POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Director of Public Affairs Support
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 2154
GRADE 43
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Vice President of Student Affairs
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Director of Public Affairs Support has direct supervision over planning, organizing, publicizing, and producing of public affairs events such as conference, lectures, awards programs, civic education/engagement events and other events for the campus community and the community at large. This position facilitates community relations such as serving on and providing communication with community boards, developing, and maintaining community partnerships, and involving campus and community partners in a variety of events. Responsibilities include budget administration, event development, growing campus and community partnerships, development of annual public affairs theme and development and delivery of the annual public affairs conference.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A Master’s degree is required. An equivalent combination of years of experience and education may be considered for substitution of educational requirements.
Experience: At least five years of experience in a higher education setting is required. At least two years of leadership experience in at least one of the following areas is required: planning and coordinating university events, conference planning, and/or public relations. Preference will be given to candidates with community relations experience in Springfield.
Skills: The ability to independently manage the details associated with multiple projects and budgets, track activities, and meet deadlines. Exceptional interpersonal communication skills are required. Exceptional oral and written communication skills are required. Must have a working knowledge of various computer software applications, including word processing and database applications. Must have strong decision-making skills, the ability to prioritize tasks, and to bring many varied tasks to completion by deadlines. Must be able to work independently, quickly learn the administrative structure of the University and the procedures necessary to accomplish the job and have the ability to use initiative in meeting the responsibilities of the job. The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required. Must have working knowledge of social media as a marketing tool.
Other: Must be able to travel to and from many different locations on and off campus to make arrangements for events and attend meetings. Must be able to work evenings and weekends as needed. Some overnight travel to conferences is required.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Assures that the Public Affairs Conference, Convocations, and other Public Affairs events are an appropriate educational experience for all participants by planning, organizing, coordinating, and facilitating all aspects of these events, preparing the master schedule of events, contracting and scheduling the speakers, coordinating with various campus offices to schedule space needs, equipment, security, food, publicity, and promotions, selecting and scheduling volunteers, and assuring that the conference runs smoothly and that all needs are met.
2. Plans, oversees, and coordinates events including but not limited to the Public Affairs Conference, Public Affairs Convocations, Democracy Week, Public Affairs Talks and other events that highlight the public affairs mission, makes presentations to local groups, and supervises the marketing and promotion of Missouri State public affairs events.
3. Exercises budgetary responsibility for all budgets assigned to the Office of Public Affairs Support.
4.Obtains funding for various initiatives and conferences by writing grant applications to support the Public Affairs Conference and other University-wide public affairs events. Solicit funding from on campus and off campus groups to fund speakers and event when necessary.
5. Maintains communication with other campus entities involved in Public Affairs activities by facilitating information exchange groups, conducting personal meetings, and forming relationships with those entities.
6. Serves on both on campus and off campus committees.
7. Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses required by the immediate supervisor.
8. Contributes to the overall success of the Division of Student Affairs by performing all other essential duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION
The Director of Public Affairs Support supervises the Assistant Director of Public Affairs Support, graduate assistants, student workers, and others as assigned by the Vice President of Student Affairs.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
REVISED OCTOBER 2024
