Public Relations Manager

Public Relations Manager

Position Number:

The Division of Marketing, Communications & University Relations builds the UWM brand by sharing stories of student and faculty success. We also foster enrollment and retention, support University Advancement, and help campus units tell their stories. Learn more here: https://uwm.edu/marcomm/.

Job Summary

The Public Relations Manager initiates, develops, and manages the public relations strategy for the university, including creating communications plans, drafting and editing news releases, feature stories, web content, and crisis communications. This position works closely with the Director of Strategic Communications and campus leaders to prioritize and distribute information and shape messaging for different audiences including students, faculty, staff, media, and the public. The Public Relations Manager will need to be both a strong storyteller who brings awareness of UWM's brand and accomplishments to the marketplace and a straightforward communicator of administrative information. Coordination of community relations activities and campaigns are also part of this role to enhance brand awareness through outreach and communications. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional written communication skills, the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment, and be a self-starter able to work independently and as part of a larger team.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, public relations, or similar field.
• Progressively responsible experience in an external communications role, including planning and execution in a deadline-driven environment.
• Strategic thinker who is able to translate goals and complex concepts for multiple stakeholders through a variety of communications channels.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and visual communication skills including knowledge of AP Style.
• Media relations and interview preparation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, exercise sound judgment, and handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to adapt and maintain positivity in a rapidly changing environment.
• Crisis communication experience.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to build and maintain relationships with key individuals across campus and with partner organizations.
• Evidence of strong news judgment and ability to develop story ideas.
• Experience working with WordPress or a similar content management system to update websites.

Application Instructions

Completed application materials must include a letter of application addressing educational and professional level work experience and knowledge as it relates to all required and preferred qualifications as listed above and a professional resume. Finalist candidate(s) being considered for hire will be required to provide three professional/supervisor references through an external reference checking tool. References will not be contacted prior to candidates being notified.

Application Notes

For this position, applicants are required to apply online. UWM will not consider paper, emailed, or faxed applications. Additionally, applicants must complete all required fields and attach any required documents. The process is complete when the message 'Your application has been submitted' is displayed and you receive a confirmation number.

Legal Notices

AA/EO Statement: UWM is an AA/EO employer: All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, or protected veteran status.

Reasonable Accommodations: UWM provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact uwm-jobs@uwm.edu or 414-229-4463.

Confidentiality of Applicant Materials: UWM is a State agency and subject to Wisconsin's Open Records Law. UWM will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin's Open Records law.

CBC and Reference Check Policy: Employment will require a criminal background check. UWM takes the prevention of sexual misconduct seriously. As such, you and your references will be required to answer questions regarding any past findings of sexual violence and sexual harassment or any pending allegations of sexual violence or sexual harassment.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act): For the UWM Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see http://www.cleryact.uwm.edu/, or call UWM's Dean of Students Office, Student Union 345 at (414) 229-4632 for a paper copy.

Employment Authorization: In compliance with federal law, all persons at the time of their start date will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

To apply, please visit: https://jobs.uwm.edu/postings/40084