Public Relations Specialist Job at University of Wisconsin- River Falls
Applicants are required to apply online. UWRF will not consider paper, emailed or faxed applications. Applicants are required to provide:
- Resume
- Writing Sample, which could include a news release or media pitch
- Letter of interest specifying qualifications and experience (cover letter)
- Names, addresses and telephone numbers of at least three references who can specifically comment upon your experience and professional preparation (references)
Inquiries should be addressed to:
Kimberly Gould Speckman
Search Chair
Kimberly.gould-speckman@uwrf.edu
Deadline to Apply: Initial review of applications will begin upon receipt. For full consideration, applicants should submit all required materials by October 26, 2022.
UW-River Falls does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources at 715-425-4941.
A Total Compensation (Wage plus Benefits) Estimator is available at:
https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/totalcomp/
Posting Details
Position Information
UW - System Position Title
Public Relations Specialist
Business Title
Major Department Code
University Communications & Marketing (J025000)
Appointment Type
Academic Staff-Fixed Term Renewable
FLSA Status
Exempt
FTE (Percentage of Appointment)
100
Typical Working Schedule
M-F 7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; occasional evenings and weekends.
Position Summary
Plans, prepares and disseminates institution-related publicity and good-will information to the public and other external entities in support of the institution’s strategic communication goals. As it relates to public-facing communication for the UWRF Chancellor, including development of time-sensitive messaging and community relations, this position will report to the Chancellor.
Responsibilities
Develops and executes public relations plans, projects, and initiatives utilizing various communication mediums
- Oversee public relations efforts and campaigns to maintain favorable public and stakeholder views of UWRF, including coordination and execution of social media messaging.
- Initiate, write, edit and pitch media coverage story ideas that demonstrate the value and impact of a UW-River Falls education, working in partnership with campus communications and marketing offices to identify unique and distinct programs.
- Provides project management and execution of communications programs, initiatives, and tactical plans.
Participates in the development of the public relations strategy in collaboration with communications leadership
- Responsible for advancing the UW-River Falls brand, disseminating institution-related publicity to foster positive public opinion and communicating compelling stories about UW-River Falls.
- Ensure stories and information are effectively communicated to internal and external audiences: prospective students, alumni, donors and local communities.
- Researches, conducts interviews and writes/edits news stories/releases featuring individuals, campus events and research initiatives. Collaborates with marketing and communications team on story generation, writing and editing institutional and college/program level publications and materials.
Assists with pitching and placing content in accordance with established marketing objectives and responding to inquiries
- Coordinate with the Chancellor’s Office all media requests involving interviews with the Chancellor. Prepare briefing materials and related content in advance of interviews.
- Develop and maintain relationships with state and local news media. Assist in coordinating media requests in a timely manner, serving as media relations contact.
- Serve as back-up media relations/crisis communications contact as needed.
Researches, analyzes, interprets, and disseminates local and national legislation actions and proposals that impact institutional activity
- Communicates with stakeholders to verify requests and identify editorial resources.
- Develops time-sensitive messaging and public-facing communication.
Initiates, writes, and edits press coverage ideas, briefing materials, and content independently for leadership
- Plans editorial content according to established goals and objectives.
- Writes clear and compelling content for internal and public-facing storytelling platforms, including key messages, statements, talking points, press releases and stories for a variety of audiences and channels, including university website.
- Translates complex information into clear and compelling communications.
Tracks media coverage of institution.
- Monitors reach and effectiveness of communication campaigns, projects, and initiatives.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities
Required Qualifications
- Excellent communication skills including writing, storytelling and research skills; able to draft and edit content quickly and accurately; able to clearly present messages across various media platforms (news releases, bylined articles, social media content and marketing collateral).
- Proficiency to edit/proofread own work and work of department employees.
- Thorough knowledge of Associate Press (AP) writing style.
- Highly organized, proactive, detail and deadline oriented with the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a high level of customer service; ability to prioritize and see projects through to completion.
- Experience managing both urgent, short-term projects and complex, longer-term projects.
- Experience and knowledge in social media and the best ways to utilize each platform.
- Knowledge of MS Office software applications (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree (English, communications, journalism, public relations, marketing or related field preferred) and 3-5 years of professional experience or equivalent relevant experience.
- Experience with public relations and media management.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with a high degree of flexibility.
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
AAF00749
Number of Vacancies
1
Desired Start Date
09/26/2022
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
08/22/2022
Closing Date
Applicant Review Date
10/27/2022
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants are required to apply online. UWRF will not consider paper, emailed or faxed applications. Applicants are required to provide:
- Resume
- Writing Sample, which could include a news release or media pitch
- Letter of interest specifying qualifications and experience (cover letter)
- Names, addresses and telephone numbers of at least three references who can specifically comment upon your experience and professional preparation (references)
Inquiries should be addressed to:
Kimberly Gould Speckman
Kimberly Gould Speckman
Search Chair
Kimberly.gould-speckman@uwrf.edu
Deadline to Apply: Initial review of applications will begin upon receipt. For full consideration, applicants should submit all required materials by October 26, 2022.
UW-River Falls does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources at 715-425-4941.
A Total Compensation (Wage plus Benefits) Estimator is available at:
https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/totalcomp/
Legal Notices
EEO/AA Statement
UW-River Falls is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer subject to all state and federal regulations pertaining to non-discrimination based upon sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, color, national origin, religion, disability, marital status, age, arrest and/or conviction record, veteran or military status. All persons, especially women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Employment is subject to federal laws that require verification of your identity and legal right to work in the United States as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act.
Confidentiality of Applicant Materials
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the final candidates may be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).
Title IX Notice
As required by Title IX and federal regulations, UW-River Falls does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its education programs or activities, including in admission and employment. Questions about the application of Title IX may be referred to UWRF’s Title IX Coordinator, Jennifer Larimore, 310 South Hall, Jennifer.Larimore@uwrf.edu, 715-425-4603; the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights; or both. For more information, please see
uwrf.edu/titleIX.
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies can be viewed at or call University Police at 715-425-3133 for a paper copy.
Criminal Background Check and Reference Check Policy
Employment will require a criminal background check. It will also require you, your most recent employer, and all previous UW System institution and State of Wisconsin agency employers from the past seven (7) years to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment per UW System Administrative Policy 1275.
Other Notices
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