New York, NY-Director of Communications/North America- The American University in Cairo (AUC)

Director of Communications/North America

The American University in Cairo (AUC) is looking for a skilled communications professional to help the university increase U.S. recognition of its educational stature and its unique role as a bridge between the Middle East and the United States. Applicants should have a demonstrated record of success in promoting institutions and issues, seven to 10 years experience in media relations and media strategy, and Internet savvy. The job will be in New York.

POSITION SUMMARY
The person who fills this position will be responsible for all news related communications activities in the United States, specifically those directed at the news media and the web. This person will also, working with other AUC offices, oversee all special events/lectures/panels sponsored by the university in the US. This position reports directly to the associate vice president of communications and marketing, who is located in Cairo. The position will require periodic travel to Cairo and will require close coordination work with communications and marketing, alumni and development staff based in Cairo, as well as the university’s government relations Washington, DC.

JOB DUTIES:

* Develop and implement a comprehensive U.S. based communications plan, as well as a strategy for evaluating the results of the plan;
* Work with Cairo staff and faculty to identify potential stories, which would include identifying expert faculty for interviews and/or lectures; identifying students and alumni to profile for U.S. audiences and identify stories of interest to the U.S. media;
* Pitch high level U.S. media with stories relating to AUC’s expert professors, students studying abroad, etc.;
* Monitor the press for breaking news related to AUC professors’ expertise and respond quickly through interviews, op-eds, etc.
* Write and edit op-eds, press releases, advisories, and copy for marketing materials;
* Evaluate and make recommendations on the website, specifically as it relates to the U.S. audience;
* Plan and coordinate special events, including World Affairs Council (and similar organizations) tours, Press Club briefings and editorial board meetings for university officials and faculty members;
* Coordinate with Office of Alumni Affairs to reach out to alumni in the United States;
* Coordinate with the Office of Student Affairs in identifying U.S. students studying at AUC
* Coordinate with AUC Press Office to assist in raising visibility of AUC Press books and publishing initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS

· Bachelor's degree, master’s preferred;

· Seven to 10 years of related and/or applicable communications experience;

· Strong written and verbal skills;

· Knowledge of new technologies for communications;

· Creative and innovate thinker;

· Team player with excellent follow-though, time management and attention to detail.


RESPONSES

Please submit a cover letter and a resume with salary history to:
nmartin@aucegypt.edu or mail to:

The American University in Cairo

attn: communications director
420 Fifth Avenue, Third Floor
New York, NY 10018


Fax 212.730.1600
www.aucegypt.edu