A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn. One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community. University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance. Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit The Office of University Communications is responsible for the strategic management of the University's overall public relations and reputation management activities. The department provides leadership, counsel and services to over 200 communicators across campus and works with those communicators to ensure a unified campus-wide communications strategy. Areas within University Communications include: Content Development, Executive Communications, Media Relations, Social Media, Visual Production, Issues Management, UNC Creative and the UNC Visitors Center. Position Summary The University of North Carolina's Office of University Communications department is seeking a Media Relations Manager for its best-in-class Media Relations team. This is a perfect position for an experienced communications professional to be part of the overall media strategy and response for the nation's first and best public university. Experience generating earned media and successfully crafting strategies and messages is a must. The Media Relations Manager plays a pivotal role in developing the messages and strategies for the University on a wide range of topics and issues in higher education and provides direct responses and pitches to local, regional and national outlets. Reporting to the Senior Director of Media Relations, the Media Relations Manager is responsible for successfully planning, executing and evaluating a strategic media relations plan for a portfolio of University areas and promoting Carolina's mission and work as a leading global research university. The Media Relations Manager will own a portfolio that covers the College of Arts and Sciences, including the third largest research portfolio at Carolina, University Development, and University Libraries. The Manager will develop strategies to leverage the University's work to position the University as a world-class research institution and will have the ability to communicate about these subjects in plain language across content platforms. The Media Relations Manager will have a detailed working knowledge of issues and trends in higher education. The Media Relations Manager maintains strong working relationships with subject matter experts across the campus, including senior university leaders, department heads, and faculty and communicators. The Media Relations Manager develops and maintains relationships with journalists at media outlets to help ensure smooth communication of often complex issues to ensure the ability to engage the journalists with story ideas and expert recommendations. In addition to initiatives related to these areas, the media relations manager is expected to provide support for other activities in the office of University Communications as needed. The Manager will work closely with communications professionals across the campus to provide strategic consultation and direction on media relations initiatives. Under the leadership of the director, the media relations team creates the messages, content and pitches that promote the University, its people and programs. Someone who has a fresh approach to media relations and creative content is welcome. Minimum Education and Experience Requirements Bachelor's degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment, or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience Excellent understanding of media trends and news cycles, as well as developing media strategy on promoting stories on a wide array of topics. Demonstrated ability to give strategic communications counsel to unit-level communicators. Ability to effectively manage multiple projects and work in a fast-paced environment. Strong project management and organization skills. Superior writing, editing and public presentation skills. General knowledge of current issues in higher education, especially for public universities. Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience Experience working in or with large, complex, high-profile organizations. Higher education experience is a plus but not required. Experience generating earned media using a variety of tactics or strategies. Special Physical/Mental Requirements Campus Security Authority Responsibilities Not Applicable. Special Instructions Please attach two writing samples using the "Other Documents" upload. Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/284403