PRSA Placement Newsletter

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August 2008
Contact: Stephanie Ackerman

The Placement Newsletter Online is a service of the Pittsburgh Chapter of PRSA to assist its members and others in the public relations and communications fields. The newsletter reaches employment decision makers in the public relations community, corporate human resources departments, and PRSA member firms. To post information about a position or professional, contact Stephanie Ackerman. To receive these listings as a weekly email, contact Bryson Thornton. New professionals may also benefit from the listings at EntryLevel-PR.com, which offers entry-level jobs and internships in public relations and communications.

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

Public Relations and Marketing Communications Professional  Bayer MaterialScience LLC, based in Pittsburgh, is seeking an experienced public relations and marketing communications professional. Responsibilities include development and implementation of a wide variety of communications in support of Bayer MaterialScience business units. The position requires hands-on experience in researching, writing and placing press releases, planning and executing advertising programs, trade shows, mailings, newsletters, electronic media and events. Excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills are required. Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism or Communications and a minimum of five (5) years relevant experience in the field. Qualified candidates should visit www.bayerjobs.com for position details and to submit a resume. Enter position ID #5735. Bayer MaterialScience LLC is one of the leading producers of polymers and high-performance plastics in North America and is part of the global Bayer MaterialScience business with nearly 14,000 employees at thirty sites around the world. (Posted 6/24)

Director of Public Relations  Do you enjoy promoting higher education? Community College of Allegheny County has an immediate need for a full-time seasoned public relations professional. The Director of Public Relations develops and directs the implementation of the college’s comprehensive communications and media relations plan, including public relations, & internal/ external communications. Duties include: Serve as official college spokesperson and key advisor regarding PR activities and internal/external communication strategies. Develop strategic communications for employees and external community. Publicize college programs/services to community and other groups via regional daily, weekly or monthly print, TV, radio & online media. Work with faculty, students, staff and college leadership to identify stories for publication in local, regional and national media. Advise on planning of special events; arrange for media coverage as appropriate. Assist campus/college centers in development of community outreach plans. Job Specifications: Bachelor's degree (Master’s preferred) in public relations, communications, English or related program; four to five years’ experience in public relations capacity required with minimum one-year public relations experience in higher education or nonprofit preferred.CCAC has excellent benefits, including generous vacation/sick leave, health, vision, dental and retirement benefits. Apply online by June 20, 2008 at: www.ccacjobs.com. (Posted 6/6)

Director of Marketing and Communications  Pittsburgh Opera is seeking a Director of Marketing and Communications. This person is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive program to maximize all earned revenue through the direction of the strategic, operational planning and tactical processes of the marketing department and for overseeing all sales, public relations, education, and community programs for this established and growing regional Opera company. The position supervises the Director of Community Relations and PR, the Subscription and Customer Service Manager, the Director of Group Sales, Marketing Associates, and Interns. This senior staff position reports to the General Director and will be an integral part of the Opera’s leadership team. For more information and a more comprehensive job description, please visit our employment page in “The Company” section of our website, www.pittsburghopera.org. (Posted 7/1)

Marketing Assistant   Glade Run Lutheran Services is looking for a Marketing Assistant to conduct direct marketing of agency programs to payers by traveling to payer locations (i.e., county MH/MR agencies, county CYS agencies, county juvenile probation agencies, managed care and various insurance companies, etc.) to meet with payer representatives to market programs, obtain feedback from payers, and develop and maintain effective referral relationships with such payers; Develop marketing material; Represent Glade Run at various events that will promote agency services to increase community awareness and referrals; Assist Director of Business Development on special projects. Bachelor’s degree in public relations, marketing or related field preferred; Associate’s degree required. Please review full job description at www.gladerun.org. (Posted 7/2)

Public Relations Account Executive  PR AE position available at LarsonO’Brien ADV/PR/Interactive, with offices in Pittsburgh, Beijing and Shanghai. Two to three years relevant experience required. Architectural product experience a plus. Send resume/references to dan@larsonobrien.com. (Posted 6/19)

University Editor  Robert Morris University (RMU) seeks applicants for the position of University Editor, serving as the chief editor ensuring all publications meet the highest standards of quality editorial content; developing a strategic communications plan aimed at delivering the University’s key messages; coordinating publication of various publications; developing policies for use of the University’s content management system and guidelines for web content; developing policies/procedures for the management of the University’s visual/editorial identities and ensuring adherence to standards; editing/proofreading news releases, web content and promotional copy; ensuring University brand strategy is implemented in all web/print materials; supporting the University marketing communications agency in development of promotional/advertising materials; contracting/supervising freelance writers/photographers as needed. Bachelor’s Degree required (in journalism, public relations or related field). 10+ years of communications/writing/editing experience. Outstanding editorial, project management and communications skills. Experience writing/editing content for the web and familiarity with web content management systems. Visit www.rmu.jobs for additional information. Candidates should email resume referencing this ad to jobs@rmu.edu or send resume to Robert Morris University, Human Resources Department, 6001 University Blvd., Moon Twp., PA 15108. RMU is committed to increasing diversity in our community and actively pursues individuals from all backgrounds. EOE (Posted 8/13)

