Director, Public Affairs
University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, United States
Position Information
Working Title:
Director, Public Affairs
Department:
Office of University Communication-0852
Requisition Number:
S_260170
Posting Open Date:
03/16/2026
Application Review Date:
03/23/2026
Posting Close Date:
Open Until Filled Yes
Description of Work Gathers, writes, edits and distributes news that positions the University of Nebraska – Lincoln as a national leader and invaluable resource to Nebraska students, taxpayers and economic drivers. Develops relationships with local and national media to actively pursue external coverage of news stories that enhance and elevate UNL’s reputation. Develops strategy around responding to media inquiries about UNL. Finds fresh and captivating angles for UNL news and research stories. Works closely and regularly with other members of the University Communications team as well as communicators, faculty and staff in UNL’s various colleges and units to develop news ideas, build and execute communications plans and distribute multi‑platform content that will attract national, state and local interest. Communicates national media successes with key external and internal audiences.
As an EO/AA employer, qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See: http://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination
Minimum Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, English, communication or related degree plus five years professional experience in a news organization or public relations firm; additional years of relevant experience or completed relevant education may substitute for required education/experience on a year‑for‑year basis.
Ability to write accurately and compellingly and to find angles on news stories that are interesting to an array of audiences.
Must be able to effectively communicate complex topics, particularly scientific research, to general audiences.
Strong interviewing skills are essential.
Must display initiative and demonstrate the ability to communicate with many different types of audiences.
Must exhibit the ability to lead and manage projects and/or contribute as a team member to successful projects.
Proven ability to work effectively across various communication platforms, including print, online, mobile and social media.
Knowledge of Associated Press writing style necessary.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor of journalism, bachelor of arts in English, public relations, communication or other related degree.
Experience in public relations, communication strategy and pitching media stories is preferred.
Experience in writing accurately and compellingly about scientific research.
Experience in communication planning, public relations and pitching stories to media.
Knowledge of or experience with higher education structures and strategies.
Online content management systems and internet publishing are preferred.
Additional Information Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required. Subject to DOT approved pre‑employment & random testing for alcohol and controlled substances.
Criminal History Background Check Required Yes.
Posted Salary $75,000/yr. minimum.
Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding? No.
Job Type: Full‑Time.
Work Location: Lincoln, NE.
How to Apply Click on “Apply for this Job”. You will then either create an application or edit your current application that is on file. You will be required to attach your resume, cover letter, and list of references as three (3) separate documents in MS Word or PDF format.
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Director, Public Affairs
Department:
Office of University Communication-0852
Requisition Number:
S_260170
Posting Open Date:
03/16/2026
Application Review Date:
03/23/2026
Posting Close Date:
Open Until Filled Yes
Description of Work Gathers, writes, edits and distributes news that positions the University of Nebraska – Lincoln as a national leader and invaluable resource to Nebraska students, taxpayers and economic drivers. Develops relationships with local and national media to actively pursue external coverage of news stories that enhance and elevate UNL’s reputation. Develops strategy around responding to media inquiries about UNL. Finds fresh and captivating angles for UNL news and research stories. Works closely and regularly with other members of the University Communications team as well as communicators, faculty and staff in UNL’s various colleges and units to develop news ideas, build and execute communications plans and distribute multi‑platform content that will attract national, state and local interest. Communicates national media successes with key external and internal audiences.
As an EO/AA employer, qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See: http://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination
Minimum Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, English, communication or related degree plus five years professional experience in a news organization or public relations firm; additional years of relevant experience or completed relevant education may substitute for required education/experience on a year‑for‑year basis.
Ability to write accurately and compellingly and to find angles on news stories that are interesting to an array of audiences.
Must be able to effectively communicate complex topics, particularly scientific research, to general audiences.
Strong interviewing skills are essential.
Must display initiative and demonstrate the ability to communicate with many different types of audiences.
Must exhibit the ability to lead and manage projects and/or contribute as a team member to successful projects.
Proven ability to work effectively across various communication platforms, including print, online, mobile and social media.
Knowledge of Associated Press writing style necessary.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor of journalism, bachelor of arts in English, public relations, communication or other related degree.
Experience in public relations, communication strategy and pitching media stories is preferred.
Experience in writing accurately and compellingly about scientific research.
Experience in communication planning, public relations and pitching stories to media.
Knowledge of or experience with higher education structures and strategies.
Online content management systems and internet publishing are preferred.
Additional Information Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required. Subject to DOT approved pre‑employment & random testing for alcohol and controlled substances.
Criminal History Background Check Required Yes.
Posted Salary $75,000/yr. minimum.
Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding? No.
Job Type: Full‑Time.
Work Location: Lincoln, NE.
How to Apply Click on “Apply for this Job”. You will then either create an application or edit your current application that is on file. You will be required to attach your resume, cover letter, and list of references as three (3) separate documents in MS Word or PDF format.
#J-18808-Ljbffr