• Human Resources
• current opportunities

Director of Communications

Summary

This position reports to and is responsible to the Senior Vice President and General Manager of Public Broadcasting Atlanta (PBA). The Director of Communications supports the organization’s mission, vision, and values by exhibiting the following behaviors: excellence and competence, collaboration, innovation, respect, personalization, commitment to our community, and accountability and ownership. He/She is responsible for a wide variety of public relations and communications activities. The Director of Communications is responsible for conceptualizing, developing and facilitating the implementation of communications for PBA. In addition, this person is required to work successfully with representatives from various communities, organizations and neighborhoods with respect to the diverse populations and cultures that PBA serves and seeks to serve. This position strives to achieve fulfillment of its mission to the greatest extent practicable. It requires frequent contact with employees at all levels of the organization, the business community and the general public.

Accountabilities

• Functions of this position are performed/determined under the direction and in consultation with the Senior Vice President and General Manager.
• Attend all Board Meetings.
• Submit budgets as appropriate report at the end of the year or as requested.
• Provide all media (newspapers, cable TV, radio, web sites, etc.) with notices of upcoming productions and newsworthy events.
• Develops and proposes budgets for publicity activity and monitors expenditures.
• Coordinates all advertising and marketing efforts and oversees community events, the image and brand initiatives of the organization.
• Coordinates w/ Sr. management for creation and development of logo usage.
• Coordinates w/ Sr. management to craft standard language describing the organization, its programs and initiatives.
• Write news releases.
• Coordinate photo shoots at events and photo displays as needed.
• Develops and maintains the integrity of working relationships with local and national media, and with the representatives of national professional organizations, such as PBS, NETA, APT, APTS, NPR, PRI, APM, etc.
• This position serves as one of the primary representative of the organization, maintaining and developing relationships with key external contacts and the community at large.
• Recommends course of action regarding presentation of sensitive program or corporate information to the media.
• May be asked to serve as spokesperson for PBA. Liaison with media representatives with General Manager.
• Responsible for developing and distributing all publicity for all production and for general activities. Notices, calendar events, publicity with photographs, and general news articles are part of the regular publicity events. The Director of Communications is also responsible for ordering all approved advertising, including posters, flyers, or mailers, for all productions and for arranging media interviews.
• Plan, research, write, edit and/or coordinate production of any communications materials/station content. These may include brochures, press releases and public service announcements, advertisements, displays, presentations, feature articles, flyers, video scripts, surveys and reports.
• Works cooperatively with and assists staff to plan and develop publicity strategies for special events related to general audience awareness, specific programs and/or membership projects.
• Working with a team to develop, design and implement targeted special events.
• Researches and designs mailing list for targeted mailings, e-blasts & e-distribution list to special interest groups & media outlets.
• Works with New Media to manage and develop content for website.
• Works cooperatively with staff in supervising editorial content of monthly e-newsletter.
• Works with staff to determine relevant, appropriate and insightful content, monthly highlights, graphic treatment, photo selection, layout and final mechanics and web design to maximize support that will increase viewing and listening interest.
• Serves as national publicist when local programs are distributed regionally or nationally, designing promotion/publicity plans and materials.
• This position is responsible for developing policies, best practices and implementing processes and maintaining consistent message for all PBA communications.
• Manage the distribution process and perform systematic evaluation to improve quality and cost effectiveness.
• Contribute to media relations effort by developing story concepts and appropriate distribution to media.
• Direct the activities of independent vendors such as photographers, other writers, printers;
• Regular and satisfactory attendance and punctuality; exhibits an attitude of cooperation and approaches assigned responsibilities with a positive mind frame and professional demeanor.
• Monitoring and supporting current Communication environments for failures and any irregularities.
• Attends professional development conferences for television, radio and digital media as budgets allow.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills

• Degree in Public Relations, Public Affairs, Journalism, Media or equivalent work experience.
• Five (5) more years of relevant experience.
• Strong leadership qualities and experience as well as ability to effectively represent in its work with diverse communities.
• Ability to meet people with ease; ability to write and edit effectively; ability to communicate the written and spoken word with tact, diplomacy, and/or authority when necessary; good organizational skills, well disciplined, able to meet deadlines, self starter, able to work under pressure of many priorities and deadlines; ability to work well effectively with volunteers; thorough understanding of PBS, NPR as well as PBA programming schedule; knowledge of broadcast industry and marketing strategies and techniques; knowledge of long-range planning process; good managerial skills; knowledge of industry trends. Must have highly developed interpersonal skills.
• Computer, Internet savvy and proficient in MS Office

Language Skills

Ability to read, analyzes, and interpret common journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from members, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to apply basic mathematical equations and concepts.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to define problems collects data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Individuals may need to sit or stand as needed. May require walking primarily on a level surface for periodic periods through out the day. Reaching above shoulder heights, below the waist or Lifting as required filing documents or store materials throughout the workday. Proper lifting techniques required.

Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

For the most part ambient room temperatures, lighting and traditional office equipment as found in a typical office environment.

Submit resume to Human Resources.