Summary

Directs and coordinates the various public affairs programs of the University or a major, multifaceted division of the University falling under an Executive Vice President. Integrates the organization's communications and public relations programs and initiatives into a cohesive effort that conveys a consistent message in support of its mission, strategic goals, and objectives. Serves as strategic advisor to senior leaders with respect to communications and public affairs initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Initiates and oversees the establishment of integrated strategies, plans, and programs designed to ensure that all communication and public relations efforts are cohesive, consistent, and effective in supporting the mission and advancement goals of the organization.
2. Plans, develops, directs, and coordinates comprehensive communication programs, to include media, public affairs and publications, in close collaboration with other institutional communications and/or public relations activities.
3. Provides direct and proactive advice, consultation, and assistance to senior leaders, as well as the University community, regarding public information matters, to include providing direct assistance in researching, providing information and developing messages.
4. Serves as the designated spokesperson for the organization and its affiliates, if applicable.
5. Coordinates surveys, evaluations and assessments of external communications activities in order to determine the effectiveness of the organization's communications plans.
6. Assures quality and appropriateness of institutional communication programs and initiatives, whether internally or externally produced.
7. Represents the University to various institutional divisions as well as externally to governmental agencies, vendors, students and their parents, and/or the general public.
8. Recommends and participates in the development of university policies and procedures; may serve on university planning and policy-making committees.
9. Establishes and implements short- and long-range organizational goals, objectives, strategic plans, policies, and operating procedures; monitors and evaluates programmatic and operational effectiveness, and effects changes required for improvement.
10. May supervise personnel which typically includes recommendations for hiring, firing, performance evaluation, training, work allocation, and problem resolution.
11. May develop and manage annual operating budget and provides fiscal direction to the unit(s) of oversight.
12. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree; at least 5 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Ability to establish and implement cohesive communication and public relations strategies and plans on an institutional basis.
• Knowledge and understanding of the mission, goals, and objectives of a major educational and research institution.
• Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.
• Strong strategic planning and management skills.
• Knowledge of communication principles, media, and public relations techniques.
• Outstanding interpersonal and community relations skills and the ability to communicate and work effectively within a diverse community.
• Employee development and performance management skills.
• Ability to analyze complex problems, interpret operational needs, and develop integrated, creative solutions.
• Organizational planning, structuring, and staffing skills.
• Skill in financial planning and fiscal management.
• Ability to use independent judgment and to gather, manage and impart information to the media and various other internal and external audiences.
• Experience communicating with the press and other media.
• Strong knowledge of local and regional media contacts and/or a proven ability to develop such relationships quickly.
• Ability to provide effective advice and counsel on strategic and/or critical communication issues and to exercise effective judgement.
• Ability to write executive-level communications for internal and external audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality.

Conditions of Employment

• Employees in this job title are subject to the terms and conditions of an employment contract. Employment contracts are typically subject to review and renewal on an annual basis.
• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• No or very limited physical effort required.
• No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.

Revised Date: 09/23/2020