Public Relations Manager (Communications Generalist)

$60,000 - $65,000/Yr

Indiana University - Indianapolis, IN

Full-time - Mid Level

Indianapolis, IN

Ambulatory Health Care Services

About the position

The Indiana University School of Medicine is seeking a Public Relations Manager (Communications Generalist) to join its Office of Communications. This role is pivotal in developing and executing an earned media strategy that enhances and safeguards the institution's reputation among key stakeholders, including journalists, legislators, prospective faculty, students, and the general public. The successful candidate will proactively pitch news stories and expert opinions to local and national media, serving as the primary contact for media inquiries. This position involves writing and coordinating the approval of press releases, media advisories, blog posts, and related photo and video assets, ensuring they are effectively distributed through the newsroom website and other media channels. In addition to media relations, the Public Relations Manager will manage a schoolwide public relations calendar, coordinating announcements and media pitches with both school and university-level colleagues, as well as external partners. The role requires tracking media coverage for reporting purposes and building relationships with relevant journalists. The manager will also lead media training sessions for faculty, staff, and students, providing public relations guidance to communications colleagues across the school. Furthermore, the position involves managing the school's public-facing photo and video library and identifying new public relations opportunities that align with the school's 2030 Strategic Plan. General responsibilities include creating communications for print and electronic distribution, managing relationships with various stakeholders, preparing communications timelines, and monitoring relevant social media and news sites. The role requires proficiency in various communications software programs and the ability to deliver communications in multiple formats to diverse audiences. The Public Relations Manager may also provide guidance to lower-level Communications Generalists, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the communications team.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute earned media strategy to enhance the IU School of Medicine's reputation.
• Proactively pitch news and experts to local and national journalists.
• Serve as the primary contact for media inquiries.
• Write and coordinate approval of press releases, media advisories, and blog stories.
• Manage the schoolwide public relations calendar and coordinate announcements with colleagues and partners.
• Track media coverage for reporting purposes.
• Research and build relationships with relevant local and national journalists.
• Lead media training for faculty, staff, and students.
• Provide public relations guidance to communications colleagues across the school.
• Manage the school's public-facing photo and video library.
• Identify new public relations ideas and opportunities in support of the school's 2030 Strategic Plan.
• Create communications for print and e-distribution on behalf of the department.
• Respond to inquiries and requests, explaining policies and procedures.
• Manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Prepare communications timelines and share progress with relevant constituents.
• Monitor relevant social media and news sites.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, English, public relations, or related field.
• 2 years of relevant work experience in public relations or journalism.
• Proficient communication skills with a high degree of professionalism.
• Demonstrated time management and priority setting skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• High commitment to quality and accuracy, even under pressure.

Nice-to-haves

• Familiarity with media industry and AP Style.
• Demonstrated videography and/or photography skills.

Benefits

• Paid parental leave
• Health savings account
• AD&D insurance
• Disability insurance
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Employee assistance program
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan