Public Relations Specialist

Classification: Administrative Staff - Full Time

Reports to: Director of Communications and Marketing

Description: The Public Relations Specialist is responsible for the development and implementation of public relations strategies designed to increase local, regional and national awareness of Carroll University and its programs. The public relations specialist will also write copy for a variety of communication platforms, serve as a community liaison, and assist in creative project management.

Responsibilities:

• Plan and implement public relations programs designed to create and maintain a favorable public image for the university.
• Research, write, proofread and copyedit university promotional materials for a variety of communications platforms as directed.
• Use industry software to research and identify key media and non-traditional influencers such as bloggers who can be leveraged to tell the Carroll story to desired audiences. Utilize this information to create targeted media lists that will lead to editorial opportunities.
• Conduct extensive media outreach.
• Research and monitor campus-wide achievements, events and activities and establish a regular calendar designed to maximize feature story opportunities.
• Use an integrated approach that combines tactics such as research, online monitoring and social media networking to create strong relationships with critical media and non-traditional influencers that will result in successful placement of Carroll stories.
• Develop relationships with the campus community that will lead to the creation of a database of expert spokespersons who can be leveraged in the media.
• Utilize a variety of sources to include traditional media, social media, industry and trade publications, campus experts, etc.
• Write and distribute news releases and media advisories as requested.
• Monitor the media for Carroll news clips and competitive activity. Provide monthly reporting to track and analyze media coverage.
• Develop opportunities for community partnerships/participation.
• Identify all industry award opportunities and prepare award entries
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in public relations, journalism, communications or related field.
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in public relations required.
• Outstanding positioning, messaging and writing skills; an aptitude for amplifying content.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite.
• Proficiency in using public relations software such as CisionPoint.
• Excellent project management skills and strong interpersonal skills required.
• Candidates must be willing and able to support and advance the University mission.