Recommended Jobs Resource:  "The Chronicle of Higher Education"

Member Gene Sands says, "After almost 10 years in this business,  I've found that our experiences, training, etc. as USAF PAOs have prepared us to work effectively in the higher education realm as directors of public relations.  The pay is not as good as  that found in some parts of the private sector, but there are other benefits  (such as the remission of tuition, access to university classes,  fine arts, sports, etc.)."

"The Chronicle" is published weekly and the job listings can be accessed through its web site: www.chronicle.com.  After getting to the site, all one has to do is activate the "Jobs" button, then the "Administrative" button, then the "Public Affairs" button. "

Gene takes questions at (225) 388-3859 or by E-Mail gsands@lsu.edu

Submitted  By: Jim Hart

National Director of Public Relations - Girls and Boys Town 

Girls and Boys Town is one of the largest child care programs in the United States, with an annual budget of over $200 million and approximately 2,500 employees.

Girls and Boys Town actually provides direct care and treatment to more than 30,000 girls and boys and has sites in 15 states and the District of Columbia. They operate Long Term Restricted Programs, a National Research Hospital, National Resource and Training Programs, Emergency Shelter Services, Family Preservation Services, Treatment Foster Family Services, and a 24-hour Crisis Hotline. Girls and Boys Town headquarters are in the National Historic Landmark Village of Boys Town, an incorporated village near Omaha, Nebraska.

Girls and Boys Town enjoys high name recognition and esteem among the general public. Nonetheless, it is a constant challenge to increase public understanding of Girls and Boys Town, and its program.

Organizational Relationships

The National Director of Public Relations works with Associate Executive Directors and the Executive Director to develop national public relations strategies and campaigns. This position will work with public relations counsel to conceive and direct national Public Relations campaigns aimed at the four major audiences: general public, donors, employees and consumers. The National Director will report to the Board of Trustees when directed by AEDs and the Executive Director. 

• This position will direct implementation of public relations program objectives and activities 
• Reports program plans and objective attainment to the Associate Executive Director of Development and the Executive Director 
• Ensures media training for management staff is accomplished as needed 
• Provides advice to AEDs, site directors and their designees on how to communicate with the public and media 
• Monitors specific measurements of communications or campaigns and goals for outcomes of communications with the four key audiences

Specific Responsibilities Include:

• Assures development and implementations programs and activities in the National Public Relations with both long- and short-term objectives 
• Oversees operations aspects headed by four key public relations managers 
• Oversees the writing, editing, publication, and distribution of Girls and Boys Town publications 
• Oversees the qualifications of staff and is the final authority in the selection process of public relations personnel 
• Assures performance monitoring of assigned personnel on a continuous basis and reviews performance with individuals as per department guidelines 
• Oversees and evaluates outcomes of site Public Relations campaigns and activities 
• Keeps informed of all significant developments in the field of public relations and communicates changes to staff Assumes personal responsibility for recruiting national figures and celebrities to visit Girls and Boys Town 
• Works with outside consultant to identify and recruit key visitors to Girls and Boys Town 
• Under direction of AEDs and Executive Director, escorts trustees and visitors 
• Where appropriate, personally appears on television or at news conferences and responds to questions regarding Girls and Boys Town programs and issues 
• Assists AEDs in all other matters as assigned Serves as a role model in carrying out the Girls and Boys Town mission • Directs all activities towards the fulfillment of the Girls and Boys Town mission 
• Creates an atmosphere of enthusiasm and commitment 
• Directs all actions to reflect the values and principles of Girls and Boys Town 
• Executes the Associate Executive Director's and immediate supervisor's policies and plans loyally 
• Follows chain of command and is an effective team member 
• Communicates directly with internal and/or external customers to assure proper resolution of concerns and satisfaction of inquiries 
• Speaks positively of Girls and Boys Town's decision, processes, and programs to other staff and outside consumers 
• Does not gossip and does not listen to others gossiping 
• Speaks positively to those who are gossiping and admonishes them to cease 
• Establishes and maintains an environment that encourages teamwork, interdependence, and ethical behaviour 
• Continually increases technical competency of self and others through education and research within their field 
• Recognized by peers as a leader in Mission, Vision, and Values 
• When all present tasks are accomplished, asks peers of there is work that he/she can do for them 
• Supports other members of the management team and their work

Educational Credentials 

• A bachelor's degree in Journalism, Marketing or Communication field is required, a masters degree is desired 
• A universal accreditation in Public Relations is preferred

Career Experience 

• A minimum of seven to 10 years experience in the development and administration of public relations programs 
• Must have managerial experience 
• Must have ability to travel extensively

If Interested contact: 

Sheila Dolch Avaria
Boyden Global Executive Search
5847 San Felipe, Suite 3940
Houston, Texas 77057

Phone 713-655-0123
Fax 713-655-0107
savaria@boydenhou.com

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