Manager of Electronic Communications  Shady Side Academy is seeking a Manager of Electronic Communications to support the Academy’s website and other electronic communications efforts. This person will write, edit and proofread content for the Academy's new website and serve as its primary content manager after launch; work with a content management system (CMS) to create and update pages; train and support faculty and staff on the CMS; assist in the writing, creation and distribution of various e-newsletters; monitor the Academy's presence on third-party websites; assist with writing, editing and proofreading for a variety of other communications projects; and take photos at school events. Applicants should have a bachelor's degree in journalism or communications and a minimum of three years' experience, plus strong writing, editing, proofreading, interpersonal and organizational skills. Qualified applicants should visit www.shadysideacademy.org and click on "Employment" under "About the Academy" for a complete job description and information on how to apply. (Posted 8/13)

Assistant Director of Communications  Shady Side Academy seeks an Assistant Director of Communications to support all of the Academy’s internal and external communications and marketing efforts. This person will assist the Director of Communications in overseeing all publications, public relations, marketing, advertising and electronic communications efforts; serve as primary writer and editor of Shady Side Academy Magazine; write, edit and proofread copy for a variety of media; manage multiple communications projects on deadline, ensuring consistency in voice and message; and take photos at school events. Applicants should have a bachelor's degree in journalism or communications and a minimum of five years' experience, plus strong writing, editing, proofreading, interpersonal and organizational skills. Qualified applicants should visit www.shadysideacademy.org and click on "Employment" under "About the Academy" for a complete job description and information on how to apply. (Posted 8/13)

Marketing Communications Director/Web Manager  Robert Morris University seeks candidates for a Marketing Communications Director/Web Manager responsible to carry out the mission/vision/core values of the University to aid in building institutional visibility and brand awareness; support enrollment goals through marketing initiatives aimed at increasing inquiries and positioning the University in new markets; supporting fund-raising goals for the University’s capital campaign; developing/implementing strategic marketing projects/promotions with emphasis on developing and overseeing the University web site and online marketing initiatives to support recruitment, fund-raising, and institutional visibility. Bachelor’s Degree required; Master’s preferred. 2-5 years experience in planning/creating/writing/directing marketing communications initiatives, particularly using web or online or e-marketing channels. Familiarity with web promotion/marketing techniques in higher education preferred, particularly in undergraduate, graduate, and adult education recruitment and inquiry generation. Proficiency with web-related techniques and technologies (Web 2.0 development tools, selection and implementation/dissemination of content management systems, CSS, JavaScript, HTML, UNIX). Visit www.rmu.jobs for additional information/qualifications. Email resume referencing this ad to jobs@rmu.edu or send resume to Robert Morris University, Human Resources Department, 6001 University Blvd., Moon Twp., PA 15108. Robert Morris University is committed to increasing diversity in our community and actively pursues individuals from all backgrounds. EOE (Posted 8/13)

Multimedia/Web Designer  Robert Morris University seeks candidates for a Multimedia/Web Designer providing leadership in technical/creative development and ensuring integrity/quality of web sites, multimedia projects, and print/publications.Bachelor’s Degree required (in Web/interaction design, communications, marketing, education, design/graphic design) or equivalent combination of education/experience. Two years of experience working in a web development environment with technical creative development skills; demonstrated knowledge of website marketing concepts. Knowledge of/experience with traditional print/publications projects; ability to create/produce basic publications/print materials. Ability to maintain integrity/quality of the site and to design, initiate production, test, perform maintenance, create/maintain documentation. Ability to prioritize web enhancements; customer focused. Knowledge of hardware/software and emerging technologies; skills in HTML coding, editors/tools and internet protocols (WWW, Web, FTP, Gopher and dedicated client server applications; working knowledge of applicable browsers, desk top publishing, image scanning, graphic design, layout, digital audio recording and CD authoring; knowledge of Internet/Intranet/LAN and multimedia hardware/software). Visit www.rmu.jobs for additional details. Email resume referencing this ad to jobs@rmu.edu or send resume to Robert Morris University, Human Resources Department, 6001 University Blvd., Moon Twp., PA 15108. Robert Morris University is committed to increasing diversity in our community and actively pursues individuals from all backgrounds. EOE (Posted 8/13)

