Job Description

Working/Functional Title

Senior Public Relations Manager

Position Summary

The Senior Public Relations Manager will lead strategic public relations for the College of Human Medicine. Working in collaboration with the Senior Marketing & Communications Officer, the Senior Public Relations Manager will support the college’s strategic plan goals of advancing the reputation of the medical school by publicizing research news, major initiatives, and student/faculty accomplishments. As an integral member of the Marketing & Communications team, the Senior Public Relations Manager will also support internal and external communications tactics, including dean correspondence, college publications, special event support, and working with department communicators on research publicity. Primary work location is based in Grand Rapids; however, the university’s main campus in East Lansing or hybrid work may also be considered.

35% Public Relations and Media Outreach

• Integrates the goals of the college strategic plan into communication and public relations initiatives for the college.
• Works with faculty and department communicators to identify compelling research topics and stories.
• Develops and maintains lists of subject matter faculty experts and areas of research; proactively identifies issues or topics where the college or its faculty could be featured as experts.
• Uses science writing and storytelling skills to create compelling, newsworthy press releases and articles.
• Pitches local, regional, state, national media and coordinates media interviews, photo shoots and video recordings.
• Manages college and community events including press conferences and media tours; writes talking points, news releases, backgrounders, media advisories and tip sheets for media kits; pitches media and manages media onsite at events.
• Monitors local, state, national and international media for college/faculty/student news. Monitors for negative news and issues to brief leadership.

• Tracks and routes relevant earned media hits to the Marketing & Communications team for amplification on external channels.

15% Dean Correspondence

• Writes and edits for the college, including dean’s updates, digital content, and talking points.

20% External Relations

• Develops and maintains relationships external partners, agencies and groups including committees and nonprofit and legislative organizations. 
• Represents the college’s memberships in national organizations such as the Association of American Medical Colleges and the Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium.
• Represents the college in various activities within the university and among various professional and community organizations. 

20% Strategic Plan Initiatives 

• Publicizes major research initiatives and accomplishments (Strategy 4).
• Develops workshops and training to prepare faculty to interact in the public relations space, through written or spoken formats targeting key audiences (lay public and donors). Designs and presents workshops (or other instruction) on media training, public discourse and news writing.

• Advises units on media and public relation issues and response.
• Prepares and provides media guidance to faculty in advance of interviews.

10% Reporting and Metrics

• Establishes metrics for measuring quantifiable results of PR activity.

• Develops earned media reports and news recaps for the college; reports outcomes from strategic plan initiatives.

Unit Specific Education/Experience/Skills

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Journalism, Telecommunications, Marketing, Advertising, Public Relations, or related field; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in public and media relations; composing, editing and publication production; news, broadcasting, and print media; and/or marketing, advertising, and creative services; graphic design; word processing; desktop publishing; web design; presentation; spreadsheet and/or database software; public presentation or radio production; or computer programming/technology; and/or experience in a field related to are of employment; may require management and supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in marketing, communications, journalism, public relations, health communications or advertising. Seven or more years of related work and proficiency in marketing, communications, media relations, and crisis communication. Exceptional written communication, copy writing, editing and proofreading skills. Working knowledge of social media platforms, digital communication, website content management systems, Microsoft Office Suite and presentation software. Ability to meet deadlines and work some evenings and weekends, including college events. Statewide travel to community campuses may be required.

• Master’s degree
• Demonstrated ability to pitch stories resulting in earned media coverage in national media outlets.
• Experience working in higher education, corporate, agency, medical education or health system communications.
• Innovative, forward thinking, committed, dependable, highly organized and adaptable.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and build effective working relationships.
• Adept at managing multiple, complex tasks in a fast-paced, changing environment.
• Can work both independently with minimal supervision, and collaboratively as part of a team.

Additional Qualifications:

• May require valid vehicle operator's license where needed to perform duties of the position.
• Other skills and/or physical abilities required to perform duties of the position.
• This position requires, or will require, prior to the completion of the probationary period: proficiency with Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities outlined above.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Resume and cover letter. Three to five work samples.

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Website

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

The Bidding Eligibility ends on 07/02/2024 at 11:55 PM

About Michigan State University

Spartans work every day to advance the common good in uncommon ways.Together, we tackle some of the world?s toughest problems to find solutions that make life better?from alternative energy to better food safety to breakthrough medical and environmental applications achieved through rare isotope research.We teach. We explore and we discover. We collaborate and lead. We innovate, inspire, and empower. We achieve our potential and create circumstances that help our students and others achieve theirs.We're good at it, and we've been at it for more than 150 years.The nation?s pioneer land-grant university, MSU began as a bold experiment that democratized higher education and helped bring science and innovation into everyday life. The revolutionary concept became a model for the nation.Today, MSU is one of the top research universities in the world?on one of the biggest, greenest campuses in the nation. Home to nationally ranked and recognized academic, residential college, and service-learning programs, we?re a diverse community of dedicated students and scholars, athletes and artists, scientists and leaders.In ways both practical and profound, we work to create a stronger, more sustainable, and more hopeful future for all.

Connections working at Michigan State University

Job Tags

Work experience placement, Local area, Remote job, Flexible hours, Weekend work, Afternoon shift,

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