Deputy Spokesperson/Public Safety - University of Missouri-Columbia : Job Details

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The University of Missouri's Marketing and Communications Division seeks an effective safety and emergency communications leader to serve as Deputy Spokesperson/Public Safety. This position reports to the Director of Media Relations and Public Affairs for Mizzou

The Deputy Spokesperson/Public Safety will work closely with university police, emergency management and other partners across campus, as appropriate, to develop and execute a comprehensive safety communications strategy. The Deputy Spokesperson serves as one of the university's spokespeople and helps manage institutional issues, staying abreast of local and national issues and trends and helping manage the university's issues infrastructure.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Works with the Director of Media Relations and Public Affairs and team to respond to media inquiries involving the university, especially those involving public safety or potential for risk to the university's reputation.
• Manages and develops the Public Information Safety Officer
• Leads planning on how to effectively communicate important safety messages to the university community.
• Works closely with MU Police Chief and members of the emergency management team.
• Under guidance from the Director and in close conjunction with colleagues, this person will lead a revision of the university's Crisis Communication Plan and develop an effective training schedule.
• Manages MU Alert and media inquiries in the event of a crisis.
• Provides strategic communications counsel to Mizzou leaders, including guidance on issues strategy, safety communications and media relations strategies.
• Works closely with colleagues and other university leaders on issues that often require sensitivity, discretion, or judgment.
• Assumes other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

8-5 M-F; some weekends and evenings required

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 6 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary

• Experience leading communications or emergency management efforts for an organization
• A bachelor's degree in communications, disaster management, public affairs, public relations or a related field, or its equivalent.
• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Experience in public speaking and on-camera interviews.
• Experience writing communications that represent organizations or organizational leaders.
• Experience supervising employees or volunteers to accomplish strategic objectives.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks or projects in a fast-moving environment while meeting assigned deadlines.
• Possess a high level of discretion, integrity, accuracy and decision-making skills.
• Experience collaborating in a large organization.
• Excellent organization and planning skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem-solving, time management, project management and presentation skills

Salary Range: $70,000-$85,000

Grade: GGS-12

University Title: Administrative Consultant II

Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Resume and cover letter

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at

Values Commitment We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person's success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit or call the Director of Employee and Labor Relations at 573-###-####. To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-###-####.