Media & Public Relations Manager

UNC Overview :

Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western North Carolina, UNC Asheville is the designated public liberal arts campus in the University of North Carolina system. UNC Asheville is nationally known for the quality of our student-centered teaching, mentoring of undergraduates in research, interdisciplinary learning, and striving to be an inclusive campus community.

UNC Asheville is committed to promoting diversity and a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and the ability to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds. Staff members are encouraged to take an active role to engage in the institution's efforts in promoting diversity and inclusion throughout the workplace. The successful candidate is expected to foster an inclusive work culture where uniqueness of beliefs, backgrounds, talents, capabilities and ways of living are respected and welcomed. Women, traditionally under-represented minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Classification Title : Public Communication Specialist

Department : Communication & Marketing

Full-Time/Part-Time : Full-Time

Months per Year : 12 Months

Position Summary:

The Manager of Media and Public Relations, as part of the Communication & Marketing Office, works to generate external and internal recognition and support for the university's initiatives, programs and achievements through local, state and national media relations, contributions to the university's websites and social media channels, and through internal communications vehicles. The manager also plays a key role in emergency communication when the university's Emergency Operations Center is activated. Building a strong knowledge of the university's programs and relationships with faculty and staff is essential.

Duties include: develops strategic PR and media outreach plans on a semi-annual or annual basis; independently gathers information for and writes events blurbs, news releases, story and expert pitches, feature stories, magazine stories and web content; updates and maintains the News and In the News pages on the university website; regularly monitors the news media and social media for coverage of and developments that may impact the university; tracks media coverage to measure the efficacy of media outreach and share of voice, chooses and edits photos for online posting and to accompany news releases; curates the online Events Calendar; prepares faculty, students and administration for news interviews; staffs news conferences and media visits to campus; offers advice and consultation to C&M department leaders on internal and external PR issues; writes the university's employee newsletter.

The manager should be an active citizen of the university, participating in university committees and attending key events and will proactively establish strong relationships with local, regional, state, and national journalists and media outlets.

Minimum Education/Experience/Skill :

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.

Preferred Education/Experience/Skill :

The preferred candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Marketing, Communications, Public Relations or a similar field. Prefer at least five years of experience in communications and/or public relations. Experience in communication in a university setting is desired.

The ideal candidate may possess additional experience and abilities as follows:

• A demonstrated background in writing news stories, feature stories and Web-based content.
  
• Has the ability and experience to independently determine appropriate topics for internal and external audiences and is able to secure news coverage through story pitches, media backgrounders and news stories.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment and the ability to manage multiple deadlines and issue-management activities at one time.
  
• Ability to establish and cultivate contacts with media representatives within local, state and national outlets.
  
• Ability to attain and hold the respect of practicing journalists through a reputation for ethics and understanding of journalistic demands, which can help reduce the public relations damage of inevitable negative situations and incidents that arise in every large organization.
  
• Demonstrated ability of handling confidential, strategic and other types of sensitive information.
• Experience in working with photographers, graphic designers, Web developers and other communications professionals.

This position works as part of a team of communications professionals, including design and Web-based functions, to develop and maintain an effective integrated communications and marketing program. Familiarity with social media, including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn, etc. and develops communication strategies using social media. Proficient with Microsoft platforms and software is required. Experience with basic HTML coding, Photoshop, various Content Management Systems, including Drupal and Wordpress, is strongly preferred.

Quick Link for Positing : 4574

EO/AA/ADA Employer:

UNC Asheville is committed to equality and diversity of experiences for our students, applicants and employees. Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply regardless of socio-economic status, gender expression, gender and sexual identity, culture, and ideological beliefs. UNC Asheville is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and will not discriminate against applicants and employees on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, genetic information, and any other legally protected status with respect to all terms, conditions, and privileges of university-sponsored activities, employment, and the use of university facilities.