Manager of Media and Public Relations

Wesleyan University, founded in 1831, is a diverse, energetic liberal arts community where critical thinking and practical idealism go hand in hand.

Position Details

The Office of Communications shines a spotlight on the people and programs of Wesleyan University to enhance its reputation as a leader in liberal education. In so doing, it serves as a partner with units across campus, providing expertise in brand management, strategic communication, media relations, digital and social media strategy, website development, content training and strategy, print and online publications and videography and photography.

The Manager of Media and Public Relations is responsible for providing media relations and PR counsel, for managing high-profile PR issues, developing positive media relationships in collaboration with the RW Jones Agency, and for writing and editing content for use across a variety of mediums managed by the Office of University Communications.

Responsibilities

Advise leadership on media and PR issues as requested.

Develop and execute plans in support of Wesleyan’s strategic and tactical objectives.

Serve as university spokesperson where appropriate.

Serve as the liaison between the University Administration and Argus editors—preparing the President and other senior staff—and mediating communication with the editors.

Proactively plan and implement PR efforts to enhance Wesleyan’s reputation by collaborating with the RW Jones Agency to initiate meetings with faculty members for proactive placement in national and local traditional and nontraditional news outlets.

Serve as a contributing writer for Wesleyan magazine.

Oversee the University’s online news pages and campus news.

Field media inquiries in a timely manner.

Manage media relations for the Wesleyan Media Project and other high-profile initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
A minimum of 7 years’ experience in journalism, or a related setting; and record of writing and editing excellence.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple inquiries from reporters nationally and internationally and ability to be on call during crisis management and peak seasons.
Demonstrated ability to proactively plan and implement Media and Public Relations efforts.
Demonstrated ability to train others in messaging skills.
Demonstrated ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, nights, weekends and holidays as needed.
Demonstrated commitment to working within a diverse environment and interacting collegially with individuals of different backgrounds

Preferred Qualifications

10 or more years of experience in journalism.
Prior experience in college/university communications.
Master’s degree in related field or equivalent.
Demonstrated proficiency in crisis management and working on high-profile PR issues.
Progressive experience working for or with elite news outlets and high-profile people.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Review of applications will begin on March 24, 2021 and continue until the position is filled.

As a part of your application please provide 3-5 writing samples highlighting diversity in writing. For e.g. a news story, feature story and op-ed.

Additional Information

Any and all offers to external applicants are contingent on the candidate’s completion of a pre-employment background check screening to the satisfaction of Wesleyan University

Wesleyan University, located in Middletown, Connecticut, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, ancestry, present or past history of mental disorder, learning disability or physical disability, political belief, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or non-position-related criminal record. We welcome applications from women and historically underrepresented minority groups. Inquiries regarding Title IX, Section 504, or any other non-discrimination policies should be directed to: Alison Williams, Vice President for Equity & Inclusion/ Title IX Officer, 860-685-3927, awilliams@wesleyan.edu.