Company Overview  

For more than 160 years, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis (UHSP) has provided a world-class education for health care leaders and innovators. Since its founding, the campus has been a place where future professionals and practitioners come together to learn, grow, challenge each other, and find new ways to tackle society's most pressing health care problems. 

Employees are treated to a rich benefits package, a great campus in the heart of St. Louis’ biggest health care community, and an exciting college community where they can really make a difference for our students, colleagues and the health care of our region. 

Position Overview  

The University has a long-standing record of excellence as a pharmacy college and recently grew into a University, expanding its undergraduate and graduate offerings. The Assistant Director of Communications will support all departments in an effort to raise University awareness. They are responsible for developing a strong public relations strategy and promoting a positive University image.  

Roles & Responsibilities  

Media relations responsibilities include:   

• Develop publicity/earned media strategies for the University. 

• Create and implement a PR plan, including pitches, budgets, timelines, etc. 

• Pitch the University, its stakeholders, outcomes, etc. to key media audiences throughout the year. 

• With other University stakeholders, lead, maintain and implement our crisis communication strategy, when needed. Be responsible for all writing for crisis communications. 

• Identify, develop and serve as a point of contact for all media contacts. 

• Provide counsel and media training to University leadership, staff, faculty and students for events, press conferences and other media opportunities. 

• Serve on the Emergency Management Operations Group and contribute to the functions related to the Public Information Officer role as outlined in the National Incident Management System (NIMS). 

• Analyze all media coverage for the organization and provide reports as needed to the President’s Staff, University Leadership, Board of Trustees, etc.   

Content responsibilities include:  

• Collaborate with and develop official communications for the Office of the President (email, speeches, talking points, etc.). 

• Develop communications for internal University audiences. 

• Support the creative team in developing content and stories for various communications, as needed. 

• Review written communications for effectiveness and AP style compliance, as needed. 

• Ensure tone and voice consistency across University communications (website, social, video, etc.). 

• Alongside Marketing team members, support the management of social media commentary. 

• Determine opportunities to leverage and reuse existing content across channels. 

• Conduct interviews and research for earned media opportunities and supplemental content.  

• Stay current with content trends and consumer behavior. 

To succeed in this role, you will need:  

• A bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications or similar field of study  

• 6+ years of experience leading communications or public relations projects and implementing strategies 

• Extensive experience dealing with media contacts and community partners 

• Experience collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to manage and communicate during crisis incidents 

• The ability to understand information systems across University functions and departments and to use those systems effectively in a strategic and integrated capacity 

• Strategic and tactical thinking, data-driven decision making, and short and long-term planning skills are required 

• The ability to perform work with various computer applications  

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks  

• Ability to work under deadline pressure but maintain attention to detail  

• Excellent customer service skills, collegiality and the ability to interact effectively with a wide variety of people on a variety of channels, and to work both independently and as part of a team  

• Must be very articulate, have excellent written and oral communication  

• A positive attitude and ability to plan and adapt to change  

• Sensitivity to issues related to operations, finances and recruitment are required 

• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends, as needed  

If this sounds like the job for you here is information on how to apply: 

Follow the simple steps to apply online. With your application, please submit a resume and cover letter. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until filled. 

Benefits:

UHSP offers a great benefits package including excellent, affordable health insurance, dental, vision, University-paid life and disability insurance, voluntary coverage, retirement match, and generous parental and caregiver leave, personal and University holiday, sick and vacation time. University employees have access to library resources, fitness facilities, cafeteria, and university events.

Equal Opportunity Statement: 

The University's policy of non-discrimination is congruent with our core values of discovery, diversity, inclusion, integrity, respect, and service.  Together, our policy and core values foster an inspiring culture to advance the University's mission and equal opportunities in employment, our academics, programs, and services. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), genetic information, veteran status or status as an individual with a disability consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws.