Director Of Public Relations And Events- Libraries

West Virginia University Libraries is currently accepting applications for a Director of Public Relations and Events.

The Director of Public Relations and Events oversees strategic planning, development, and coordination of public relations and events to enhance West Virginia University Libraries' visibility and engagement with key constituents.

About the Opportunity

This role requires consultation with the Dean of Libraries, the Libraries Enterprise Team (Dean's Executive Team), and unit leaders on strategy, as well as collaboration with internal library departments, teams, and university groups to develop and disseminate compelling content. Working alongside colleagues, the Director will increase visibility of and promote stakeholder engagement with the Libraries' services, collections, and programs. The Director is responsible for developing, executing, and assessing communication strategies, managing media relations, coordinating signature events, and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to effectively promote WVU Libraries and its multiple programs and entities (ex. the West Virginia & Regional History Center, William A. Neal Museum of the Health Sciences and WVU Humanities Center).

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 37.5-hour work week

• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)

• 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year

• 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)

• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits (this position is a benefits-eligible, non-classified staff position)

• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.

• Wellness programs

What you'll do:

• Develop, execute, and evaluate a comprehensive communications strategy in support of the Libraries' strategic priorities. This strategic plan should account for a broad constituent base.

• Develop and disseminate engaging stories and content across multiple platforms, including, but not limited to, Ex Libris (WVUL magazine), press releases, newsletters, blogs, social media, and promotional materials, aimed at effectively conveying the Libraries' expertise, services, resources, and events.

• Drive student success through strategic communication planning, promoting library resources including information and primary source literacy and research consultative services, collaborating with faculty, and ensuring accessibility and inclusivity in communication design.

• Drive strategic communication initiatives to promote and support the university's research enterprise including fostering collaboration with research entities, disseminating research output, and advocating for data management and open access principles.

• Implement data-driven approaches and assessment to ensure that communication efforts are responsive to the needs and preferences of key stakeholders, including Library users, faculty, students, donors, and community members.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive events strategy aligned with the mission and priorities of WVU Libraries.

• Lead and collaborate with Library staff, faculty, students, and external partners to identify event opportunities and ensure alignment with organizational priorities.

• Develop and implement planning procedures and provide direction to Library units and centers to coordinate a wide range of programs and events, including workshops, panels, exhibitions, receptions, and other outreach opportunities.

• Lead and mentor junior staff members and/ or students, providing constructive feedback, and ensuring adherence to quality standards and University policies.

• Delegate tasks and responsibilities to effectively balance workload and foster a collaborative and productive work environment.

• Coordinate all stages of communication and marketing material production, including content generation, design, and printing, to ensure timely completion of projects.

• Bachelor's degree in communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field. Master's degree is preferred.

• A minimum of 5 years of pertinent experience in public relations, communications, or a related field, with a preference for candidates who have worked within library, higher education, or non-profit environments.

• Demonstrated leadership abilities, including the supervision of professional staff, are required.

• Demonstrated capacity for developing creative and entrepreneurial approaches to marketing and communications aimed at both existing and prospective library audiences.

• Proficiency in a range of digital skills and marketing tools and platforms, including creating and managing engaging content in a multi-platform environment, social media management, website content management systems, and analyzing data and metrics related to communication efforts.

• Excellent communication and organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with limited supervision.

• Experience with or openness to learning graphic design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite) and video editing.