The Director of Public Affairs working in a college or university is responsible for handling all press and public relations functions of the institution. The individual may work alone in the department or with an assistant or may supervise a staff.
The Director of Public Affairs, who might also be called the news and information coordinator, public relations director, public affairs coordinator, or public information director, performs a number of communications and writing functions. These include preparing press and media releases on a regular basis. He or she may write press releases regarding routine college activities and events or cover special events or programs the college is holding. The individual may also prepare releases on honors and awards received by college professors, administrators, or students. Other writing responsibilities, depending on the institution and its structure, might include the preparation of event calendars, brochures, letters, marketing pieces, feature stories, special-interest articles, etc. He or she may be expected to write a column for the school or local paper about college happenings.
The Director of Public Affairs is responsible for publicizing special programs sponsored by the college. These might include extension and outreach programs or college/community affairs programs. The individual may, for example, publicize a new nursing program initiated, developed, and supported by a local hospital and offered by the college.
The director often works with other college departments in preparing publicity, developing programs, arranging interviews, etc. The individual might work with college alumni or the alumni relations department on a homecoming weekend or with the fund-raising and development department when raising funds for a new building. The Director of Public Affairs frequently works with student government and student activities directors handling the publicity for a theatrical event, concert, sports event, or other attraction. He or she may prepare press material or arrange speaking engagements or interviews for college professors, administrators, or the admissions department.
The individual is responsible for arranging for media coverage of noteworthy college events and functions. He or she may call media to inform them of events or send information to their offices. The Director of Public Affairs is expected to handle inquiries and questions by the media. He or she may refer them to someone who can answer the question or may act as the college spokesperson him- or herself. The individual may frequently be asked to speak on behalf of the college at local civic and community events, fund-raising functions, etc.
The Director of Public Affairs may arrange press conferences or press briefings. This might occur when a famous individual becomes a member of the teaching staff, a professor or administrator receives a special award or honor, or someone is donating a large sum of money. Press conferences might also be called to clarify the nature of a problem on campus or to announce its solution. The individual is expected to work a normal eight-hour day. He or she may put in overtime to finish projects, write required releases, talk to media on the phone, etc. The Director of Public Affairs is responsible to the president of the institution.
Individuals working as Directors of Public Affairs in college or university settings have salaries that range greatly. Compensation depends on a number of variables. These include the size, location, and prestige of the institution, its status (whether it is profit or nonprofit), and the experience and responsibilities of the individual.
Salaries range from US Dollars 30,000 to US Dollars 100,000 or more annually. Individuals are compensated on the lower end of the scale if they have limited experience or are working in a small college. Those with more experience or those working in larger colleges and universities earn between US Dollars 45,000 and US Dollars 70,000 a year. Individuals working in very large institutions earn up to US Dollars 100,000 or more.
Many colleges and universities often offer valuable perks such as free tuition to those working in the school or to their spouses and children.
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