The Division of Educational Ventures at Oregon State University (OSU) is a growing, innovative, and collaborative organization with a commitment to providing high-quality online education. The division extends OSU’s exceptional learning experiences including microcredentials, certificates, and degrees available to students throughout Oregon and around the world.

The division includes Ecampus, offering over 100 online and hybrid degree programs; the Ecampus Research Unit (ECRU), conducting and supporting original research in online teaching and learning; the Corporate and Workforce Education Unit (CWE), creating pathways for learners employed by partners in business and government; the Center for the Outdoor Recreation Economy (CORE), providing workforce development for the outdoor recreation industry; the Open Educational Resources Unit (OER), aiding faculty in adopting open course materials; and the Alternative Credential Unit (ACU), developing short-form educational opportunities

The Division of Educational Ventures (DEV) is a leader in national online education, our online bachelor’s program is currently ranked in the top 10 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report and has ranked in the top 10 for nine consecutive years.

The Public Relations and Communications Manager is a full-time (1.0 FTE), professional faculty position for the Division of Educational Ventures at OSU. DEV currently operates on a hybrid schedule. Tuesdays and Thursdays are designated in-office days, as well as additional days as needed.

Position Summary:

The Public Relations and Communications Manager plays a critical role in advancing the division’s strategic goals and promoting its reputation through the development and execution of comprehensive communication strategies. This position is responsible for leading internal communications, public relations, media relations, and thought leadership content development. The Public Relations and Communications Manager leads communications development and execution for the division as well as division units, including Open Educational Resources, Alternative Credentials, Ecampus Research Unit, Corporate and Workforce Education and the Center for the Outdoor Recreation Economy.

This position reports to the Senior Director of External Relations and works closely with the Senior Marketing Manager of External Relations as well as other marketing and communication colleagues within the division. For public relations efforts, this position will work closely with OSU’s University Relations and Marketing division.

Oregon State University and the Division of Educational Ventures maintain and enhance a collaborative and inclusive community that is dedicated to equity and equal opportunity. All employees of this division are responsible for ensuring that these commitments are achieved. This position supports these goals directly by developing and distributing communications that represent the division’s inclusive excellence mission.

Key Responsibilities Include:

Division and Unit Communications

• Develop and implement a communications strategy for the division.
• Create and manage division communication channels, including division website, newsletters, intranet, and email communications.
• Intake communications requests from division units. Develop communications, manage projects from start to finish and ensure that deliverables meet the needs of the unit and audience.

Public Relations and Media Relations

• Develop and execute a public relations strategy to enhance the division’s public image.
• Cultivate relationships with media outlets, journalists, and key stakeholders.
• Work with colleagues in University Relations and Marketing to draft and distribute press releases, media pitches, and other materials to promote events, achievements, and initiatives.

Thought Leadership Content Development

• Lead the creation of thought leadership content, including articles, op-eds, and blog posts.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts to showcase the division’s intellectual capital.
• Develop a content calendar and oversee content distribution through various digital and traditional channels.

Professional Development, Service and Leadership

• Provides service to both the unit and university by working on committees and projects.
• Represents and attends relevant workshops, conferences, and meetings, gaining and sharing knowledge and expertise and networking with colleagues.
• Contributes to equity, inclusion, and diversity as part of assigned duties and/or service.

For more information and details please visit: https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/151670

What You Will Need:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field OR a Bachelor’s degree in any field with 4 years of professional experience in communications, public relations or marketing.
• Two years of professional experience in communications, public relations, or media relations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling messages from complex subject matter for diverse audiences.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in using digital communication tools and platforms.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships with various stakeholders.
• Creative and innovative mindset for developing content.
• A demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity

What We Would Like You to Have:

• Professional experience working in higher education.
• Professional experience working in online learning.

OSU commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community. 

Benefits: 

• Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
• Vacation leave (15 hours/month), sick leave (8 hours/month), and 10 paid holidays (+1 Special Day).
• Professional development opportunities

• Cell phone provider discounts available at AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile/Sprint

• Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
• Retirement savings paid by the university.
• Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
• Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Summary of Benefits: https://hr.oregonstate.edu/benefits/prospective-employee

• Total Rewards Package Calculator – https://hr.oregonstate.edu/benefits/new-employees/benefits-calculator

Pay range: The anticipated starting salary is $60,000 – $68,000. The starting salary will be commensurate with education, skills, experience and internal equity.

Work environment:

• Ecampus currently operates on a hybrid schedule, Tuesdays and Thursdays are designated in-office days as well as additional days as needed.
• Typical office environment.
• This position may require travel.
• This position may require working events after hours or on the weekends.