Public Relations Manager

Reporting to the Director of Integrated Marketing Communications, the Public Relations manager role leads and executes proactive media strategy to enhance the Wisconsin School of Business reputation by promoting research excellence, entrepreneurship and economic development, and school programs and initiatives. This position is responsible for delivering effective approaches to generate media mentions. The public relations manager partners with senior leadership, staff, and faculty to identify opportunities for proactive communications campaigns that align with the school's vision and priorities.

Public Relations - 30%

In the area of public relations, the candidate will be responsible for developing strategic media plans, proactively developing and managing relationships with key local, regional, national and trade press, managing media contacts, pitching stories, and responding appropriately to media inquiries. The candidate will create and maintain media lists using Cision database, record media interactions andtrack press coverage.

Media and Communications Strategy - 20%

Develop and implement media and communications strategies for the School of Business departments, centers and programs. Work closely with academic program offices, centers, alumni relations and the Dean's Office to define and articulate relevant messages, manage media coverage, support market positioning efforts, and support brand strategy initiatives.

Program and Event Planning - 15%

Plan and organize at least annually the Business Writer in Residence Program. Research and propose participants, manage participant stipend and travel with University Communications, schedule and organize events with faculty and staff, lead program planning and logistics, and serve as host for the Business Writer participant.

Tracking and Reporting - 15%

Measure and analyze media results. Develop and deliver quarterly media tracking reports that measure earned media efforts and progress against goals. Develop and deliver Share of Voice annual report that measure earned media versus aspirational peers. Maintain data sources and analysis.

Internal Client Relations - 10%

In the area of communications, the candidate will be responsible for working with key constituents including the Dean, UW Communications, Alumni Relations, and others to develop and implement consistent and effective messages for internal and external audiences.

Vendor and Database Management - 5%

Review vendors and manage key media tracking and listening tools. Maintain databases and update subscriptions.

Other duties as assigned - 5%

Serve on committees and project teams, collaborate with campus partners, staff school events as requested, other duties as assigned

Bachelor's degree required

Equivalent of 5 or more years of full time experience with media relations required. A well qualifiedcandidate will possess experience in social media, crisis communications and corporate communications (internal and executive communications), including developing and executing strategic public relations plans and diverse media strategies. Experience in university, educational or business-to-business organizations strongly preferred.

Well qualified applicants will have a successful track record in the following areas:

• Ability to transform organization initiatives into successful local, regional and national media coverage
• Ability to develop, implement and measure effective communications programs for internal and external audiences
• Ability to develop and execute strategic media plans in line with organization's mission and brand strategy
• Experience developing stories and pitching stories to media, with strong media relationships
• Experience with reactive media opportunities and shaping the story to the organization's benefit, including crisis communications
• Experience as a media spokesperson 
• Experience in providing media training and preparing subject matter experts for media interviews, with key message points, Q&A and backgrounders
• Experience with social media and social strategies to deliver brand initiatives