Public Relations Director jobs in Delaware

DELAWARE STATE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

Affiliated with the National Education Association

The Delaware State Education Association (“DSEA”) is seeking applicants for the position of Director of Public Relations and Communications. The person selected will be responsible for the development, organization, and implementation of DSEA’s communications program, directed towards the public and external organizational and affiliate needs. The successful candidate will devise program guidelines and policies, oversee implementation processes, and provide quality control for the communications program, media activities, and special events.  In addition, the individual must be able to work effectively with colleagues, work teams, external groups, and state and local association leaders.

Responsibilities:

1. Assists the President and Executive Director with writing and editing speeches for public and external organizational audiences.
2. Provides communication and public relations training for staff, local leaders, and members.
3. Works in a cooperative manner with other members of the DSEA staff, DSEA  management, DSEA Board of Directors and the elected local leadership.
4. Develops and maintains a working knowledge of blogs, podcasts, YouTube, and other emerging forms of mass communications. Acquires knowledge of application of current and emerging social media trends.
5. Prepares and submits communications program budget as required by DSEA budget process. Following approval, oversees implementation of communications  program consistent with program budget.
6. Monitors news coverage of education issues at the state and national level.
7. Promotes a positive image of the DSEA and the benefits of DSEA membership to local association leaders, members, and potential members at all times.
8. Responds to requests from staff for assistance with special issues and campaigns.
9. Participates in special assignments and projects designed to further the goals and objectives of the DSEA.
10. Develops and recommends public relations and media strategies designed to improve the public image of the DSEA. Such strategies shall include, but not be limited to, earned media.
11. Organizes and provides press coverage of DSEA event and activities including writing and distributing press releases, organizing press conferences, and encouraging positive editorial coverage.
12. Serves as press and media liaison for DSEA. Screens and directs all press and media inquiries.
13. Develops and cultivates positive working relationships with Delaware’s print, broadcast, web, and social media contacts.
14. Provides support and assistance to the Director of Member Relations and Communications as needed or assigned by the Executive Director.
15. Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director or designee.

Minimum Qualifications

·      Proven work experience in public relations or similar field

·      Expertise in digital communications such as understanding social media trends, planning, and design – preferably with experience using planning software (Sprout Social, Linktree, etc.)

·      Excellent communication and presentation skills with confidence to serve as the organization’s spokesperson – experience in media relations preferred

·      Creative abilities – experience in Adobe Creative Suite, Drupal, or website management preferred

·      Ability to foster long-term relationships with key stakeholders

·      Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting tight deadlines

·      Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism or related field – preferred

Start Date:

As soon as possible

Salary & Benefits:

The successful applicant will be hired pursuant to the Delaware Staff Organization Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Application Deadline: June 7, 2024

Please submit a letter of application, resume, and three references to:

Jeff Taschner, Executive Director

Delaware State Education Association

136 East Water Street

Dover, DE 19901

You may also fax this information to Jeff Taschner at (302) 674-8499 or email him at jeff.taschner@dsea.org.