Job no: 909432
Work type: Support Staff
Pay Grade: 15
Major Administrative Unit / College: University Communications
Department: Media And Public Information ********
Sub Area: APSA- Pro Supervisory
Salary: Salary Commensurate with Experience
Location: East Lansing
Categories: PR/Media/Graphics/Comm/Fund Raising, Professional Supervisory- APSA, Full Time (90-100%), Union, Remote-Friendly
Working/Functional Title Deputy Spokesperson
Position Summary The Senior Communications Manager/Deputy Spokesperson provides leadership to and direction for the issues management and crisis communications team to build trust and confidence in Michigan State University among the public and other primary audiences as well as strengthen understanding of MSU as a place that values and fosters a safe and inclusive community for all. The Deputy Spokesperson serves as the day-to-day spokesperson for a wide variety of issues and topics. This requires continuous coordination with multiple units, individuals and activities across MSU to maintain an advanced level of situational awareness. The Deputy Spokesperson works with the University Spokesperson to develop communications strategy and content to address reputation-threatening issues. In crisis situations, the Deputy Spokesperson is a crucial part of the crisis communications team, serving as the lead for media relations, and is a conduit for accurate and timely information to the campus community, media and public. In issues management, the Deputy Spokesperson is responsible for identifying, analyzing and collaborating in managing complicated issues and developing strategies to ensure the right messages are communicated by the right people to the right audiences both internally and externally at the right time. The Deputy Spokesperson responds to media inquiries involving university incidents, campus executives and other senior administrators; develops communications strategies to advance administrative priorities and initiatives; advises individuals and units regarding media engagement, risk management and effective messaging; provides media training and coaching to units and individuals in preparation for interviews; serves as a point person for agency coordination and develops effective background and briefing materials.
Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities: Provides strategic communications direction to the issues and crisis communications team Serves as a primary spokesperson on day-to-day issues for the university and as deputy spokesperson on larger issues; serves as backup to primary university spokesperson Manages, evaluates inquiries and counsels senior administrators and senior leadership on media inquiries Leads University Communications team on tracking all FOIA inquiries and coordinates with media on FOIA requests when necessary Oversees University Communication's media training program for senior leaders and administrators; advises individuals and units throughout the university on issues communication and media engagement Investigates public information on issues and crisis for the university. Makes recommendations regarding who should be designated content-area or expert spokespersons. Assists in preparing university employees to engage media or the public Oversees process to track, evaluate and report key performance metrics for issues-based and proactive administrative stories Forecasts/monitors emerging issues, legacy issues, ongoing issues and crisis for higher education and the university Develops proactive communications strategies and content to address reputation-threatening issues and to advance issues-related administrative priorities and initiatives Creates, monitors, updates and executes emergency and crisis communications activities and contingency plans, serving as University Communications point person on emergency planning duties and execution Leads as a primary responder in crisis situations, providing accurate and timely information to the university community and media while ensuring MSU's interests are well represented Participates in and helps plan emergency drills, plays a key role when university responds to an emergency situation Develops and provides university statements on timely issues and topics of current and continuing interest to top-level leadership and the university community, alumni, general public and the media Oversees operation of media communications line and email Leads coordination with crisis agency support Leads major administrative announcements in conjunction with campus communicators, including projects related to MSU 2030 Strategic Plan and key leadership initiatives Unit Specific Education/Experience/Skills The job requires:
Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in journalism, communications, public relations or related field that prepares the individual to communicate effectively with diverse audiences Five to eight years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in journalism, marketing, advertising, public relations or related field Experience leading development of communications strategy and content to address reputation-threatening issues/crisis Success serving as counsel to senior leaders/executives in difficult situations Demonstrated media relations and PR skills: ability to build strong working relationships and communicate effectively with members of the media; proven ability to promote messaging and stories Proven editorial excellence: well-honed ability to quickly gather, organize and summarize critical information under deadline pressure; demonstrated ability to write simply, clearly, and persuasively; excellence in composition and editing Proven knowledge of Associate Press style, word processing, desktop publishing and Web writing Demonstrated ability to maintain calm and confidence in high-pressure, fluid situations Demonstrated ability to work effectively with team members and contacts in fast-paced, demanding environment Ability to set and meet goals while working both independently and as part of a team Curiosity about what constitutes and drives news, social media engagement and broader public interest Track record spotting trends, monitoring for emerging or active issues and "seeing around the corner" to predict what might happen next Or an equivalent combination of education and experience Desired Qualifications The desired candidate will have a minimum of seven years of professional experience in:
Communications strategy and execution in higher education, on political campaigns, or with advocacy organizations, including identifying and managing issues Understanding and grasp of current events and national conversation around emerging socio-political issues like relationship violence and sexual misconduct, gun safety, free speech, diversity, equity and inclusion, etc. Quickly understanding, analyzing and recommending courses of action for complex issues and effectively communicating complex ideas Demonstrated excellence in developing communication plans Strong news writing ability Demonstrated experience using various channels, including social media platforms, to support communications strategy Thorough understanding of higher education roles, functions and issues Two to three years of related experience providing support and leadership to a team Equal Employment Opportunity Statement All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Application Materials Cover Letter Resume 3 Professional References Writing Sample Work Hours STANDARD 8-5
Website
Remote Work Statement MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.
Bidding eligibility ends on 11/7/2023 at 11:55 PM Advertised: Nov 1, 2023 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Apr 11, 2024 Eastern Daylight Time
