Public Relations & Social Media Specialist

General Description:

The Public Relations & Social Media Specialist is responsible for planning, developing, and implementing University PR, and Social Media strategies and activities.  This position ensures that all communications are high quality, share a consistent message and are executed with a strong creative eye and clear business purpose. This is an entry to mid-level position that reports directly to the University Director of Marketing and requires excellent written and verbal communication skills, and well-developed creative and analytical skills. This is a wonderful opportunity for a motivated, career-driven professional looking to further their career and build their skills as a PR and Social Media practitioner. 
The ideal candidate is a forward-thinker who is aware of current trends, is an organized, and detail-oriented self-starter with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines. Candidate must be able to work independently and collaborate with all members of the marketing team to ensure work meets the needs of the involved university departments.

IMPORTANT:  Please include a link to your portfolio when applying for this position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for creating and implementing a comprehensive communications and public relations program designed to enhance the University’s profile, image and position within the marketplace and with the public at large.
• Responsible for all University communications and public relations activities, including media relations, managing the University news site and developing content for selected University publications, while closely assisting with University marketing and internal communications. 
• Work closely with University Director of Marketing and key administrators to develop public relations and internal communication initiatives that support undergraduate enrollment, graduate enrollment, university advancement, alumni relations, special projects and events.
• Serve as the University’s media spokesperson under the guidance of University Director of Marketing.
• Responsible for development of all media messaging, writing news releases, and managing all media relations strategies and execution.
• Oversee operation of the University news site, including creating content and repurposing news site stories on the University’s social media platforms.
• Serve as editor of the University’s official alumni magazine and parents’ newsletter.
• Work closely with the University Director of Marketing to ensure alignment between public relations and marketing initiatives.

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, journalism or public relations preferred. 
  Graduate degree in a related field is strongly desirable.
• Required minimum of 3 - 5 years demonstrated success in creating and leading a public relations and social media program for a complex organization.
• Strong creative, strategic, analytical, organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Public and media relations leadership experience is required.
• Report monthly on social media KPIs to optimize reach and performance.
• Oversee and facilitate the University’s presence, messaging and news initiatives on social media channels.
• Develop highly creative, attention-getting content ideas and oversee creation and posting of same.
• Monitor post performance across all social channels.
• Assist University departments such as Admissions, Academic Affairs, Recruitment, Development, etc. in the promotion of their programs and activities across various social channels.
• Develop social media content strategy and oversee execution of content for University social feeds including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn and others.

Typical Physical Demands:

• Ability to communicate effectively with news media and colleagues by phone and in person.
• Ability to lift 10 pounds.
• Ability to manage vendor relations and represent the University at community events.
• Expert ability to read, write and speak the English language.
• Ability to sit for long periods of time.
• Ability to travel by car or air as required.
• Ability to draft thoughtful and error-free correspondence as required.
• Ability to talk on phone for long periods of time.
• Ability to comprehend written guidelines.
• Ability to manage multiple projects at a time under tight deadlines.

Work Schedule:

This is a full-time, 12 month (continuous), benefit-eligible exempt position that sometimes requires more than 40 hours per week. Must be able and willing to work evenings and/or weekends; there may be some overnight travel. Must be able to reliably commute to work in person.