Job Description
Under the direction of the Vice President for Media Relations and Strategic Communications, the assistant vice president assists with the planning, development and execution of layered strategies to further the awareness and appreciation of ASU, a multi-campus, national research institution, by communicating with diverse constituencies, building and strengthening relationships and encouraging participation in and support for university programs and initiatives.
Working Environment
Activities are performed in an environmentally controlled office setting subject to extended periods of sitting, keyboarding and manipulating a computer mouse; required to stand for varying lengths of time and walk moderate distances to perform work. Frequent bending, reaching, lifting, pushing and pulling up to 25 pounds. Regular activities require ability to quickly change priorities, which may include and/or are subject to resolution of conflicts. Ability to clearly communicate to perform essential functions.
Background Check Statement
ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelors degree in a related field AND eight (8) years experience in public relations/marketing, OR, Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.
Desired Qualifications
- Demonstrated knowledge of Phoenix/Arizona community.
- Demonstrated knowledge of traditional and evolving communications technologies.
- Demonstrated knowledge of the principles and practices of marketing.
- Demonstrated knowledge of branding and brand management concepts.
- Demonstrated knowledge of continuous improvement techniques and methodologies.
- Demonstrated knowledge of accounting and financial management concepts and practices.
- Demonstrated knowledge of print and online publication formats and editorial practices.
- Experience in planning, analyzing and coordinating activities and establishing priorities.
- Experience in problem solving and decision making.
- Experience in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
- Evidence of effective communication.
- Experience as a strategist, facilitator and communicator.
- Experience in implementing an integrated communications plan.
- Experience in marketing and public relations, in a complex, sophisticated environment.
- Experience in team building and staff development.
- Experience in promoting diversity.
- Experience in media relations.
- Experience in working effectively with a wide range of publics.
- Experience in managing resources of a public sector institution.
- Evidence in developing and executing national-level strategic communications plans; proven experience in top-tier crisis communications and strategic communications; deep understanding of navigating complex issues within complicated organizational structures with potentially conflicting viewpoints.
ASU Statement
Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation’s fifth largest city. ASU champions intellectual and cultural diversity, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.
ASU is a tobacco-free university. For details visit https://wellness.asu.edu/explore-wellness/body/alcohol-and-drugs/tobacco
Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.
Notice of Availability of the ASU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf. You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456.
Relocation Assistance – For information about schools, housing child resources, neighborhoods, hospitals, community events, and taxes, visit https://cfo.asu.edu/relocation-services.
Essential Duties
This is a strategies-focused job where the AVP would engage with leaders from across the university and its partners to look for ways to reach and engage with key audiences.
This will include crafting strategic messaging and communications plans to announce new major programs and initiatives; planning and helping to execute signature university events in Arizona, California or Washington, D.C.; developing approaches and executions to engage with high-value media members or influencers to advance the university’s reputation; identifying compelling stories that reflect key themes and university priorities; and developing stories and others communications materials through text, photos and video for distribution in numerous potential formats.
The AVP would develop strategies to advance the brand and the key initiatives of the university, while working in a strong team environment in Media Relations & Strategic Communications. The AVP needs to develop strong collaborative working relationships with the schools, other academic units, and institutes across all ASU campuses to ensure consistency in messaging. The AVP will help educate and mentor colleagues across the university on best-in-class strategic communications; secure and arrange interviews for senior administrators and faculty with local and national media and editorial boards; produce varied national-level communications tools including messaging documents, website landing pages, media pitches, earned media campaigns, scripts and more; and develop long- and short-range goals to strategically align the efforts of Media Relations & Strategic Communications with the overall goals of the University. Shares responsibility for emergency communications with department leadership, university leadership, and ASU Police.
Instructions to Apply
Application deadline is 3:00PM Arizona time on the date indicated.
Please include all employment information in month/year format (e.g., 6/88 to 8/94), job title, job duties and name of employer for each position.
Resume should clearly illustrate how prior knowledge and experience meets the Minimum and Desired qualifications of this position.
ASU does not pay for travel expenses associated with interviews, unless otherwise indicated.
Only electronic applications are accepted for this position.
IMPORTANT NOTE: What is the meaning of “equivalent combination” in the minimum qualifications? It means one year of higher education or 24 credit hours, is equal to one year of experience. For example, a four year Bachelor’s degree is equal to four years of experience.