet announcementsStrong technical skills (content management systems
external distribution systems)Strong, positive interpersonal skills; ability to work well with a diverse group of colleaguesStrong team player who communicates with all colleagues with diplomacy, and seeks to build rapport and earn others' respectAbility to calmly, effectively handle a variety of different projects and tasks, often under tight deadlines.
Recommended Skills Administration Aerospace Industries Attention To Detail Aviation Css Communication Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is an independent, culturally diverse institution providing quality education and research in aviation, aerospace, engineering, and other related fields with residential campuses located in Daytona Beach, Florida and Prescott, Arizona.
The University's Worldwide campus provides educational opportunities online and at approximately 130 locations throughout the United States, Asia, Europe, and Central/South America.
As the largest and most comprehensive aviation and aerospace-focused university in the world, Embry-Riddle is a unique institution.
Over the past 90 years, the University has evolved with industry to break new ground and produce top-level graduates who serve the ever-changing needs of aviation and aerospace and other STEM-related disciplines.
Embry-Riddle offers programs in seven primary fields of study including:
Applied Science; Aviation; Business; Computers and Technology; Engineering; Safety, Security, and Intelligence; and Space.
For Academic Year 2022-23, there were over 11,100 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students that attended the University's residential campuses and approximately 20,195 students in total enrolled with the University around the world.
The Opportunity:
The Executive Director of Communications (EDC) at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Prescott Campus will strategically and independently handle media relations activities; develop compelling external news stories; support the internal communications needs of the Prescott Campus; and serve as a deputy to the Vice President for Communications, the Prescott Campus Chancellor, and other leadership, as needed.
The EDC at Prescott will identify, write, and distribute compelling external news stories and related artwork to raise visibility for the institution, thereby enhancing the value of degrees that students are earning from us.
The EDC will further keep the internal university community informed and engaged by creating and distributing campus emails, announcements, and intranet posts.
During crisis communications situations related to weather, safety and security, or other crisis events, the EDC will play a key role in conveying essential messages on behalf of University Administration, the Prescott Campus Chancellor, and other leadership.
In case of safety incidents, the EDC will serve as the primary communications contact at the Prescott Campus.
This position encompasses both strategic and tactical oversight for external and internal communications at the Prescott Campus.
All communications activities must be in alignment with the university's Strategic Plan.
The EDC also must meet News Team standards for media response times; the accuracy and news value of content; and the equitable and diverse representation of people and programs.
All media relations and internal content should reinforce Embry-Riddle's status as the world's premier aviation and aerospace university, and as the go-to source for authoritative information on key STEM-related topics.
Key goals of the Executive Director of Communications will include:
Enterprise newsworthy external story ideas by cultivating a network of student, staff and faculty sources throughout the university, as well as media contacts.
Enhance the visibility and reputation of Embry-Riddle by telling compelling stories, especially but not limited to those emerging from the Prescott Campus.
Respond promptly and appropriately to all media queries directed to the Prescott Campus; collaborate with colleagues to help respond to other media requests, as needed.
Raise awareness of Embry-Riddle among prospective students, industry and donors, by generating earned media that enhanced brand awareness and reputation.
Work to build community at the Prescott Campus and university-wide through informative and engaging internal messaging.
Assist with crisis communications (i.
e.
, snow days, monsoon / wildfire / hurricane preparedness and response, safety and security matters, etc.
).
Assist the Prescott Campus Chancellor by preparing speeches / remarks / testimony and the like, in collaboration with the university's Executive Communications Director, as needed.
Over time, in concert with the News Team and IT colleagues, help streamline internal communications at the Prescott Campus to better serve diverse audiences (students, faculty and staff) and to improve the student experience.
Specific responsibilities of the EDC will include - Identify and write timely and engaging news stories (on topics such as new research grants, research innovations, campus trends, student success stories and experiences, and more), to be posted to Embry-Riddle's online Newsroom and shared with journalists, with a goal to generate earned local and national media placements.
Swiftly, accurately, appropriately respond to all incoming media queries and proactively pitch newsworthy stories to journalists; develop relationships with key journalists to support outreach and the generation of earned media.
Post stories to the Embry-Riddle Newsroom as well as to the intranet (ERNIE).
Distribute stories externally via the Cision database as well as PRWeb and other methods.
