Public Information Officer, Media Relations

Founded in 1819, the University of Cincinnati ranks among the nation’s best urban public research universities. Home to 53,235 students, more than 11,000 faculty and staff and 350,000+ living alumni, UC combines a Top 35 public research university with a physical setting The New York Times calls “the most ambitious campus design program in the country.”

With the launch of Next Lives Here, the Cincinnati Innovation District, a $100 million JobsOhio investment, three straight years of record enrollment, worldwide leadership in cooperative education, a dynamic academic health center and entry into the Big 12 Conference, UC’s momentum has never been stronger. UC’s annual budget stands at $1.85 billion, and its endowment totals nearly $1.8 billion.

About The Department

The University of Cincinnati Marketing + Communications Department is seeking a Public Information Officer for the Media Relations + Content team. The Marketing + Communications department is a comprehensive team of creatives, design and brand experts and digital interface professionals who work together on a daily basis to tell the UC story. As the unparalleled leader in experience-based learning, UC puts innovation into action — beyond the classroom, at the forefront of invention, and in every corner of the world. And the department is here to shine the spotlight on these points of pride and the people who make them reality. The Media Relations + Content team generates top-level news and feature content for the university as well as manages outreach to the news media. Our goal is to elevate the institution through excellent storytelling and successful media placements in local, national and worldwide media. The team is plugged into top media intelligence tools to monitor the UC brand and consult with university leadership with regard to messaging.

Job Overview

This role requires:

• Storytelling: generating content for media partners, marketing purposes and friends and family of UC. This includes informative media releases, in-depth enterprise pieces, social media content and recruitment materials, all to engage and inspire audiences and enhance the reputation of the university.
• Working with the news media: forming and maintaining relationships with reporters while overseeing the best interests of the university. This includes arranging and facilitating interviews, responding in a timely manner to media requests, distributing media releases and updating distribution lists accordingly. This also involves developing, implementing and tweaking public relations procedures, as well as leading media training, for best practices/better results. Arranging or assisting with press conferences may also be required.
• Assisting with marketing efforts: working closely with the marketing team to create materials and develop strategies surrounding the development of marketing campaigns.
• Relationship building/multitasking: working with experts to highlight successes while also keeping university goals at the forefront of your workload. In this role, it’s important to be able to balance expectations with bigger picture targets and to find the best solutions for the university’s success.

Applicants should be proficient in Microsoft Office applications and be able to quickly learn and use web programs, content management systems, media monitoring platforms and organizational tools needed for day-to-day office tasks.

Essential Functions

• Plan and execute promotional activities and special projects in a designated area.
• Assist in planning and supervision of layout and production of promotional materials.
• Plan and implement promotional advertising.
• Consult and make recommendations to area administrators and institutional officers pertaining to public affairs and internal programs.
• Represent area in designated activities.
• Administer and monitor expenditures.
• Draft and execute copy for publication
• Arrange for proper distribution and exposure.
• Arrange press conferences.
• Act as liaison with news media.
• May provide direct and/or indirect supervision to exempt and non-exempt staff (i.e., hiring/firing, performance evaluations, disciplinary action, approve time off, etc.). Perform related duties based on departmental need. This job description can be changed at any time.

Required Education

Bachelor’s Degree must be in English, mass communications or related field. Seven (7) years of relevant work experience and/or other specialized training can be used in lieu of education requirement.

Required Experience

Three (3) years of experience in public relations or publications or related field. Experience may require supervision.

Additional Qualifications Considered

• Prior experience in public relations, journalism or a related field.
• Editorial experience.
• Experience with video, photography or animation.
• Business writing experience.

Application Information

Please provide three samples of your best written work.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

Office environment/no specific unusual physical or environmental demands.

Compensation And Benefits

UC offers a wide array of complementary and affordable benefit options, to meet the financial, educational, health, and wellness needs of you and your family. Eligibility varies by position and FTE.

• Competitive salary range between $55,000 - $60,000 annually dependent on the candidate's experience.
• Comprehensive insurance plans including medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage.
• Flexible spending accounts and an award-winning employee wellness program, plus an employee assistance program.
• Financial security via our life and long-term disability insurance, accident and illness insurance, and retirement savings plans.
• Generous paid time off work options including vacation, sick leave, annual holidays, and winter season days in addition to paid parental leave.
• Tuition remission is available for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Enjoy discounts for on and off-campus activities and services.

As a UC employee, and an employee of an Ohio public institution, if hired you will not contribute to the federal Social Security system, other than contributions to Medicare. Instead, UC employees have the option to contribute to a state retirement plan (OPERS, STRS) or an alternative retirement plan (ARP).

To learn more about why UC is a great place to work, please visit our careers page at https://www.uc.edu/careers.html.

For questions about the UC recruiting process or to request accommodations with the application, please contact Human Resources at jobs@uc.edu.

The University of Cincinnati is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

REQ: 98404

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