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GENERAL PURPOSE:

Oversees the development of strategic, effective and measurable media relations efforts that advance the University of Rochester’s reputation as a leading research university, as well as promotes the institutions name recognition and general national and international awareness. Oversees the creation, distribution and measurement of earned media content to achieve defined communication goals. Working with various content creators throughout the University, seeks to maximize the media visibility of research news, institutional stories, leadership profiles, features, and faculty and staff scholarly expertise. Contributes to the issues management and crisis response efforts as circumstances arise.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

National Media Relations:

• Works across the institution, in partnership with the University Communications AVP of PR and URMC Communications stakeholders, to provide strategic recommendations and execute on proactive media relations efforts that align with University’s research and institutional awareness goals and tell the University’s stories to national and global audiences. Leads earned-media outreach to strategically identified print, broadcast and online media outlets through effective pitching efforts and utilizing of professional contacts. Builds and nurtures relationships with regional and national news media. Proactively promotes University’s faculty and staff experts to national media outlets. Manages the online database and identifies opportunities to strategically promote experts in an ongoing manner. Advises colleagues on how to optimize content for media engagement. Takes the lead role in working with PR agencies on earned media opportunities.

Overall Media Strategy:

• Ensures all media plans and projects are consistent with overall strategic goals, including those created to support community projects, press conferences, and events. Effectively manages the intake process of local media requests for interviews and/or information. Develops and writes a variety of content aimed at external audiences. Develops specific goals and metrics that measure the effectiveness of earned-media activities.

Issues Management and Crisis Communications:

• Partners with the AVP of PR to develop communications plans and messages to address urgent or emerging issues of potentially high impact across the institution—including at the University’s Medical Center--that could negatively affect the University’s reputation or operations. With sound judgement, supports crisis communications response both during workday hours and beyond the workday, and serves as a deputy spokesperson. Provides communications guidance to leaders, faculty and staff on emerging issues.

Media Coaching/Training Program:

• Assumes a leadership role in operating and growing a media coaching program for academic and administrative leaders, faculty and staff that presents the latest guidance in preparing for media interaction in various formats (print interviews, TV appearances, radio segments).

Other Duties as Assigned:

• This includes, but is not limited to: supporting leadership communications by developing talking points, messages, statements, and quotes. Contributes well-written content to the University’s Newscenter and newsletters on institutional stories or other projects as assigned. Facilitates training and develops resources as needs are identified or as requested.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, or related field required.

• Master’s degree preferred

• 7 years of relevant experience required;

• Experience in a strategic communications role with emphasis on national media relations and issues management preferred;

• Media relations experience in a higher education setting preferred;

• Or equivalent combination of education and experience required.

• Experience in creating and implementing strategic media relations plans with proven results and determination, including a track record and comfort-level of engaging national reporters and writers on various topics required.

• Ability to be responsive to multiple, competing priorities in a fast-paced environment required.

• Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communications skills required.

• Comfortable providing guidance to all levels of leadership, faculty, and staff required.

• Strong attention to detail required.

• Experience serving in a spokesperson role preferred.

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion to advance the University’s mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion/creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other status protected by law. This commitment extends to the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates from underrepresented populations, veterans, and persons with disabilities consistent with these values and government contractor Affirmative Action obligations.

How To Apply

All applicants must apply online.

EOE Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled

Pay Range

Pay Range: $77,216 - $115,824 Annually

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job’s compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

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Location: Central Administration
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
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