Communications and Public Relations Specialist

JOB SUMMARY:

The Communications and Public Relations Specialist is responsible for supporting the enhancement of the University’s reputation locally and nationally through public, media and external relations.

This individual will assist in promoting and increasing visibility for the University by executing the public, media and external relations plan. The Specialist will help manage content and story generation across all channels and departments and ensure correct messaging reaches intended target audience for maximum impact. Working closely with the Director, the Specialist will help maintain solid relationships with media and key external audiences through strong communications and positive working relationships.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support Director in day-to-day external relations functions by participating in external committees and taking the lead when directed. 
• Measure and evaluate effectiveness of communication strategies. 
• Work with internal partners to ensure consistent use of voice is used when disseminating content in department owned channels. 
• Provide logistical support related to media opportunities for the President, institution and others as needed. 
• Write news releases, media alerts, and make media pitches when needed; create video content and execute distribution of university earned media collateral. 
• Support the Director in collaborating with marketing and enrollment staff, as well as partners throughout the university, to advance Hamline’s reputation, grow enrollment, and maintain a strong brand identity. 
• Interact with key contacts to coordinate external communication initiatives, events, and opportunities that build university and community pride and connection. 
• Act as university liaison to the Hamline Midway Coalition, HUNAC, Hamline Elementary School, Midway Chamber, Saints Baseball. 
• Manage content by following a planned, systematic approach for proactively collecting and disseminating external communications. 
• Provide day-to-day direction to student employees supporting external relations functions. 
• Write news releases and media alerts; lead video content creation. 
• Track and analyze success. 
• Coordinate hometown news release program. All other duties as requested.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

• This position reports to the Director of Communications. 
• This position does not supervise other employees. This position does not supervise student workers.

BUDGET MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES:

• This position is responsible for the following budget: Community Relations (CC00619) Budget Range: $10,001-$50,000.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND KEY COMPETENCIES:

• Excellent presentation, verbal and written communication skills, including news and promotional writing 
• Experience in AP writing style 
• Strong organizational skills; ability to organize self and meet deadlines consistently 
• Ability to prioritize and work under pressure 
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build constructive, positive relationships with internal and external communities, including the media 
• Familiarity with media monitoring services and metrics 
• Ability to work with a wide variety of people in a collaborative way 
• Experience and/or knowledge of reputation development 
• Experience and/or ability to learn content management system (CMS), such as Wordpress or Squarespace

MINIMUM EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree 
• Minimum of 2 years of professional experience working in a public relations or communications role 
• Minimum of 2 years writing content for media channels 
• Minimum of one year experience in AP writing style

PREFERRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in the areas of communication, public relations, English or journalism 
• Ability to shoot video on professional digital video camera and use editing software.