The News and Media Relations Manager reports to the AVP of Communication and Editorial Direction, collaborates with the storytelling team within the Office of Integrated Communications (OIC), and liaises with colleagues across the university to find and facilitate opportunities to promote Mary Baldwin University (MBU) to external audiences through local, regional, and national media outlets.
The manager helps develop and implement the university’s media relations strategy, with a focus on elevating MBU’s leadership, faculty expertise, and student achievements. He/she/they establish a robust presence on our campuses, regularly interviewing students, faculty members and administrators; identifying, curating, writing, and editing articles, tip sheets/listicles, micro-articles, press releases, and advisories for print and digital publications and outlets, including the university’s social media channels, the institution’s website, MBU News, and The Mary Baldwin Magazine; moving collateral through an institutional review process; developing targeted media lists; and pitching stories.
The manager is an integral part of the OIC, managing the team’s storytelling meetings and actively participating in idea generation and assisting in the development of marketing materials. He/she/they work across the university to engage in message preparation and training, serving as a liaison to other university stakeholders and facilitating the needs of reporters and other members of external media outlets.
The News and Media Relations Manager also:
- Cultivates relationships with reporters, editors, and producers at local, regional, and national news media and works to secure media placements
- Helps provide quality control and copy editing on departmental and campus communications and ensures communications adhere to college brand, identity, and style standards
- Is an exceptional writer and serves as lead writer for the college magazine
- Works in partnership with the AVP of Communication and Editorial Direction to enhance and elevate MBU’s visibility and reputation by developing and executing comprehensive media and public relations strategies in alignment with broader college strategies and initiatives
- Drafts high-quality op-eds, press releases, statements, and other articles for placement in media or to inform media coverage
- Crafts key messages and talking points, and helps coach faculty on how to explain their areas of expertise to lay audiences
- Helps to identify and rapidly respond to opportunities for media coverage regarding regional and national issues and capitalize on those opportunities
- Tracks coverage of MBU in the news
- Compiles stories for, builds, and publishes the monthly MBU newsletter
- Maintains a flexible work schedule, responsive to the needs of media outlets and broadcast schedules.
A successful candidate will:
- Have demonstrated experience creating impactful messaging, a sharp eye for monitoring the latest news trends, and a desire to drive proactive, innovative media strategies
- Be relationship-oriented and has experience in and can thrive in a team-based culture
- Be a curious and creative thinker with the ability to turn ideas into compelling media strategies
- Be willing and available to work occasional nights and weekends
- Perform other duties as assigned
To apply:
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and writing samples to Liesel Crosier, associate vice president of communication, at lcrosier@marybaldwin.edu. Salary commensurate with experience.