University of Rochester - Rochester, NY
posted 5 months ago
The University of Rochester is seeking a strategic and experienced media relations professional to oversee the development and execution of effective media relations efforts that enhance the institution's reputation as a leading research university. This role is pivotal in promoting the University’s name recognition and increasing its national and international awareness. The successful candidate will be responsible for the creation, distribution, and measurement of earned media content to achieve defined communication goals. Collaborating with various content creators throughout the University, the individual will work to maximize the media visibility of research news, institutional stories, leadership profiles, and the scholarly expertise of faculty and staff. Additionally, this position will contribute to issues management and crisis response efforts as needed. In the realm of National Media Relations, the candidate will work closely with the University Communications AVP of PR and URMC Communications stakeholders to provide strategic recommendations and execute proactive media relations efforts that align with the University’s research and institutional awareness goals. This includes leading earned-media outreach to strategically identified print, broadcast, and online media outlets through effective pitching efforts and leveraging professional contacts. Building and nurturing relationships with regional and national news media is essential, as is the proactive promotion of the University’s faculty and staff experts to national media outlets. The role also involves managing an online database to identify opportunities for ongoing expert promotion and advising colleagues on optimizing content for media engagement. The overall media strategy will ensure that all media plans and projects are consistent with the University’s strategic goals, including those supporting community projects, press conferences, and events. The candidate will effectively manage the intake process of local media requests for interviews and information, develop and write a variety of content aimed at external audiences, and establish specific goals and metrics to measure the effectiveness of earned-media activities. In terms of issues management and crisis communications, the candidate will partner with the AVP of PR to develop communication plans and messages addressing urgent or emerging issues that could negatively impact the University’s reputation or operations. This includes providing sound judgment and support for crisis communications responses during and beyond work hours, serving as a deputy spokesperson, and offering guidance to leaders, faculty, and staff on emerging issues. The role also includes leading a media coaching program for academic and administrative leaders, faculty, and staff, providing the latest guidance in preparing for media interactions across various formats. Other duties may include supporting leadership communications by developing talking points, messages, statements, and quotes, contributing well-written content to the University’s Newscenter and newsletters, and facilitating training and developing resources as needed.