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Account/Position No.: 12000/110520             Level 16
Position Title:   Senior Writer, Executive Assistant to the President for Public Affairs, and Associate Professor of Appalachian Studies
Department:  President's Office

Expectations for All Employees

East Tennessee State University pursues its mission based upon core values. An employee's job performance must support and exhibit the university's core values:
PEOPLE come first, are treated with dignity and respect, and are encouraged to achieve their full potential;
RELATIONSHIPS are built on honesty, integrity and trust;
DIVERSITY of people and thought is respected;
EXCELLENCE is achieved through teamwork, leadership, creativity, and a strong work ethic;
EFFICIENCY is achieved through wise use of human and financial resources; and COMMITMENT to intellectual achievement is embraced.
 
 Essential Functions:
 
Writing:
-  Write major speeches for the President and undertake any other writing projects as assigned by the President’s Office. 
-  Assist in “pitching” selected stories to regional and national media outlets. 
-  Write a twice-monthly newspaper column as well as periodic stories for magazines, journals, and other publications, primarily in the field of food and culture. 
-  Provide photography for newspaper columns and other external publications and for Powerpoint presentations. 
-  Write the book-length history of ETSU, building on Dr. Frank Williams’ work.   
-  Edit Now & Then:  The Appalachian Magazine, published twice a year by the Center for Appalachian Studies and Services
 

Teaching: 
-  Teach a course each fall and spring semester in the Foodways of Appalachia    
 
Broadcasting and Related Activities: 
-  Continue serving as host of the weekly “ETSU Voices” program on WJCW radio. 
-  Continue to supervise the operations of WETS-FM. 
-  Record an air shift each Thursday afternoon and evening on WETS-FM. 
-  Write essays and produce stories for Public Radio, including West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s “Inside Appalachia.”    
-  Read graduates’ names during commencement exercises in May and December. 
-  Serve as master of ceremonies when needed at campus events. 
-  Provide voice-over and narration for ETSU and community presentations.
 
Secondary Functions:
 
-  Represent the university and the president externally through such organizations as Fun Fest, United Way, area chambers of commerce, and others. 
-  Serve in a consulting relationship on public relations issues for the President and the Office of University Relations when needed. 
-  Coordinate the ETSU Presidential Distinguished Lecture Series, as funding allows. 
-  Speak to external groups and organizations about ETSU as well as the topic of Southern foodways. 
-  Continue to represent the President both internally and externally. 
-  Coordinate naming responsibilities for campus buildings and units. 
-  Chair the university honorary doctorate committee. 
-  Chair the university’s centennial celebration

Knowledge and Abilities

- Knowledge of news media practices and procedures, both print and broadcast.
- Knowledge of budget management.
- Knowledge of radio broadcasting techniques and management, particularly public broadcasting.
- Knowledge of printing technology and graphic design.
- Knowledge of 35-millimeter photographic techniques.
- Knowledge of issues related to radio station management.
- Knowledge of advertising and marketing principles.
- Knowledge of higher education administration and governance issues, including Tennessee Board of Regents policies and procedures.
- Knowledge of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and the Tennessee Open Meetings and Open Records statutes.
- Knowledge of computer technology and its use in communication.
- Ability to communicate effectively in written and oral form.
- Ability to work with creative people.
- Ability to work with employees at all levels of the institution, volunteers, and the public.
- Ability to deal effectively and honestly with sensitive issues.
- Ability to organize and manage a diverse number of projects simultaneously.
- Ability to manage a complex budget.

Supervision Given and Received

Performs under general supervision. Determines own methods of performing assigned work. Supervises administrative and classified employees.

Minimum Qualifications

Master's degree in English, communication, journalism or related field; five years experience in print or broadcast journalism and at least five years of experience in higher education public relations.
 
October 2008