Media Relations Manager, Physical Sciences and Molecular Engineering

University of Chicago - Chicago, IL

Full-time - Mid Level

Chicago, IL

Educational Services

About the position

The Media Relations Manager for Physical Sciences and Molecular Engineering at the University of Chicago is responsible for engaging with national journalists and local media to promote the university's research in physical sciences and molecular engineering. This role requires creativity in driving media coverage on diverse scientific topics and involves building relationships with media professionals, managing multiple assignments, and collaborating with faculty and other teams to effectively communicate complex scientific information to the public.

Responsibilities

• Builds and maintains relationships with key members of the mainstream and trade media.
• Pitches expert advisories, news stories, and research to journalists.
• Builds and maintains lists of reporters.
• Uses monitoring services such as Meltwater to track coverage and compile quarterly metric reports.
• Measurably increases media coverage and regularly collaborates on reports to track progress.
• Collaborates in strategic planning to create focused and effective media campaigns.
• Leads the development and staffing of press conferences and other media events.
• Works closely with faculty and deans to stay current on upcoming research and science news.
• Collaborates closely with the content and social teams.
• Plans, develops, and disseminates information designed to keep the public informed of the organization's programs, accomplishments, or point of view, with moderate levels of guidance and direction.
• Solves a range of straightforward problems, as work assignments are difficult and broad in nature, usually requiring originality and ingenuity.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Requirements

• Minimum of a college or university degree in a related field.
• 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor's degree.
• At least two years of experience in media relations and/or journalism.
• Extensive experience working with media in print, broadcast, etc.
• Familiarity with and history of working in the sciences, engineering or technology.
• Superior writing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to place stories and build media relationships.
• Excellent news judgment.
• Effective interpersonal communication skills.
• Proven ability to write about technical ideas in a way that captures their depth and complexity, while also making them understandable to the general public.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Paid holidays
• Professional development opportunities