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Director, Public Relations

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Posting Date: July 15, 2008

Department: Communications

Status: Full-time, Exempt

Plan, direct, and execute ongoing and special campaigns to promote and increase awareness and perception of WETA’s local programs, services and brand. Reports to Vice President, External Affairs. 
College degree in Communications or Public Relations, or equivalent combination of education and experience required. APR preferred. Minimum of eight years of experience in publicity campaigns, public or media relations, advertising or branding in a cultural institution, membership organization or broadcasting & cable business. Experience must include supervisory experience. Public television experience highly preferred.

Responsibilities:

  • Plan, direct, and execute ongoing and special campaigns to promote and increase awareness and perception of WETA’s local programs, services and brand.
  • Oversee creative and media placement of advertising, local media relations, promotions, community events, and publications in support of the programs and services of WETA TV26, WETA-TV’s digital channels and Classical WETA 90.9FM.
  • Work closely with Vice President on public relations and branding plans for the station, from strategy to implementation, and on related corporate communications projects.
  • Write and design print and web materials in support of promotions. Write and edit releases, speeches, background materials, brochures and ads.
  • Promote tune-in of programs by collaborating with broadcasting departments to increase the cumulative audience and increase time spent viewing/listening by existing audiences.
  • Collaborate with departments on strategies and tactics to bring additional revenue to the station and promote membership and underwriting opportunities.
  • Supervise and manage assigned work and staff.
  • Interact with colleagues at PBS, CPB, and other area cultural institutions.
  • Oversee finances of public relations department, including budgeting and accounting reconciliation.
  • Performs additional duties and participates in special projects as needed.

Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated knowledge of and ability to plan, execute, and direct promotional campaigns and programs.
  • Ability to supervise and manage assigned work and staff.
  • Excellent writing and editing skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to interact with a wide variety of people using diplomacy, tact and discretion.
  • Excellent organizational, project planning and time management skills with careful attention to detail needed.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and in a team environment.
  • Ability to successfully perform duties in an atmosphere of multiple projects, shifting priorities, and deadline pressures.
  • Demonstrated understanding and application of computer technology to efficiently accomplish work, using Microsoft Office programs, email, Internet, and database management software.
  • Ability to maintain absolute discretion with confidential information and have sound judgment in hectic atmosphere.
  • Availability and ability to work occasional irregular hours.