Job Information
Michigan State University(MSU) Senior Public Relations Manager / Communications Manager II in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Working/Functional Title
Senior Public Relations Manager
Position Summary
The Senior Public Relations Manager will lead strategic public relations for the College of Human Medicine. Working in collaboration with the Senior Marketing & Communications Officer, the Senior Public Relations Manager will support the college's strategic plan goals of advancing the reputation of the medical school by publicizing research news, major initiatives, and student/faculty accomplishments. As an integral member of the Marketing & Communications team, the Senior Public Relations Manager will also support internal and external communications tactics, including dean correspondence, college publications, special event support, and working with department communicators on research publicity. Primary work location is based in Grand Rapids; however, the university's main campus in East Lansing or hybrid work may also be considered.
35% Public Relations and Media Outreach
- Integrates the goals of the college strategic plan into communication and public relations initiatives for the college.
- Works with faculty and department communicators to identify compelling research topics and stories.
- Develops and maintains lists of subject matter faculty experts and areas of research; proactively identifies issues or topics where the college or its faculty could be featured as experts.
- Uses science writing and storytelling skills to create compelling, newsworthy press releases and articles.
- Pitches local, regional, state, national media and coordinates media interviews, photo shoots and video recordings.
- Manages college and community events including press conferences and media tours; writes talking points, news releases, backgrounders, media advisories and tip sheets for media kits; pitches media and manages media onsite at events.
- Monitors local, state, national and international media for college/faculty/student news. Monitors for negative news and issues to brief leadership.
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15% Dean Correspondence
- Writes and edits for the college, including dean's updates, digital content, and talking points.
20% External Relations
- Develops and maintains relationships external partners, agencies and groups including committees and nonprofit and legislative organizations.
- Represents the college's memberships in national organizations such as the Association of American Medical Colleges and the Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium.
- Represents the college in various activities within the university and among various professional and community organizations.
*20% Strategic Plan Initiatives *
- Publicizes major research initiatives and accomplishments (Strategy 4).
- Develops workshops and training to prepare faculty to interact in the public relations space, through written or spoken formats targeting key audiences (lay public and donors). Designs and presents workshops (or other instruction) on media training, public discourse and news writing.
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``` - Advises units on media and public relation issues and response. - Prepares and provides media guidance to faculty in advance of interviews.
10% Reporting and Metrics
- Establishes metrics for measuring quantifiable results of PR activity.
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Unit Specific Education/Experience/Skills
Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by compl