Public Relations Specialist
The University of Wisconsin River Falls, a member of the University of Wisconsin System, is located in scenic west central Wisconsin, 30 miles from the multi-cultural, multi-ethnic cities of Minneapolis and St Paul. Year-round arts, cultural and recreational events are easily accessible from River Falls. UWRF's undergraduate and graduate students pursue degrees in four colleges: Arts and Sciences, Education and Professional Studies; Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences; and Business and Economics.
The University provides an excellent environment for learning, emphasizing the importance of faculty-student interaction in classrooms, laboratories, academic advising, and co-curricular activities. A favorable student-faculty ratio affords opportunity for meaningful interchange between faculty and students. Strong interests in teaching, research and community service are highly valued.
The Position:
Plans, prepares and disseminates institution-related publicity and good-will information to the public and other external entities in support of the institution's strategic communication goals. As it relates to public-facing communication for the UWRF Chancellor, including development of time-sensitive messaging and community relations, this position will report to the Chancellor. Anticipated appointment: Early 2022.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities:
Develops and executes public relations plans, projects, and initiatives utilizing various communication mediums
*Oversee public relations efforts and campaigns to maintain favorable public and stakeholder views of UWRF, including coordination and execution of social media messaging.
*Initiate, write, edit and pitch media coverage story ideas that demonstrate the value and impact of a UW-River Falls education, working in partnership with campus communications and marketing offices to identify unique and distinct programs.
*Provides project management and execution of communications programs, initiatives, and tactical plans.
Participates in the development of the public relations strategy in collaboration with communications leadership
*Responsible for advancing the UW-River Falls brand, disseminating institution-related publicity to foster positive public opinion and communicating compelling stories about UW-River Falls.
*Ensure stories and information are effectively communicated to internal and external audiences: prospective students, alumni, donors and local communities.
*Researches, conducts interviews and writes/edits news stories/releases featuring individuals, campus events and research initiatives. Collaborates with marketing and communications team on story generation, writing and editing institutional and college/program level publications and materials.
Assists with pitching and placing content in accordance with established marketing objectives and responding to inquiries
*Coordinate with the Chancellor's Office all media requests involving interviews with the Chancellor. Prepare briefing materials and related content in advance of interviews.
*Develop and maintain relationships with state and local news media. Assist in coordinating media requests in a timely manner, serving as media relations contact.
*Serve as back-up media relations/crisis communications contact as needed.
Researches, analyzes, interprets, and disseminates local and national legislation actions and proposals that impact institutional activity
*Communicates with stakeholders to verify requests and identify editorial resources.
*Develops time-sensitive messaging and public-facing communication.
Initiates, writes, and edits press coverage ideas, briefing materials, and content independently for leadership
*Plans editorial content according to established goals and objectives.
*Writes clear and compelling content for internal and public-facing storytelling platforms, including key messages, statements, talking points, press releases and stories for a variety of audiences and channels, including university website.
*Translates complex information into clear and compelling communications.
Tracks media coverage of institution.
*Monitors reach and effectiveness of communication campaigns, projects, and initiatives.
Required Qualifications
*Excellent communication skills including writing, storytelling and research skills; able to draft and edit content quickly and accurately; able to clearly present messages across various media platforms (news releases, bylined articles, social media content and marketing collateral).
*Proficiency to edit/proofread own work and work of department employees.
*Thorough knowledge of Associate Press (AP) writing style.
*Highly organized, proactive, detail and deadline oriented with the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a high level of customer service; ability to prioritize and see projects through to completion.
*Experience managing both urgent, short-term projects and complex, longer-term projects.
*Experience and knowledge in social media and the best ways to utilize each platform.
*Knowledge of MS Office software applications (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Preferred Qualifications
*Bachelor's degree (English, communications, journalism, public relations, marketing or related field preferred) and 3-5 years of professional experience or equivalent relevant experience.
*Experience with public relations and media management.
*Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with a high degree of flexibility.
Click Apply for all the details to be considered. Initial review of applications will begin upon receipt. For full consideration, applicants should submit all required materials by 11-27-21. A criminal background check will be completed on final candidates.
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).
UW-River Falls does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources at 715-425-4941.
UW-River Falls Diversity Statement: We declare that diversity and inclusivity are core values. We dedicate ourselves to build a culture grounded in principles of equity, social justice, and excellence. We fundamentally affirm and embrace the multiple identities, values, belief systems, and cultural practices of all individuals and communities. We will address fundamental issues of bias, discrimination, and exclusion.
The University is committed to creating an educational community which enhances student awareness and appreciation of diverse ethnicities and cultures and identities which actively supports tolerance, civility and respect for the rights and sensibilities of each person without regard to economic status, ethnic background, political views, sexual orientation, or other personal characteristics or beliefs. Awareness of and sensitivity to diverse ethnic and cultural heritages are especially sought in applicants.
UWRF is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer subject to all state and federal regulations pertaining to non-discrimination based upon sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, color, national origin, religion, disability, marital status, age, arrest and/or conviction record, veteran status, and membership in the national guard, state defense force, or any other reserve component of the military forces of the United States or the State of Wisconsin. All persons, especially women, persons of color, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Employment is subject to federal laws that require verification of your identity and legal right to work in the United States as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act.
For a copy of the UWRF campus safety information, see http:www.uwrf.edu/Police/CampusRecordsCrimes.cfm or call University Police at (715) 425-3133 for a paper copy. This material includes crime statistics (Annual Security Report) and information on crime prevention, sexual assault, and drug/alcohol issues.