Job location: Worcester

Employment Type: Full-time
Posted data: 2019-08-09
Req: R0000654
JOB TITLE

Communications Manager

LOCATION

Worcester

DEPARTMENT NAME

Strategic Communications/PR

DIVISION NAME

Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The Communications Manager will report to the Associate Director of Public Relations and Government Communications. This individual will work closely with Marketing Communications team members to enhance the reputation of WPI by strategizing, implementing, and supporting national and regional public relations, social media, and communications initiatives. Specifically, this person will connect the university to national and regional news trends and reporters, and will oversee social media content and strategy for public relations initiatives. They will also develop news content, support crisis communications, create and maintain an expert database, help develop a better online experience for maximizing media engagement opportunities, and support other opportunities that arise.

JOB DESCRIPTION

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop media strategies and generate/help generate media coverage of WPI in the national, regional, online and local media;
  • Serve as a media liaison; develop relationships and pitches, respond to queries and seek opportunities to position WPI faculty and staff as experts;
  • Provide guidance to PR Coordinator on media list development and distribution strategy – including social media strategy;
• Work closely with members of the integrated marketing communications team to enhance WPI’s position as a well-rounded institution of higher education.
  • Consult with Marketing Communications on media relations and social media strategies;
• Monitor news for trends and opportunities to leverage WPI staff and faculty expertise via interviews, backgrounders, and opinion pieces. Stay abreast of developments in online, traditional and new media outlets;
  • Compile daily clip report
  • Regularly communicate story trends and ideas to WPI Faculty and Staff – as well as to business, technology and higher education reporters at national media outlets;

• Help WPI better position itself as a source for media;
  • Oversee content creation and upkeep of Expert Database
  • Help create improved digital news strategies and operations.

• Seek out compelling stories that can be pitched to national media outlets
  • Write Herd articles; press releases, etc.
  • Write media pitches, social media content, media advisories, key message documents, backgrounders, by-lined articles, online articles, internal communications pieces, Q&A’s;
  • Possess expert understanding of news services and mastery of AP News style
• Work with faculty, researchers, administrators, students, and corporate partners to source and position stories – as well as newsgathering, fact checking and arranging press contact;

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing or a related field
• Five years related professional experience;
• Self-motivated, results-oriented professional with a deep curiosity about a range of subject areas;
• Great listener;
• Excellent writer;
• Outstanding communicator;
• Ability to decipher complex material and distill it into compelling story lines;
• Penchant for asking questions that lead to story ideas;
• Strong track record in generating media coverage;
• Demonstrated excellence in writing, content editing, oral presentation;
• Adept at balancing multiple projects and meeting deadlines;
• Excellent organizational skills;
• Discretion and good judgment;
• In-depth knowledge of print and broadcast news media and significant familiarity with online news outlets and social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn);
•  This person should be creative, open-minded and enthusiastic about seeking new solutions to problems and opportunities;
• Excellent interpersonal relationship skills;
• Positive attitude;
• Must be a team player;
• Ability to work within a changing and dynamic department;
• Familiarity with PR technology tools, including Vocus, as well as Microsoft Word and Excel;
• Must be available for occasional participation in evening or weekend special events; 
• Must be available for occasional travel;
• Other duties as assigned.

FLSA STATUS

United States of America (Exempt)

WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. We are seeking individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity and collaboration, inclusion, problem solving and change making.