Job Description
Working at Cedarville University is more than a job, it's a calling. A call to help equip students to go into the world and do great things for the Kingdom. A call to use the gifts God has given you to make the most of every day. A call to work as unto the Lord. God is doing great things at Cedarville University and we are excited for you to be part of it.
When applying, please include a resume/CV and cover letter in PDF format. Additional documents will be requested if needed. Please do not submit documents that include dates of birth, social security numbers, or that require password access.
Cedarville University invites applicants for the position of Assistant Director of Public Relations. This is a full-time, exempt, on-site staff position in the Public Relations Department within the Marketing and Communications Division. This position reports to the Executive Director of Public Relations and works 2,080 annual hours.
The Assistant Director of Public Relations develops and shares compelling stories that highlight the people, programs, and mission of Cedarville University. This position manages a team of student public relations writers, oversees the creation and distribution of university news content, serves as Merit Manager, coordinates institutional advertising, and collaborates with academic schools and departments to identify strategic storytelling opportunities.
Essential Responsibilities
Write Stories and Provide Leadership to Student Public Relations Writers
• Generate newsworthy and mission-aligned stories for internal, external, web, and social media audiences.
• Train, mentor, and evaluate student public relations writers.
• Assign news stories to the student writing team, manage story deadlines, and develop students into exceptional public relations writers.
• Manage student schedules and timesheets.
• Review and edit news releases.
• Post news releases to the university website and key departmental webpages.
Serve as Merit Manager
• Utilize the Merit platform to communicate student stories, Dean's List recognitions, and commencement announcements.
Cedarville Stories Podcast
• Write show notes for each episode.
• Post and distribute the podcast across designated platforms.
Advertising Manager
• Request advertising creative.
• Coordinate advertising placements with selected media outlets.
Manage ExpertFile
• Publish weekly or biweekly content to promote Cedarville faculty expertise and generate media interview opportunities.
• Maintain the Experts Guide on the Public Relations webpages.
Crisis Communication
• Assist with crisis communication efforts as needed.
Additional Responsibilities
• Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, professional writing, English, or a related field preferred.
• Strong writing skills required.
• Proven experience in journalism, editing, professional writing, or a related field.
• Ability to strategically use AI.
• Exceptional proofreading and editing skills.
• Ability to read, write, and speak the English language.
• Proficiency with common office software; Photoshop experience preferred.
• Valid driver's license.
Required Mental/Physical Abilities
• Ability to type with keyboard proficiency.
• Ability to read and proofread with exceptional accuracy.
• Ability to hear and discern spoken communication during interviews conducted by phone or in person.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and complete assignments with minimal supervision.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
We Offer an Exceptional Employee Experience:
• A commitment to Scripture that informs everything we do –transforming lives through excellent education and equipping students to stand for the Word of God and the Testimony of Jesus Christ. We are a mission-led, Christian institution with numerous opportunities for your growth and contributions.
• An excellent and comprehensive employee benefits program for eligible employees and their families.
• Meaningful Christian community and fellowship among students, faculty, and staff.
• A beautiful, well-maintained campus with modern facilities in the serene, family-oriented town of Cedarville, Ohio.
• Free access to our first-class Athletic and Recreation Facilities.
• Free employee parking.
• Free access to Centennial Library campus resources.
• Campus Bookstore and Campus Dining Hall discounts.
• Opportunities to foster growth through chapel and other university-sponsored events.
• Opportunities to share the gospel worldwide through Global Outreach mission trips.
General inquires should be directed to Teresa Day,Director of Staffing. This position is subject to the University's verification of credentials and other information required by law and Cedarville University policies, including the successful completion of a criminal history investigation. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Cedarville University is an equal opportunity employer.
