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University of Georgia

Public Relations Manager

University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, us, 30604


Posting Details

Posting Details

Posting Number S12502P

Working Title Public Relations Manager

Department CAES-Comm & Marketing

About the University of Georgia

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia's oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education ( https://www.uga.edu/ ). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,000 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.

About the College/Unit/Department

College/Unit/Department website

Posting Type External

Retirement Plan TRS or ORP

Employment Type Employee

Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time Full Time

Work Schedule

Additional Schedule Information

Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm

Advertised Salary Commensurate with Experience

Posting Date 08/08/2024

Open until filled Yes

Closing Date

Proposed Starting Date 09/01/2024

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please upload resume, cover letter, and list of three references.

Location of Vacancy Athens Area

EEO Policy Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at

https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct .

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at

https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 .

Position Information

Classification Title Marketing/Public Relations Professional

FLSA Exempt

FTE 1.00

Minimum Qualifications

Requires at least a baccalaureate degree in the field. Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications

Communications, journalism, marketing, or related degree from an accredited college or university and at least 6 years of previous experience; or any equivalent combination of education and experienceAt least 3 years of professional experience working in media relations and outreach for an organizationAt least 3 years of professional experience reporting on media and press coverageExperience coordinating media requests for topic experts or organizational leadership, crafting talking points, drafting media advisories and press releases, handling crisis communications and leading media trainingComfortable receiving feedback and staying solution-oriented within a dynamic teamAttention to detail and experience using project management softwarePosition Summary

The Public Relations Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating public relations for the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences & UGA Extension across the state, including Athens, Tifton, and Griffin campuses. This position manages news distribution, coordinates media relations, and contributes to the ongoing news service of CAES and UGA Extension. Reporting to the CAES Chief Communications Officer, this position coordinates closely with the CAES editorial unit to assist in the creation and amplification of stories. Additionally, this role prepares and disseminates media packets and relevant updates to the public. The Public Relations Manager addresses emerging issues and crises as needed and coordinates editorial resources as necessary. This role also involves producing news stories about industry and donor relations, press releases, and various written and audio content for multiple CAES outlets and platforms. This position is responsible for reporting metrics around press and media coverage and partners with CAES digital strategists and UGA central communications to improve media reach. This position is responsible for creating and leading trainings on media relations best practices for CAES and UGA Extension faculty and staff. This role also manages the production and co-hosts the award-winning CAES podcast, Cultivating Curiosity.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

Previous experience in public relations communications, preferably in higher education and/or an agricultural or environmental fieldStrong written and verbal communication, interpersonal, organizational and time-management skillsAbility to juggle multiple priorities while meeting tight deadlinesAbility to exercise sound judgment and discretion in periods of crisis communicationsProficiency with writing and editing for AP Style; knowledge of Chicago, MLA and APA stylesExcellent computer skills, including MS Office, project management software (Asana), audio editing software, CMS and Adobe PhotoshopSome travel and willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends in support of college events or conferences as needed

Physical Demands

Sitting at workstation for periods of timeActively navigate eventsSome light liftingDriving as needed to perform job tasks

Is driving a responsibility of this position? Yes

Is this a Position of Trust? No

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No

Does this position require a P-Card? No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) No

Credit and P-Card policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the

UGA Credit Background Check website .

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the

UGA Background Check website .

Duties/Responsibilities

Duties/Responsibilities

Manage CAES and UGA Extension's press and media relations to promote CAES faculty:

Work closely with Georgia, regional and national media outlets to promote CAES faculty as experts for news stories and CAES programs as newsworthy projectsRespond to media inquiries and direct to appropriate CAES personnel as well as provide talking points as neededCollaborate with UGA central communications to proactively seek out opportunities to pitch to the media and closely coordinate with UGA central communications on these effortsAssist and lead international media coverage and public relations strategies to promote CAES and UGA Extension programs and initiatives around the worldReport regular metrics and analysis on top trends, stories and media hitsPull and organize media reports for CAES and UGA Extension faculty/staff as requested for reporting purposesCoordinates with external units and industry partners on media pitches, press releases and press outreach strategiesLiaise and collaborate with various state, regional, and national organizations including but not limited to the SR-PLN, Georgia Press Association, USDA, Georgia Department of Agriculture, NIFA, SRCC, APLU, and others, to create and promote content amplifying the work of CAES and UGA ExtensionPercentage of time 45 Duties/Responsibilities

Content and copywriting for various CAES and UGA Extension external and internal news platforms:

Seek out, research, write, edit and fact-check news articles focused on CAES research, teaching and Extension programs and initiativesLiaise with the CAES Office of Development and Alumni Relations to create and promote fundraising announcementsCoordinate and manage relations with industry or donor partners in order to execute public relations plans as well as create and promote relevant news and storiesContribute to stories and features that will be published in various outlets (online and print) such as annual reports, various CAES websites, marketing materials, public service announcements, social media posts, radio and tv advertisingLead efforts on identifying, writing and submitting for CAES Office of Marketing and Communications (OMC) awards with various professional organizationsWork closely with the OMC news and editorial unit (managed by OMC's Associate Director) to build content strategies to promote CAES and UGA Extension content to the general public and mass mediaPercentage of time 30 Duties/Responsibilities

Manage the production and scheduling of the CAES podcast, Cultivating Curiosity:

Serve as a producer of each episode, vetting and inviting guests, assisting with the development of questions and leading guests through the recording processCo-host episodes, including recording set up and breakdown as well as organizing guest interviewsEdit each podcast episode via Hindenberg and upload episodes to the hosting platform for distributionReport metrics and analytics on downloads and listeners to increase subscribers and reachPartner with OMC digital marketing strategists to promote podcast contentPercentage of time 15 Duties/Responsibilities

Internal staff and faculty training on topics including crisis communications, media relations, and press outreach:

Provide training and assistance to CAES faculty, staff, and UGA Extension agents in media relations best practices and crisis communications protocolCreate communication materials and/or presentations to support in-person or virtual trainings as needed

Percentage of time 10

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact

Contact Details

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name Cassie Ann Kiggen

Recruitment Contact Email cakiggen@uga.edu

Recruitment Contact Phone

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

Resume/CVCover LetterList of References with Contact InformationOptional Documents