Bowie State University · 1 month ago
Assistant Director of Communications & Public Relations
Bowie, MD
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff, Director/Executive
$80K/yr - $92K/yr
5+ years expBowie State University is seeking an Assistant Director of Communications & Public Relations who will be responsible for managing and elevating the university’s public image through comprehensive media relations and proactive storytelling. This role involves crafting and delivering messaging that aligns with the institution’s brand and strategic priorities, overseeing media outreach, and contributing to both external and internal communication efforts.
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Responsibilities
Create and maintain a university-wide public relations plan that aligns with institutional goals and brand positioning
Build and manage an annual PR and editorial calendar to ensure consistent and strategic communication
Develop and manage media lists, subject-matter expert (SME) databases, and press kits to support outreach efforts
Manage media outreach and on-site press support for major events, announcements, and initiatives
Assist with VIP visits, press conferences, and special programs to maximize exposure
Serve as the primary contact for all media inquiries, ensuring timely and accurate responses
Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, and media partners to secure positive coverage
Proactively pitch stories and place Bowie State University experts in relevant media conversations
Schedule interviews, prepare briefing materials, and provide media training support as needed
Ensure university spokespeople are well-prepared and aligned with key messaging
Draft and distribute press releases, media statements, talking points, and feature stories to highlight university achievements
Oversee development of key messages for announcements, initiatives, and crisis situations
Contribute to internal communications, including content for the BSYou newsletter and other campus updates
Assist with the university’s communications efforts during crises or emergencies, working closely with senior leadership to craft and deliver key messages
Ensure that crisis communications are clear, consistent, and transparent, addressing the needs of all stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, and the public
Ensure that communications efforts contribute to the positive development of the university’s brand and public image
Regularly assess the university’s reputation and recommend strategies for improving public perception and increasing brand awareness
Use tools such as Meltwater to track media coverage, measure impact, and analyze trends
Prepare regular reports for leadership with actionable insights to refine PR strategies and improve outcomes
Work closely within the Division of Marketing & Communications and cross-functional teams across the university to ensure cohesive messaging and alignment of communications and PR efforts
Partner with marketing, social media, and creative teams to integrate PR efforts into broader campaigns
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, or a related field
5-8 years of Communications/PR experience, preferably in higher education or a similar field
Proven experience in crisis communications, including message development and media relations during sensitive situations
Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills (AP Style), with the ability to craft clear, compelling messages for diverse audiences
Excellent interpersonal and public speaking skills, with the ability to represent the university effectively in media interviews, presentations, and meetings
Expertise in media relations, social media, and digital communications strategies
Familiarity with communications tools, software, and analytics (e.g. Meltwater, Monday.com, etc.)
Creative, strategic thinker with a strong understanding of the higher education landscape and the ability to manage multiple, competing priorities
Benefits
Benefits include medical, dental, prescription, long-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment insurance and life insurance;
Paid time for paid sick leave, annual leave, and personal leave;
12 paid holidays per year;
Tuition remission;
Employer-funded pension and supplemental retirement accounts.
Company
Bowie State University
Bowie State University is a school in Bowie.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$5.63MKey Investors
Maryland Higher Education CommissionNational Science FoundationMinority Business Development Agency
2025-06-04Grant· $2.2M
2024-07-03Grant
2023-01-12Grant· $2.1M
Leadership Team
Charles Adams
Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director
Maurice Tyler
Vice-President of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer
Recent News
Maryland Daily Record
2025-10-15
Bowie State University
2025-10-15
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