Item 9.J-December 13, 2013
ADMINISTRATIVE FACULTY POSITION DESCRIPTION QUESTIONNAIRE
To expedite and facilitate the PDQ review process, please send the PDQ and Org Chart electronically to
marshag@unr.edu for discussion and for initial review before routing PDQ for approval signatures.
Questions - call UNR Faculty HR at 682-6114
INSTRUCTIONS: See http://www.unr.edu/hr/compensation-and-evaluation for complete instructions.
Incumbent(s) Name (if applicable): Natalie Savidge
Position #(s): 17438
Current Title: Senior Specialist, Media Relations (LoP)
Current Range: 3
(JCC:67120)
Department: University Media Relations (UC)
College/Division: President’s Office
Account #(s): 1101-101-0601
Action Proposed: (check all that apply)
( ) New position: Proposed Range:
Proposed Title:
(X) Title Change, Proposed Title: Senior Specialist, Communications
( ) Proposed Reassignment from Range
to Range
( ) Revised PDQ only (no change in range or title)
( ) Line of Progression (show titles below)
Range:
JCC (Current
or new HR
assigned):
I certify that the statements in this description are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge.
____________________________________________________________
Employee’s Signature
__________________
Date
I/we have reviewed the statements in this form and they accurately reflect the job assignments.
____________________________________________________________
Immediate Supervisor’s Signature Jane Tors, Director, Communications
__________________
Date
____________________________________________________________
Director/Chair/Dean
__________________
Date
Approved for Salary Placement Committee review.
____________________________________________________________
Pres / Vice Pres / Vice Prov Signature
__________________
Date
Action Approved by the Provost/President (Completed by Faculty HR):
3
Pos #(s): 17438
JCC:
Range:
EEO: 3C
Eff:
Approved Title:
Employee signs on “final” stamped approved PDQ and sends to HR for personnel file.
Employee Signature:_______________________________________________ __________________
Date
Printed Name: ____________________________________________________
Rev: 10/1/2012
Position Description – Senior Specialist, Communications
Page 2
1. Summary Statement: State the major function(s) of the position and its role in the
university. Attach an organizational chart with positions, ranges, and names for the division
which reflects the position in it as well as those supervised in the department. (This section is
used for advertisement of the position.)
The Senior Specialist, Communications, in the Communications Office at the University of Nevada,
Reno facilitates communications and media relations activities, and plays an integral role within the
communications team. The Specialist performs a variety of duties, including developing and pitching
news stories, writing and distributing releases, supervising the student writer program, and keeping
internal audiences informed. The Specialist is a primary day-to-day contact for national, regional and
local media and receives and facilitates all general media relations inquiries to the department. The
Specialist works to advance the University’s strategic priorities and its awareness and reputation
relative to specific, assigned colleges and areas of expertise. The Specialist serves as a
spokesperson for the topic areas he or she supports; provides issue management and crisis
communication support; and implements social and earned media opportunities through a range of
communication platforms, channels and tactics. The Specialist coordinates elements of the
communications infrastructure, including maintaining the media contact database and processes by
which to measure and evaluate coverage. The Senior Specialist reports to the Director of
Communications.
2. List the major responsibilities, including percentage of time devoted to each. Provide
enough detail to enable a person outside the department to understand the job (percentage
first with heading and then bulleted information).
20% - News Content Development
 Monitor and assess potential stories
 Suggest news angles; completes background research
 Write stories and news releases
 Suggest appropriate spokespeople and provide pertinent information
 Generate and place content
20% - Supervision of Student Writers and Internship Program
 Oversee new-hire, training and orientation procedures
 Assign and manage student stories, projects, schedules and deadlines
 Provide opportunites for professional development, skill-based work
 Maintain a stuctured, reputable program
15% - Facilitation of News Release Distribution
 Decide how and where to distribute releases and conduct follow-up
 Maintain media contacts database
 Pitch national, regional and local media to encourage coverage of university stories
15% - Facilitation of Media Inquiries
 Respond to and facilitate phone and e-mail inquiries and connect media with appropriate
resources for interviews or information
 Prepare statements as needed
 Refer sensitive stories/inquiries to Media Relations Officer or Special Assistant to the
President for Media Relations
15% - Tracking and Reporting
 Research and distribute e-clips daily to keep senior leaders and internal audiences apprised of
media activities
Position Description – Senior Specialist, Communications
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Assist with tracking and reporting of earned media coverage
Develop and generate media coverage reports
15% - Coordination of Communications Resources
 Coordinate upkeep of online newsroom
 Coordinate subject experts database
 Organize news conferences and other media activities
3. Describe the level of freedom to take action and make decisions with or without
supervision and how the results of the work performed impact the department, division and/or
the university as a whole.
Level of Freedom:
The Communications Office furthers the University’s reputation and awareness through multiplatform
communication and through local, regional and national earned media coverage. The
Communications team members are advocates dedicated to enhancing the University’s reputation as
a leader in learning, discovery and engagement. The position consults with the Director on how to
position and respond to communication topics of strategic importance, emergency and crisis
scenarios, communication plans and prior approval of communication content and news releases.
Impact:
To not meet or fulfill the responsibilities of the position would result in damaged relations with the
media and, ultimately, damaged perceptions and relations with key audiences such as donors,
alumni, prospective students and parents, and other stakeholders. Publicity of University priorities,
programs and research results in a greater understanding of the University's role relative to Nevada's
economy and quality of life, and can provide important support for increased enrollment and increased
donor and community investment.
4. Describe the knowledge, skills (to include cognitive requirement and verbal and written
communication), and abilities (to include task complexity, problem solving, creativity and
innovation) essential to successful performance of this job (in bullet format).
Knowledge of:
 Associated Press style guidelines
 English/grammar usage and editing
 Web, news and social media
 Media and public relations trends and practices
Skills:
 Excellent oral and written communication skills
 Critical thinking skills and ability to analyze problems and opportunities, define goals,
communicate with management and clients (internal or external)
 Organizational and time management
Ability to:
 Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
 Work and interact with a diverse population
 Develop and maintain good working relations with the media, including local and national
Initiative
 Maintain professional business and work ethics and standards
Position Description – Senior Specialist, Communications
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Be capable of responding in times of crisis to newspapers, magazines, radio and television
with high standards of service and professional demeanor
Manage, prioritize, and complete multiple projects/tasks in an efficient and timely manner while
maintaining focus on organizational goals
5. Describe the type of personal contacts encountered in performing the duties of the job.
Explain the nature and purpose of these contacts: i.e., to provide services, to resolve
problems, to negotiate.
Internal
University administration, faculty
and staff
Reason for Contact
To prepare individuals for media interviews and interactions to
assist in the development of clear, compelling messages that
further University priorities; to help resolve media and/or
communication problems when they arise
External
Media
Reason for Contact
To relay and to gather information relating to the University
6. Indicate the minimum qualifications which are necessary in filling this position should it
become vacant. Please keep in mind the duties/responsibilities of the position rather than the
qualifications of the incumbent.
a.
Minimum educational level, including appropriate field, if any.
Bachelor’s Degree from a regionally accredited institution
b.
Minimum type and amount of work experience, in addition to the above required
education necessary for a person entering this position.
Bachelor’s Degree and three years of experience in media and/or public relations and
demonstrated experience writing and editing news releases and generating news
coverage
Preferred Licenses or Certifications: None
c.
Indicate any license or certificate required for this position.
None