Procure and resize appropriate artwork, or produce original artwork, for each story submission, as needed.
Attend campus events for possible coverage opportunities (news / social media / internal).
Prepare campus-wide emails, using approved / branded templates (i.
e.
, University Communications for UA announcements; Campus Events for Prescott events; and so on).
Assist the Chancellor with speeches / remarks / testimony, and her e-letter, upon request.
Although Departments are asked to submit their own internal items to ERNIE by emailing IT, some colleagues may need initial assistance / guidance to learn how to do this task; for those colleagues, the EDC will serve as an educator, providing how-to information and light copyediting, if needed.
Effectively, professionally collaborate with colleagues at all levels, from peers to faculty, deans and executive leadership.
Collaborate closely with all News Team colleagues as well as those with Social Media, Enrollment Marketing, Digital Strategies, Multimedia, and Creative Services.
Be responsive to leadership requests for communications assistance.
Nature and Scope:
The Executive Communications Director will work in a team environment, in close collaboration with the Executive Director of News & Media Relations, the University Communications Manager, and the Vice President for Communications to generate media coverage in support of the university's global reputation, and to build community internally so as to improve the student experience.
The position requires both news-writing and technical skills, and it involves collaboration with colleagues across the marketing and communications teams at all three of Embry-Riddle's campuses.
The EDC is an on-site position headquartered at Prescott, Arizona, requiring quarterly travel to Embry-Riddle's Daytona Beach Campus.
Description:
This position will report to the Vice President for Communications, with close collaboration with the Executive Director of News & Media Relations, the University Communications Manager, and other News Team colleagues.
The EDC position will require a high level of professionalism and diplomacy, to work effectively and in close partnership with faculty, staff and students across Embry-Riddle's three campuses.
In case of weather events, aviation accidents, or institutional issues, the EDC will work very closely with the Vice President / University Spokesperson to keep all university tactical teams well informed, and to swiftly provide approved responses to news media.
This work will typically require the EDC to interact with top leadership, including the VP, the Chief Operating Officer / SVP, the Chief Legal Officer, the University President, Campus Safety, the Prescott Campus Chancellor, and others.
Such work may further require 24/7 availability by the EDC.
ERAU benefits include:
Retirement Plan - ERAU offers immediate vesting and provides a 6% gift and will match up to 4% of employee contributions Two BCBS health plans - PPO and high deductible plan with a health savings account Tuition waivers for employees, spouses, and dependent children Use of various campus services:
fitness center, library, mailroom and enjoy observation flights QualificationsMinimum
Qualifications:
Exceptionally strong writing and editing skills, across a wide range of topics Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or a related field 5
years of professional experience working in a communications setting, preferably with some higher education communications experience and an emphasis on preparing written content Knowledge of what is and is not news, and an ability to ferret out compelling stories Ability to post content online within a content management system Ability to confidently send approved email communications, free of typos or grammatical mistakes, to large audiences Ability to work effectively, responsively and in close collaboration with colleagues Keen attention to detail to ensure a high degree of accuracy of all content Proven track record for consistently meeting deadlines Ability to work quickly, prioritize tasks strategically and maintain a courteous, customer-service approach to colleagues who request communications Willingness to be available and responsive 24/7 in case of crisis communications needs Preferred
Qualifications:
Exceptional writing and editing skillsExperience working effectively in higher education communicationsAbility to identify / create multimedia content to pair with storiesSome familiarity with aviation and aerospace sectors will be helpfulAbility to leverage analytics to measure resultsKnowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Outstanding ability as a writer, editor, and proofreader - capable of handling a wide range of stories, from peer-reviewed research news and scientific or educational advancements by faculty, to events and evergreen profiles or other features.
Adept at identifying stories of interest to specific audiencesAbility to write for many different purposes, from news releases, to internal emails, to intranet announcementsStrong technical skills (content management systems
external distribution systems)Strong, positive interpersonal skills; ability to work well with a diverse group of colleaguesStrong team player who communicates with all colleagues with diplomacy, and seeks to build rapport and earn others' respectAbility to calmly, effectively handle a variety of different projects and tasks, often under tight deadlines.
Recommended Skills Administration Aerospace Industries Attention To Detail Aviation Css Communication Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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