Media Relations Manager
| Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit | The Office of University Communications is responsible for the strategic management of the University’s overall public relations and reputation management activities. The department provides leadership, counsel and services to over 200 communicators across campus and works with those communicators to ensure a unified campus-wide communications strategy. Areas within University Communications include: Content Development, Executive Communications, Internal Communications, Media Relations, Social Media, Strategic Resources, Issues Management, Community Relations, Public Records, UNC Creative and the UNC Visitors Center. |
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| Position Summary | UNC-Chapel Hill’s University Communications department is seeking a Media Relations Manager for its Media Relations team. This is a perfect position for a communications professional who wants to be part of the communications strategy and response for the nation’s first and best public university. An understanding of news cycles and how to craft strategies and messages are a must. This person plays a pivotal role in developing the messages and strategies for the University’s communications on a wide range of topics and issues in higher education and provides direct responses and pitches to local, regional and national media outlets.
Reporting to the Senior Director of Media Relations, the Media Relations Manager is responsible for successfully planning, executing and evaluating a strategic media relations plan for a portfolio of University areas and promoting Carolina’s mission and work as a leading global research university. The Media Relations Manager will own a portfolio that covers several University units. The Media Relations Manager will have a detailed working knowledge of issues and trends in higher education as well as a general knowledge of University policy and operations. The Media Relations Manager maintains strong working relationships with subject matter experts across the campus, including, senior university leaders and campus communicators. The Media Relations Manager develops and maintains relationships with journalists at media outlets to help ensure smooth communication of often complex issues and provides journalists with story ideas and expert recommendations. In addition to initiatives related to these areas, s/he is expected to support other activities in the office of University Communications as needed. The Manager will work closely with communications professionals across the campus to provide strategic consultation and direction on media relations initiatives. Under the leadership of the senior director, the media relations team creates the messages, content and pitches that promote the University, its people and programs. Someone who has a fresh approach to media relations and creative content is welcome. |
| Minimum Education and Experience Requirements | Bachelor’s degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. |
| Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience | Excellent understanding of media trends and news cycles, as well as developing media strategy on promoting stories on a wide array of topics. Demonstrated ability to give strategic communications counsel to unit-level communicators. Ability to effectively manage multiple projects and work in a fast-paced environment. Strong project management and organization skills. Superior writing, editing and public presentation skills. General knowledge of current issues in higher education, especially for public universities. |
| Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience | Five or more years of experience working in or with large, complex, high-profile organizations. Higher education experience is a plus but not required. |