Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE

The Senior Media Relations Manager develops and executes strategic media relations and thought-leadership initiatives that elevate the visibility and reputation of Case Western Reserve University, its faculty, research, students and leadership. This individual serves as a trusted advisor to faculty experts, administrators and communications professionals in their assigned areas of the university, helping position subject matter experts as authoritative voices in local, national and international conversations. Working collaboratively across University Marketing and Communications and with partners throughout their assigned schools and units, the Senior Media Relations Manager identifies opportunities to advance institutional priorities through earned media, expert positioning, multimedia storytelling and strategic communications counsel. This individual develops and implements proactive media strategies, coaches and prepares faculty and university leaders for public engagement opportunities, creates content that amplifies expertise across multiple platforms, and evaluates performance through data-driven analysis. This individual responds quickly to media requests to build deep, trusting relationships with members that help keep Case Western Reserve top of mind for expert voices. The Senior Media Relations Manager also contributes to crisis communications efforts and serves as a resource on issues affecting institutional reputation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1.    Research, develop and produce compelling content that advances media outreach and thought-leadership efforts. Write media pitches, news releases, statements, talking points, op-eds, media advisories and other strategic communications materials. Conduct video interviews, audio interviews and other digital storytelling activities with faculty, researchers and university leaders to create multimedia content that supports earned media, digital communications and social media initiatives. Develop, produce, film and edit compelling video interviews with university faculty and researchers across diverse subject areas, managing the complete production cycle. Collaborate with content, digital and social media teams to maximize visibility across channels. (40%)

2.    Develop and execute proactive media relations strategies that support university priorities and strengthen the institution's local, national and international reputation. Identify opportunities across print, broadcast, online and other platforms (including blogs, podcasts, etc.) to position university experts, research, programs and initiatives within relevant news and public conversations. Identify faculty experts and university leaders whose expertise aligns with institutional priorities and emerging public conversations. Develop long-term visibility strategies that elevate their profiles and enhance the university's reputation. Provide media training, interview preparation, message development and strategic counsel to ensure faculty and leaders effectively represent the university's brand and priorities. Build and maintain comprehensive expert databases and facilitate connections between media and university sources. Frame pitches to journalists in ways most likely to resonate with their preferred approaches, writing style and beats. Build and nurture relationships with reporters, editors, and producers at targeted outlets to help promote Case Western Reserve's national profile. (20%)

3.    Cultivate and maintain relationships with journalists, editors, producers and other media professionals. Monitor news trends and identify opportunities for university participation in relevant stories. Respond to media inquiries with urgency and professionalism, coordinate interviews and facilitate media access to university experts. Serve as a communications advisor during emerging issues and contribute to crisis communications planning and response efforts. Accompany media/television crews on campus as necessary, including before and after regular business hours. (15%)

4.    Meet regularly with faculty leaders to become familiar with leading ideas and gather information about research and education activities that would be of interest to local and national media. Pursue developments likely to secure media attention and aligned with the associate vice president's strategic media approach. Build faculty expert contact lists, including cell numbers for time-sensitive media requests. (15%)

5.    In consultation with the associate vice president for media relations, develop plans and tactics to realize the goals of individual media campaigns and overarching strategic approaches. Establish discrete goals and timelines regarding execution of those plans and tactics; regularly tally and report results to associate vice president. Analyze media coverage, audience engagement and reputational outcomes using quantitative and qualitative measures. In consultation with the associate vice president for media relations, develop reports and dashboards that demonstrate the impact of media relations efforts and inform future strategy. Advise communications colleagues across schools, colleges and administrative units on media strategy, expert positioning and reputational considerations. Contribute to continuous improvement of media relations practices and processes. (10%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Perform other duties as assigned.  (<1%)

CONTACTS
Department: Regular contact with vice president, associate vice president and other team members to maintain workflow. 
University: Contact with deans, center directors, individual faculty members, staff, and alumni to exchange information. 
External: Contact with the media, government officials, institutional partners, foundation leaders, etc. to exchange information. 
Students: Some interaction with students to exchange information.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
No staff supervisory responsibility.

QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: 5 to 7 years of experience in journalism, communications, public relations, or related field. 
Education: Bachelor's degree required.

REQUIRED SKILLS

1.    Ability to develop and execute successful media strategies for coverage of individual situations as well as ongoing positioning of individuals and/or institutions engaged in research.
2.    Demonstrated excellence in writing, editing and interpersonal communication.
3.    Demonstrated excellence in media pitching/outreach, writing, editing and interpersonal communication.
4.    Proven video production experience including filming, lighting and audio recording; proficiency in video editing software.
5.    Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for working with university experts; ability to understand and communicate complex subject matter across diverse academic subject areas.
6.    Ability to work effectively with teams to heighten own and colleagues¿ performance. Ability to work independently while also seeking appropriate guidance and providing necessary updates to supervisor and colleagues.
7.    Knowledge and understanding of the differences involved in writing for different channels and platforms, as well as the ability to execute messaging appropriate to respective channels.
8.    Demonstrated ability to think strategically and tactically in response to media opportunities and development of media plans. 
9.    Ability to incorporate feedback from colleagues and/or data insights to enhance messaging effectiveness.
10.    Demonstrated commitment to establish, assess and respond to quantitative and qualitative goals for media relations.  
11.    Experience analyzing media performance and applying data-driven insights to improve results.
12.    Knowledge of media monitoring, analytics and reporting tools.
13.    Excellent interpersonal, presentation and relationship-management skills.
14.    Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion when handling sensitive and confidential information.
15.    Demonstrated ability to contribute to a collaborative, cross-functional, and fast-paced environment dedicated to producing results that support a highly mission-driven organization.
16.    Demonstrated ability to balance and prioritize multiple projects at once, meet deadlines, and adjust assignments as needed relative to available resources and time-sensitive developments.
17.    Exceptional knowledge of Associated Press style.
18.    Proficiency with word processing and web software.
19.    Computer proficiency (including Microsoft Office) and the ability to learn new programs.
20.    Ability to demonstrate successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
21.    Ability to meet consistent attendance.
22.    Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.
23.    Willingness to learn and work with artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies.

WORKING CONDITIONS
General office environment, the employee will perform repetitive motion using computer mouse and keyboard to type.