PAY GRADE: 31E

DEADLINE: Open until filled

CONTEXT OF THE JOB:

The Media Relations Manager at the University of Delaware is a valued member of the University and the Office of Communications and Marketing (OCM). OCM is dedicated to developing strategies that will continue to promote and elevate UD as a premier research institution, help attract the brightest students and most distinguished faculty and highlight that stature and talent for our many constituencies.

The external relations group within the Office of Communications and Marketing is a proactive and results-oriented team. Under the direction of the Director of External Relations, the Media Relations Manager secures news coverage in local, national and international news.

The Media Relations Manager's primary responsibility is proactive media relations. The incumbent is expected to build and maintain relationships with journalists and assist in designing media strategies that pair faculty and their research and accomplishments with the news cycle. The incumbent must be proactive, creative, marketing-oriented professional and help manage public relations issues, including reactive crisis communications.

The Media Relations Manager will work closely with colleagues in OCM and across the University to identify and develop potential news stories, prepare faculty and administrators for media interactions and assist in gathering and producing assets to support media pitches.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Interface with media outlets, manage requests for information and actively pitch stories.
• Create and execute strategic media plans that positively position the University.
• Work closely with UD faculty, staff and students on media relations matters, provide media training, counsel and preparation, generate potential interview opportunities and secure media opportunities.
• Establish and maintain relationships with journalists representing local, regional, national and international print, web, radio and television outlets.
• Research, write and edit news releases, media advisories, web copy, social media posts and other materials.
• Maintain media databases and lists using various media monitoring tools.
• Disseminate daily email newsletter containing clips and news of interest to senior leaders.
• Keep abreast of current issues and identify trends in the media.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in journalism, communications, public relations, English or related area with three to five years of relevant media relations experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Deep understanding of how the media operates.
• Experience and proven success in developing pitches and garnering media placements.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Strong critical thinking, research and problem solving abilities.
• Ability to manage several projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
• Working knowledge of social media best practices in a professional setting.
• Willingness to work on call as needed.
• Media-savvy sensibility and demonstrated skill in issues management, including crisis management preferred.
• Video editing experience and knowledge of the Adobe Creative Suite is preferred.
• Experience in a higher education setting preferred.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity Employer which encourages applications from Minority Group Members, Women, Individuals with Disabilities and Veterans. The University's Notice of Non-Discrimination can be found at http://www.udel.edu/aboutus/legalnotices.html

To apply please click here!