Public Relations Academic Internship Program  Education Management LLC seeks a Public Relations Intern to assist the Public Relations/Corporate Communications Department in achieving the public relations goals of the Company. Responsibilities include assisting in coordination of content for company Web sites; provide support for writing projects, special event planning, trade shows and contests; complete special projects; and work cooperatively with in-house advertising and marketing department. Requirements: Eligibility requires a junior or senior in public relations, communications or related major; Must possess strong writing skills; Highly organized and detailed oriented with an eye toward meeting aggressive deadlines; Capable of working independently and as a team member; Must possess time management skills and ability to prioritize work; Ability to complete tasks efficiently and effectively; Computer proficient in Microsoft programs and online services; HTML knowledge preferred; Member of student organization supporting field of study; Length: One semester or required hours to fulfill academic requirement. Contact Mark Toth at mtoth@edmc.edu. No phone calls please. (Posted 8/20)

Public Relations Professionals  MARC USA is a national, full-service Advertising / Integrated Marketing agency. We are hiring Public Relations stars for our Station Square-based PR Team. Positions range from Account Executive to Director. All roles will support Consumer, Retail and/or Business to Business clients, while providing PR services such as media relations, social media, crisis management, event marketing, press releases, speech writing, and cause marketing to name a few. You may work on PR-only clients, or others that require integrated marketing campaigns (is which cases, you will team and closely collaborate with other advertising and marketing disciplines). All positions will have daily contact with clients and all levels within our agency. You will also have the opportunity to hone your new business skills. The Director level position will perform at a strategic level. Supervisory responsibilities exist for higher level positions. All positions require a Bachelors Degree and exceptional writing skills. Agency experience is a must. AE level candidates require at least three years of PR related experience. Director level candidates should have at least 12. Please send your resume to robresumes@marcusa.com. MARC USA is proud of its commitment to diversity. (Posted 7/8)

Communications Assistant  Children's charity seeks a communications assistant to work with the Marketing Communications Coordinator on the writing and production of its bi-annual print and electronic newsletter (the print design is outsourced) and bi-monthly volunteer newsletter as well as other design projects. In addition, will be in charge of day-to-day web site content management. Some media relations writing and contact as directed by Coordinator. Must be a strong writer and have experience with InDesign and Photoshop or similar software. This is an entry-level position but some experience will be a plus. Skills required include excellent written and oral communications, creative thinking, project management and customer service. Organization has an excellent benefits package and an open and rewarding work environment. Send cover letter, resume, salary requirements and three references immediately to the Make-A-Wish Foundation at greaterpa@wishworld.org. Deadline: August 13, 2008. EOE. (Posted 8/13)

PROFESSIONALS AVAILABLE

Seasoned Corporate and Marketing Communications Professional   I am a seasoned, results-oriented corporate and marketing communications professional with 25+ years of experience serving several of the region’s most successful organizations. While much of my career has been in the high technology field (both software and services), I am comfortable working in any industry and environment. My talents include strategic marketing and business development. Promotional and technical writing are also a part of my skill set, as I can take complex material and turn it into easy-to-understand, comprehensive and compelling copy. For the past eight years, I was Director of Corporate Communications for Pittsburgh’s leading IT consulting services company. In this position, I contributed to the company’s double digit revenue growth by helping to define its strategic direction, maintained budget accountability and was responsible for all corporate and marketing communications. This entailed collateral development, public relations, brand management, company web sites (internal and external), lead/demand generation, advertising, promotions, trade show and event management. I have management experience and thrive in a hands-on, team-oriented environment. My ability to see the “big picture” is also a strong point, as I always keep an eye on the high-level corporate goals ultimately doing whatever is best for my company and customers. I am anxious begin a new challenge and produce results for my next employer. You can reach me by calling Rob Sagwitz at 412.653.5899 or by email at rsagwitz@comcast.net.

Accomplished Professional  My experiences span many fields and have resulted in a high level of accomplishment. As a transitioning professional, I seek an entry level position within an agency or corporate setting that will allow me to continue to grow as a public relations practitioner. I am a versatile individual. I am at ease in working in positions of high and low level supervision, group size, and dynamics. My experiences include program development, management, and maintenance in an institution of higher education where I acted as an advisor, instructor, recruiter, and representative. I have utilized various marketing tactics to increase program enrollment as well as gain public favor. These efforts lead to being a featured subject expert in a publication with a 30k readership on 3 separate occasions. I am skilled in statistical and procedural designs and methodology for the development and evaluation of various programs. I hold masters degrees in both Marketing and Counseling. Most importantly, I have a verifiable track record of successes that can be viewed in actual numbers. I am a diligent worker and will be an asset. If you are interested in learning more please contact me by phone at (412) 651-4330 or by e-mail at Patrick.W.Morrison@Gmail.com. (Posted 7/19)