Strategic Communications Manager

Job Details Requisition Number: 74843 Location: Boulder, Colorado Employment Type: University Staff Schedule: Full-Time Posting Close Date: 23-Sep-2026 Date Posted: 14-Sep-2026 Job Summary The Strategic Communications Manager will lead earned media strategy and public relations campaigns for the College of Engineering & Applied Science (CEAS) at the University of Colorado Boulder, in partnership with the university's Office of Strategic Relations & Communications. This media-forward position will mine the college for compelling news stories; elevate story ideas in a timely manner to the college's lead communicators and SRC media relations staff; and research, write and support media relations efforts designed to increase the visibility of key faculty research and expertise through niche publications with the goal of improving the college's reputation and rankings. This vital role will also support executive and college-level crisis communications by creating content for college leadership and ensuring a timely and effective response to urgent matters. This position reports to the Senior Director for Marketing and Communications. CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Who We Are Founded in 1893, CEAS at CU Boulder is the second largest of seven schools and colleges at one of the nation's top public research institutions. As Colorado's flagship university, CU Boulder has selective admissions standards and a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs. The college's mission is to generate new knowledge in engineering and related fields, and to equip students from a diverse set of backgrounds to become leaders and citizens responsible for the betterment of individuals and society. Our vision is to be a recognized world leader for excellence and innovation in engineering research and education, with an emphasis on inclusive excellence, active learning and global society. What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be Strategic Communications Conduct annual strategic communications planning in concert with the college leadership and the Office of Strategic Relations and Communications (SRC). Lead niche publication strategy by cultivating and maintaining relationships with journalists and targeted media outlets. Attend key weekly editorial meetings with the SRC to ensure content and strategic alignment around prioritized topics or research themes (E.g., Space, Quantum, Sustainability, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Health, Climate) to minimize redundant efforts and maximize cumulative results. Develop and implement public relations strategies and campaigns which raise awareness of the college and elevate its reputation and profile as well as that of its departments and programs. Plan, write, and edit news articles, feature stories, and other public relations materials that exemplify the college's research mission and reinforce its desired brand positioning. Identify and share stories of wide public interest for news packaging by meeting with college experts to discuss the latest research efforts and by keeping abreast of emerging and trending topics in engineering. Break down complex research topics into engaging content that anyone can understand. Develop strong news hooks, pitches and story ideas, including multimedia ideas, based on the current news cycle. Collaborate with college and campus videographers, photographers, and social media teams to generate multimedia asset packages. Implement a strategy, including training and advising faculty, to pitch articles and boost placements in The Conversation. Write and edit content to ensure that it aligns with Associated Press Style, university external-relations style and university brand standards. Work with campus colleagues to regularly report on success metrics such as First Bell and NAE mentions, media mentions, reach, impressions, reads on research stories, and website traffic. Contribute research stories for publication in the annual campus research magazine, CU Engineering magazine and the college alumni newsletter. Media Relations Develop and manage an editorial calendar that seizes upon high impact opportunities and guides story development within the college's team of unit communicators. Act as primary point of contact between SRC and the Engineering communications team; represent the college in the weekly campus news meeting and pitch college stories for broader coverage or media engagement. Secure academic experts for incoming news requests and help arrange interviews and press conferences. Develop press releases, media advisories, and other materials. Collaborate with the SRC to monitor media coverage and identify potential PR opportunities. Collaborate with campus media relations on CORA requests related to the college. Connect faculty to campus-provided media training and support the creation of a speaker's bureau for the college. Executive Communications Elevate the key pillars of the CEAS strategic plan and increase our story output in these areas. Partner with college leadership to develop and implement tracking and reporting plans to communicate college-wide progress against the strategic plan. Develop written content for materials ranging from emails, articles, websites, brochures, proposals that support the Dean's priority initiatives. Write, review, edit and distribute messages from the Dean and senior staff. Draft speeches, quotes, and other materials as needed. Manage elements of events, such as preparing materials for all-college meetings, executive advisory boards, facility openings, speaker panels, showcases, or high-profile campus visits. Review and revise materials which will be used to represent the college with high profile audiences, ensuring they meet our quality and messaging standards. Crisis Communications Collaborate with Sr. Director CEAS Marcom to develop and implement a crisis response and communication plan for college-level issues. Serve as a key member of the university's crisis communication team and coordinate with CU Boulder university spokespersons. Keeping the college community appropriately informed and draft communications on behalf of the Dean when necessary. Respond to crises in a timely and effective manner. Other Participate in weekly full team and project meetings. Pursue professional development opportunities to stay on top of current marketing and communications trends and best practices. Other duties as assigned. What You Should Know This position is eligible to work a hybrid work modality consistent with the College of Engineering's Hybrid Work Policy. What We Can Offer Starting salary range is $82,000 - $92,000. Relocation assistance is available within department guidelines. Benefits At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one of Forbes' America's Best Large Employers, ranking #4 among large employers in Colorado and #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program. Be Statements Be ambitious. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder. What We Require 3 years of professional experience that may include journalism, communications, public relations, or mass communications; and preferably with experience in science and technology journalism. Bachelor's degree in journalism, marketing, communications, or public relations. Experience writing news articles, press releases, and executive communications. Experience working proactively with targeted publications to discover editorial opportunities. Familiarity with media relations and crisis communications. What You Will Need Excellent writing skills and familiarity with AP style. Demonstrated news sense. Strong critical thinking skills and the ability to produce clear, concise, engaging and original copy. Good comfort level understanding and working with technical information. Knowledge of social media platforms such as Facebook, X, Reddit, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube; understanding of the utility in integrated communications plans. Strong interpersonal, collaboration and communications skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams. Robust organizational, prioritization and time-management skills. Capable of working independently under pressure and managing multiple priorities simultaneously to meet deadlines. Ability to work from an on-campus office as well as remotely. Comfortable with project management software such as Asana. What We Would Like You to Have Five or more years of professional experience that may include journalism, communications, public relations, marketing, or mass communications; and preferably with experience in science and technology journalism. Experience working in higher education, especially with engineers or engineering students. Experience writing or editing for a magazine or newspaper. Strong relationships with national science and tech and/or engineering journalists/publications. Demonstrated experience developing and implementing strategic communications plans. #J-18808-Ljbffr CU Boulder