Item 2.E-June 14, 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):
Position #(s):
Current Title:
Current Range:
(JCC: )
Department: Reynolds School of Journalism
College/Division: Provost’s Office
Account #(s): 1101-115-0002;1311-115-001B
Action Proposed: (check all that apply)
2
(X) New position: Proposed Range:
Proposed Title: Specialist, Communications (Journalism)
( ) Title Change, Proposed Title:
( ) Proposed Reassignment from Range
to Range
( ) Revised PDQ only (no change in range or title)
JCC (Current
( ) Line of Progression (show titles below)
or new HR
Range:
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 Alan Stavitsky, Dean, Journalism
__________________
Date
____________________________________________________________
__________________
Director/Chair/Dean
Kevin Carman, Executive Vice president and provost
Date
Approved for Salary Placement Committee review.
____________________________________________________________
Pres / Vice Pres / Vice Prov Signature Jannet Vreeland
__________________
Date
Vice Provost and Secretary of University
Action Approved by the Provost/President (Completed by Faculty HR):
67401 Range:
2
Pos #(s):
JCC:
EEO: 3C
Eff: 6/1/2013
Approved Title: Specialist, Communications (Journalism)
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 – Specialist, Communications (Journalism)
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 Specialist, Communications, is responsible for various types of marketing-based writing, including
writing for the Web, promotional materials, advertisements, video, and other persuasive forms for the
Reynolds School of Journalism (RSJ). The position assists with web publishing, media relations and
social media. The position reports to the Dean, Journalism.
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).
40% - Promotional Materials Development and Dissemination
 Oversee and provide quality control for a wide array of communication and image
enhancement programs, such as video, advertisements, broadcast and electronic, which may
be developed by faculty or staff and disseminated to a variety of clientele
 Design, develop and distribute high-quality, image-enhancing promotional materials such as
brochures, presentation folders and any other materials which reflect the School’s programs
 Develop and distribute articles, news releases and public service announcements, targeted
toward various media, constituencies and audiences, and disseminate them directly to the
media, through the University Communications department to the media, or through RSJ
social media channels
 Contribute articles on the School’s programs to University publications such as Silver and
Blue, Nevada Today, UNR Web site, President’s Report, Catalog, and any other publications,
reports and online sites
 Develop and/or review promotional information for upload to the Journalism website and social
media channels
 Provide communications expertise to the Journalism Dean and faculty
20% - Promotion and Coordination of Events
 Coordinate with Dean, faculty and staff for promotion and staging of RSJ programming and
events
 Develop and distribute promotional content
 Recommend how and where to distribute releases and conduct follow-up
20% - Media Relations Facilitation
 Respond to and facilitate phone, e-mail and social media inquiries, and connect media with
appropriate resources for interviews or information
 Collaborate with the Dean on sensitive stories/inquiries
 Track and monitor daily media coverage
20% - Manage RSJ Website
 Oversee and edit RSJ Wordpress CMS content
 Post content to RSJ website
 Work with RSJ Technology Coordinator as needed to identify website operational issues
Position Description – Specialist, Communications (Journalism)
Page 3
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 Specialist independently develops marketing and advertising materials for the RSJ ensuring a
high quality and accuracy of output. Specific University guidelines are followed but creativity and
discretion are essential. The Dean is consulted in the overall marketing objectives and for final
approval on materials disseminated to the public. The incumbent makes decisions within the
parameters established by the Dean and the objectives of the department.
Impact:
The materials and information produced by the position is very visible to the public and have a direct
impact on the image, reputation and credibility of the School and its ability to meet its educational and
research mission. Decisions made impact the the public’s perception of the program and its
promotional effectiveness.
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:
 Communications, marketing, public relations, media relations and/or community relations
 Higher education
Skills:
 Strong verbal and written communication
 Strong organizational and time management skills
 Proficiency in use of a personal computer and current software applications including but not
limited to Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, and email) and graphics
design software and with Wordpress CMS
 Analytical, decision-making and problem-solving skills
 High level of interpersonal and human relations skills
Ability to:
 Coordinate a complex program with multiple organizations and individuals
 Evaluate and provide guidance for graphic design
 Manage, prioritize, and complete multiple projects/tasks in an efficient and timely manner to
meet deadlines while maintaining focus on organizational goals
 Analyze problems and opportunities, define goals, communicate with management and clients
(internal and external) and report results
 Show initiative and good judgment
 Leverage content into electronic communications channels whenever possible
 Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
 Work well with and present information to a diverse audience with varied perspectives
 Maintain a professional business and work ethics and standards
Position Description – Specialist, Communications (Journalism)
Page 4
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
Journalism staff
University Media Relations
External
Media
Reason for Contact
To collaborate with and coordinate communication projects to
market the School and its programs
To assist in the planning or marketing strategies, activities and
publications; promote collaboration and teamwork with
Journalism’s staff and with the University Communications so that
integrated marketing of the University can be achieved
Reason for Contact
To act as initial contact for the School and to pitch stories and
respond to inquiries
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 two years of experience in marketing-based writing
Preferred Licenses or Certifications: None
c.
Indicate any license or certificate required for this position.
None