Manager, Media Relations

Join our community and experience Emerson College!The Manager, Media Relations is a key member of the college’s Marketing and Communications team, developing and executing proactive media relations initiatives and campaigns and strategic communication plans in support of the team’s overarching goals and objectives. This work will support and enhance the college’s reputation and promote the college, including its leadership, faculty and staff, in support of the college’s vision and mission.The position focuses heavily on media relations and strategic storytelling across new and emerging media - inclusive of digital and traditional platforms - including news outlets, websites, social media influencers, podcasts, Substacks/newsletters and online and in-person events.ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIESMedia Relations: Serve as the primary contact for media inquiries. Develop and maintain relationships with local, state, national, international and trade media reporters, editors and bookers. Draft press releases, media advisories, and statements. Monitor media coverage and prepare regular reports on impact and reach. Update and maintain press lists and key materials including boilerplates, FAQs, talking points, key messages, and photos.Strategic Communications: Collaborate with the AVP for Institutional Communications to implement communication strategies aligned with college priorities. Support crisis communication planning and response. Ensure compliance with brand standards and messaging guidelines.Content Development: Create compelling, pitchable stories highlighting the college’s leadership in the creative fields and amplifying the innovative teaching and learning, faculty work, student and alumni excellence and success, and events. Source and coordinate with faculty thought leaders for timely expert commentary and interview opportunities.Leadership and Collaboration: Supervise interns as assigned. Work closely with faculty, staff, and communicators across the college to ensure consistent messaging.Event Support: Provide communication support for college events, and initiatives. Manage media on-site at events. Act as a “body person" for leaders, as needed, at events.Agency management: act as the daily point-of-contact for the college’s agency/s of record.Other duties as assignedQUALIFICATIONS – Qualifications are deemed required or preferred and represent what is needed to effectively perform job.Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field required.Minimum 5 years of experience in media relations, public affairs, strategic communications or as a multimedia journalist or producer required.Experience with crisis communication and issues management required.Experience with higher education or nonprofit communications preferred.Experience at an agency or in a newsroom preferred.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES – May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills, and abilities commonly associated with the job.Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills; demonstrated ability to write engaging and persuasive content.Proven ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.Photo journalism and/or video journalism skills.Exceptional writing skills and attention to detail.Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.Ability to produce high-quality work under short deadlines.Proven ability to exercise high levels of discretion and sound judgment.Highly responsive to inquiries.Proficient with Google docs, sheets and slides.PHYSICAL ABILITIES – Activities commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job. The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.Requires ability to lift and move objects that are lightRequires ability to move materials occasionallyWORK ENVIRONMENT – Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.Usual Office ConditionsAbility to work off-hours as needed to support events, unexpected developments and emergencies.Ability to respond to media inquiries during non-working hours.Disclaimer: This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees may be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties as requested, subject to all applicable state and federal laws. Certain job duties described herein may be subject to possible modification in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.Compensation: $66,270.00 - $81,200.00 annually, commensurate with experience.Grade of Position: S-23-08EEmployment Category: Regular.Scheduled Weekly Hours: 36.25This position will be exclusively represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Local 888 for purposes of wages, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.In addition to a competitive salary, Emerson College is committed to the health and well-being of our employees and family members. We offer a generous benefits package to regular staff scheduled to work 20+ hours per week.Emerson Employment Categories influence work schedules, benefits eligibility, and time off policies. Benefits include outstanding health plans with limited out-of-pocket expenses, dental plans, generous time-off programs, and a 403(b) retirement benefit with a 9% employer contribution once eligible. Additional benefits, such as life and disability coverage and commuter offerings, are available.Please refer to our benefits website for a full list of benefits and eligibility requirements. #J-18808-Ljbffr