Posted on 5/18/2024
Accepting applications
About This Position
Position Reports to:
Director, Communications and Creative Services
Department:
Marketing and Communications
FLSA Status:
Exempt
Schedule:
Full-time; Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., some off-hours and weekends, as needed
Position Summary
The Media Relations Manager will enhance the image of Franciscan University by communicating its achievements, programs, and perspectives; write news releases, speeches, op-eds, media statements; respond to media queries, propose story ideas to reporters, organize press conferences, escort media on campus, and serve as University spokesperson. The MR Manager will develop and implement crisis communication strategies and responses. In addition, the MR Manager will serve as assistant editor for the news section of Franciscan Magazine and periodically write features stories for it.
Primary Responsibilities
- Manage communications with media: respond to queries, set up interviews, pitch story ideas that showcase Franciscan University president, faculty experts, students, and staff.
- Write and edit press releases, organize press conferences.
- Develop crisis communication strategies and responses for internal/external audiences.
- Serve as assistant editor of Franciscan Magazine news section.
- Serve as University spokesperson.
This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list. Additional duties, expectations and responsibilities may be added or changed as needed to meet the University’s needs.
Requirements
About our ideal candidate
Must understand, support, and embrace the mission of Franciscan University of Steubenville and possess the following:
Work Experience
- Five years of professional experience working in or with the media, with emphasis on Catholic media.
- Minimum of three years of experience displaying strong writing and editing skills.
- Track record of producing news releases and generating media stories/interviews.
- Previous job titles include Media Relations Coordinator, Public Relations Manager, Public Information Specialist.
Competencies
- Understand and support the mission of Franciscan University of Steubenville.
- Strong organizational skills and project management skills; detail oriented, consistently checks work for accuracy.
- Excellent interpersonal skills; experience in higher education and working with faculty a plus.
- Ability to prioritize/delegate tasks to meet deadlines; maintain calm demeanor under pressure.
- Excellent written communications skills that ensure readability, appropriate style, and correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
- Excellent analytical/problem-solving skills; strategic thinker.
Education
- Minimum bachelor’s degree in journalism, media/communications, marketing, or related field.
- Working knowledge of Catholic theology and ability to communicate Catholic theology in oral and written communications.
Technical Skills
- Excellent journalism, creative, and public relations writing, editing, and proofing skills.
- Excellent oral communication skills including public speaking and presentation skills.
- Ability to assess the news needs of online, social media, print, TV, radio.
- In-depth knowledge of media and public relations best practices.
Workplace Factors
- Must be able to sit or stand at a desk computer for extended periods of time.
- Must be able to navigate campus to meet and escort media; interview students, faculty, and staff for in-person storytelling.
- Must be able to travel off campus when needed to cover events that require organization and management of media.
Candidates must submit an online application, a resume and a cover letter that demonstrates their fit for the position based on their experience, accomplishments, and skills as well as their desire to advance the mission of Franciscan University. Candidates must also submit 3-5 journalistic writing samples for review, which may be uploaded as "Additional Documents" through the application process; or emailed directly to jobs@franciscan.edu
For other information and job postings, visit our website at https://www.franciscan.edu
Franciscan University of Steubenville is committed to principles of equal opportunity and is an equal opportunity employer.
