Public & Media Relations Manager

Job Description

The Public & Media Relations Manager will work with UIndy faculty and staff colleagues to identify newsworthy ideas, gather facts and work with members of the press to secure coverage in top-tier news outlets in strategic locations within and outside of the state of Indiana.

This role must stay up to date on what the media is focused on and be able to bridge those topics with UIndy experts to identify opportunities and ultimately land positive media coverage. The position requires an understanding of the current media landscape, news judgment, and ability to quickly analyze and prioritize rapidly emerging issues.

The Public & Media Relations Manager is able to write well-researched, factually accurate and succinct talking points and statements/responses as needed.

The position is part of the UIndy Communications team which also includes social media, online publications, and supports the administration on internal and external communications needs. The ideal candidate enjoys working with a talented and creative team, coming up with innovative ideas, and proactively cultivating key relationships with both university staff and faculty, as well as the media.

Responsibilities- Public & Media Relations Manager

• Developing rapid response strategies for media inquiries, write statements/or interview talking points in coordination with campus units and subject-matter experts, conduct media training, staff interviews or media briefings.
• Developing, executing, editing, and overseeing written communications, including key content for thought leadership platforms.
• Developing and maintaining collaborative relationships with local and top media organizations and individual journalists.
• Writing press releases and statements on institutional and campus issues or news
• Tracking news media coverage
• Sourcing and creating high quality content designed to enhance University reputation, enrollment, fundraising and community impact, for publication and messaging across the integrated marketing and communication mix (including print, video, digital and copywriting)
• Contributing to all aspects of the communications and content strategy team’s responsibilities as needed, including but not limited to media relations, social media, external and internal communications, crisis communications and proofreading.
• Building relationships with on-campus clients to serve their communications needs
• Working collaboratively with an editorial group responsible for developing and implementing University of Indianapolis’ communications strategy across its print and digital channels.

Qualifications- Public & Media Relations Manager

• Bachelor’s Degree, or equivalent experience, Journalism, Public Relations, English, Writing, Communications or a related field
• Experience working in integrated marketing and communications.
• Demonstrated experience in project management, working with creative teams; and ability to conceptualize, develop and produce content for a variety of communications channels, including analysis and reporting to strengthen organizational brand and reputation.
• Understanding of website management to support the Marketing and Communication team and various client/University content updates. Experience with content management systems is preferred (e.g., Cascade CMS, WordPress, etc.)
• Proficient in Associated Press style writing and editing, Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Superior spelling, punctuation and grammar skills.
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments independently, with a demonstrated ability to work as part of a team toward organizational objectives.
• Evidence of superior oral and written communication skills.
• Evidence of success working effectively with diverse constituencies and in a team environment.

Essential Functions- Public & Media Relations Manger

• Serve as a liaison between the university and the news media
• Cultivate relationships with members of the media
• Develop and execute press strategies for announcing news
• Proactively pitch news stories about the university in local, domestic and international top-tier press
• Maintain an in-depth knowledge of the university's strengths and goals and find new, creative, and compelling ways to tell stories through various media
• Handle and track media requests
• Write pitches and other material
• Collaborate with the Communications' team's daily news operation
• Foster positive working relationships with members of the university community
• Contribute to digital and social media efforts
• Keep abreast of higher education's issues and trends, as well as global and national current events and campus activities
• Assist with maintaining a comprehensive editorial calendar in line with brand, product, and corporate/internal communications strategies.
• Cover assigned stories or identify potential stories, cultivate sources, conduct interviews and research, and write accurate, engaging copy.
• Collaborate and develop content with leadership to define and drive content creation goals, strategy, and tactics for communications and marketing campaigns.
• Develop content for communications and marketing needs, including writing, fact-checking, editing, script writing, storytelling, concepts for video production, website content writing and news website updates.
• Advise academic and administrative departments in developing communications that promote their programs and align with University of Indianapolis’ external communications strategy.
• Follow the guidance and direction of the supervisor.
• Perform employee responsibilities as detailed in the Staff Handbook.
• Other duties as required or assigned.

Company Description

Become a Greyhound! The University of Indianapolis is a private, liberal arts university and home to a close-knit community of more than 700 faculty and staff supporting 5,600 undergraduate and graduate students on our main campus. We offer an inclusive work environment where your individual contributions will be recognized and rewarded and the University’s motto, “Education for Service,” provides the foundation for all our work.

Situated on 65 acres in the University Heights neighborhood and just minutes from downtown Indianapolis , UIndy’s campus is close to all of the cultural, shopping, sports, and recreational amenities you’d expect in the 13th-largest city in the United States. Want to cheer on your Hounds when they play their rivals in the Great Lakes Valley Conference? UIndy employees and their families enjoy free admission to home sporting events, and many arts and cultural events on campus are free for employees as well. The University is proud to offer a competitive total rewards package, including a generous time off policy, ensuring you can enjoy your time outside of work as you wish.

If you’re interested in joining our dynamic environment and experiencing hard work, creativity, and teamwork, we welcome your application.

The University of Indianapolis is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, citizenship status, military status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. The University of Indianapolis does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admission as required by Title IX.

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Tuition Discount
• Retirement Savings Plan - 403B
• Paid Vacation and Sick Time Accruals
• Paid Holiday time and additional University days off
• Employee Discounts & Services
• Free Parking
• Onsite Health & Wellness Center

For more information about the benefits of being a staff member at UIndy, visit our Benefits site.