POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Director of Public Affairs Support
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 2154
GRADE 43
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Associate Provost for Public Affairs and Assessment
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Director of Public Affairs Support has direct supervision over planning, organizing, publicizing, and producing all public events coordinated through the Office of the Provost, such as the Public Affairs Conference, Public Affairs Convocations, and other events as assigned directed toward the community at large. The Director of Public Affairs Support facilitates community relations such as serving on and providing communication with community boards, developing and maintaining community partnerships, and involving community partners in a variety of special events. The Director of Public Affairs Support facilitates communication between the campus and public communities and the Provost. Duties include budget administration, responsibility for events and public affairs activities, and writing press releases from the Office of the Provost. The Director of Public Affairs Support has budgetary oversight responsibility for other projects under the purview of the Associate Provost for Student Development and Public Affairs, such as, the Public Affairs Grant Program, the Public Affairs Academy, Public Affairs Week, and other public affairs-related budgets as assigned by the Associate Provost for Student Development and Public Affairs. The Director of Public Affairs Support works with the Office of the Provost to assist in the coordination of public relations, special projects, and events sponsored by the Office of the Provost.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A Master’s degree is required.
Experience: At least two years of experience in a higher education setting is required. At least one year of leadership experience in at least one of the following areas is required: planning and coordinating university events, community relations, conference planning, and/or public relations. Preference will be given to candidates with community relations experience in Springfield.
Skills: The ability to independently manage the details associated with multiple projects and budgets, track activities, and meet deadlines. Exceptional interpersonal communication skills are required. Exceptional oral and written communication skills are required. Must have a working knowledge of various computer software applications, including word processing and database applications. Must have strong decision-making skills, the ability to prioritize tasks, and to bring many varied tasks to completion by deadlines. Must be able to work independently, have the ability to quickly learn the administrative structure of the University and the procedures necessary to accomplish the job, and have the ability to use initiative in meeting the responsibilities of the job. Must be able to work with a variety of persons serving as event coordination chairs appointed by the Provost.
Other: Must be able to travel to and from many different locations on and off campus to make arrangements for events and attend meetings. Must be able to work evenings and weekends as needed.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Assures that the Public Affairs Conference, Convocations, and other Public Affairs events sponsored by the Provost are an appropriate educational experience for all participants by planning, organizing, coordinating, and facilitating all aspects of these events, preparing the master schedule of events, contracting and scheduling the speakers, coordinating with various campus offices to schedule space needs, equipment, security, food, publicity, and promotions, selecting and scheduling volunteers, and assuring that the conference runs smoothly and that all needs are met.
2. Plans, oversees, and coordinates events and associated public relations for the Office of the Provost including but not limited to the Public Affairs Conference, Provost’s Day with the University staff Ambassador’s Program, and Provost Convocations, has oversight responsibilities for Public Affairs Week, the Public Affairs Academy, and the Public Affairs Grant Program, makes presentations to local groups, and supervises the advertising of Missouri State public affairs events.
3. Exercises budgetary responsibility for the Public Affairs Conference, Public Affairs Academy, the Public Affairs Grant Program, Public Affairs Week, and other budgets as assigned by the Associate Provost for Student Development and Public Affairs.
4.Obtains funding for various initiatives and conferences by writing grant applications to support the Public Affairs Conference and other University-wide public affairs events.
5. Maintains communication between the Office of the Provost and other campus entities involved in Public Affairs activities by facilitating information exchange groups, conducting personal meetings, and forming relationships with those entities.
6. Promotes the Office of the Provost and public affairs by writing press releases for submission to the Office of Strategic Communication.
7. Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses required by the immediate supervisor.
8. Contributes to the overall success of the Office of the Provost by performing all other essential duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION
The Director of Public Affairs Support is supervised by the Associate Provost for Public Affairs and Assessment and supervises the Coordinator of Public Affairs Special Projects, graduate assistants, student workers, and others as assigned by the Associate Provost for Public Affairs and Assessment.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
REVISED APRIL 2021
