POSITION DESCRIPTION QUESTIONNAIRE
ADMINISTRATIVE FACULTY
ALL INFORMATION MUST BE PROVIDED. INCOMPLETE FORMS WILL BE RETURNED TO DEPARTMENT.
QUESTIONS? CALL UNR Faculty Human Resources at 784-6082 x250.
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INSTRUCTIONS: PDQ and Org Chart must be sent to marshag@unr.edu for initial review BEFORE routing.
1. Complete form, sign, and submit to immediate supervisor;
2. Supervisor (chair/director/dean)– review, approve, sign, forward to vice president or vice provost;
3. Pres/Vice Pres/Vice Prov - approve, sign, forward to Placement Committee (c/o UNR HR, M/S 238);
4. Placement Committee recommends administrative salary range and title & forwards to Provost.
5. Approval letters are then sent from HR with final stamped PDQ to Vice President, Dean or Director and
supervisor for PAF/Terms preparation.
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Incumbents’ Name (if applicable): John Trent
Position #: 17174
Current Title: Director, Public Relations
Current Range: 3
(77740;1B;HRL80082;CM8550;E)
Department: University Communications
College/Division: University
(From: VP Marketing & Communications)
Communications / President’s Office
Action Proposed: (check all that apply)
( ) New position : Proposed Range:
Proposed Title:
(X) Title Change, Proposed Title: Senior Editor, News and Features
(X) Proposed Reassignment from Range 3 to Range 4
( ) Revised PDQ (change in title and duties)
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
Date
Exec Comm Dir, Univ, Public & Media Rel
Director/Chair/Dean Jake Kupiec
Exec Comm Dir, Publications & New Media
Approved for Salary Placement Committee review.
Date
Pres / Vice Pres / Vice Prov Signature Milton Glick
Date
President, University of Nevada, Reno
Action Approved by the President (Completed by Faculty HR):
Position #:
EEO Code:
CUPA Code:
Job Class Code:
Exempt: Yes or No
Range:
Effective Date:
Title Approved:
_____________________________________________________________________________
Employee’s Signature (Sign & send to HR for personnel file after final approval) Date
Position Description – Senior Editor, News & Features
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 Editor, News and Features, at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) reports to the
Executive Communications Director, University, Public and Media Relations, and is responsible for
providing leadership, advice and content in the areas of news, features and communications. The
Senior Editor’s responsibilities include development of editorial plans and calendars for news and
features, in order to further the dissemination of information about the University, its programs,
activities, faculty, students and staff. The Senior Editor works in tandem with the Executive
Communications Director in developing communications strategies for public relations, community
and government affairs, internal communications and media relations, and collaborates with editors of
other University communication channels such as Nevada Silver & Blue and Nevada News. The
Senior Editor supervises the writer position and supervises interns as assigned.
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 from greatest to least percentage).
30% - Oversee University’s news and communications program
 Coordinate and plan a proactive information services program for the University of Nevada,
which would include all of the University’s communications channels
 Coordinate and plan all aspects of deadline news coverage of campus events
 Develop and execute a news and features plan highlighting important events, speeches,
activities of the institution’s chief executive
 Supervises the writer position
 Mentor student writers based in the University Communications unit
 Collaborate with Web Editor to manage and monitor web-based University news flow.
 Develop and manage news and story budgets for visual and audio communications such as
podcasting
 Conduct regular meetings with news service staff, which includes communications directors,
writer(s), student intern(s) and media relations specialist. Assign stories to this group
25% - Oversee content development for daily and/or electronic news channels
 Edit news and features stories prior to publication, developing a seamless system for writereditor interaction, appropriate feedback for story improvement, and adherence to proper style
guidelines
 Develop and write in-depth news and feature stories for University channels such as Nevada
News and Nevada Silver & Blue
25% - Oversee communications for assigned colleges and/or divisions
 Develop and write news releases, media advisories and news tips for distribution to news
media to help publicize the University
 Develop and maintain working relationships with University faculty, deans and administrators
from across the campus. Monitor and analyze programs and activities at the University of
Nevada and assist in developing appropriate strategies for news coverage and in publicizing
them to internal and external audiences, as well as to the news media
Position Description – Senior Editor, News & Features
Page 3
20% - Provide integrated communication leadership and editorial guidance
 Develops messaging and communication points to support consistent and authentic
communication across channels and audiences
 Work in tandem with Executive Director of Communications, University, Public and Media
Relations to develop public relations strategies via University’s communications channels, both
internally and externally
 Work in tandem with Executive Director of Communications, Publications and New Media and
Web Editor to develop news and story content for electronic communications channels,
including the web and info-monitors network
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.
University Communications works to uphold and enhance the reputation and image of the University
among external and internal audiences. Our mission is to be effective advocates dedicated to
enhancing the University’s identity and reputation as a leader in teaching, research and service. This
position is the primary resource and counselor for communication and the flow of University news and
information, and this function is integral to the University’s reputation and image. This position
identifies important stories, coordinates writing assignments, develops messaging and communication
key points, and is integral to the University’s internal communication effort.
To not meet or fulfill the responsibilities of this position would result in lack of visibility and awareness
of strengths and/or damaged relations with key audiences such as faculty, staff, donors, alumni and
other stakeholders. A strong communications programs can engage these audiences in the
University’s efforts to increase student success, research capacity and service to the community and
state. To not fulfill these responsibilities could negatively damage performance metrics related to
these strategies.
4. Describe the knowledge, skills (to include cognitive requirement and verbal and written
communication), and abilities (to include task complexity, problem solving, creativity &
innovation) essential to successful performance of this job (in bullet format).
Knowledge of:
 Communications principles, ethics, tactics and programming
 Associated Press style guidelines
 Writing and editing news, features, press releases and website content
Skills:
 High impact, critical oral and written communications skills
 Critical thinking skills and ability to analyze problems and opportunities, define goals, and
communicate with management and clients (internal or external)
 Computer skills and familiarity with Web, internet and other electronic technologies
 Supervisory
 Crisis communication management
Ability to:
 Take initiative and good judgment
 Lead teams and projects
 Manage, prioritize, and complete multiple projects/tasks in an efficient and timely manner while
maintaining focus on organizational goals
Position Description – Senior Editor, News & Features
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Forecast controversies and sensitivities and manage emerging issues
Contribute to and support the department, college, and university strategic plan
Develop and maintain good working relations with the media and key constituents
Be an advocate for issues, interests and image of the University
Work and interact with a diverse population and customer base including students, staff,
faculty and the general public with sensitivity to cultural differences
Work under deadline pressure to meet deadlines
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.
This position works with individuals at all levels of the University, including senior administrators,
deans, faculty and staff. This person is charged with the responsibility to provide communication
counsel to these individuals and develop accurate and compelling messages for internal and external
audiences. This position will also help faculty and staff members address communication challenges
and opportunities.
This position frequently interacts with individuals in the media, community leaders, key donors,
alumni, students and other significant stakeholders.
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 five years of experience to include:
 Strategic communications planning, programming and implementation
 Effectively managing complex issues or strategic communications involving
multiple audiences
c.
Indicate any license or certificate required for this position.
None