Director of Media Relations and Public Affairs

Overview:

The Director of Media Relations and Public Affairs leads media relations for the college and serves in a strategic and highly visible role, utilizing deep knowledge of the media, as well as digital communication. This Director will partner with members of the Communications and Marketing team and campus colleagues on a range of written, multi-platform communications. In addition, this role will serve as the issues management lead for the college, working closely with members of the senior leadership team to proactively and reactively address reputational and other campus issues.

This is a full-time position with a hybrid weekly schedule of Tuesday through Thursday in office each week, and ability to work Monday and Friday from home. Occasional work on nights and weekends as needs arise.

About The Department:

The Advancement team—comprising Communications and Marketing, Development, Engagement, and Advancement Operations—is committed to driving Macalester’s mission forward. We foster a vibrant Macalester experience by ensuring clear, campus-wide communication, creating meaningful opportunities for alumni and friends to participate in the life of the college, and building relationships with donors to secure financial support that aligns with both the college’s mission and the donors’ philanthropic goals. We do so grounded in anti-racism, equity, and social justice, and with a commitment to creating positive social and economic change.

Responsibilities:

• Develops and implements a proactive media relations strategy that raises the visibility of the college among prospective students and parents. Effectively ties the expertise of Macalester faculty, staff, and students to trends and topics of national or specialized audience interest. Serves as liaison to faculty and staff for media relations as well.
• Writes college announcements, background pieces, and human-interest stories for a range of channels, including the college website, alumni newsletters, and social posts.
• Builds relationships with, and manages inquiries from local and national media to promote faculty, staff, and research to publications on a local and national level.
• Serves as the issues management lead for the college, working closely with members of the senior leadership team to proactively and reactively use communication to address reputational issues, crises, and other campus issues.
• Works closely with the digital team on cross-platform storytelling.
• Completes other responsibilities as assigned. Participates as an active member of the team. Participates in department and college activities and supports implementation of shared goals and initiatives. Provides backup support to other members of the team.

Qualifications:

• 5-8 years of relevant experience. Experience in higher education is a plus, but not required.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Strategic Communications, Media Relations/Studies, or Integrated Marketing preferred. However, candidates without a bachelor’s degree but with a strong media relations, public relations, and professional writing background will be considered.
• Professional expertise in media relations writing, strategic communication, social media, and issues management. Track record of sharing sources and ideas with the media that resulted in placed stories.
• Able to manage and work at a high level of complexity.
• Operates with a high degree of autonomy, exercising specialized judgment on college-wide strategic initiatives and technical matters while leading from an expert perspective. Ability to manage up and across the institution, delivering impactful outcomes.
• Manage purchasing card subscriptions and expense reports (Wells Fargo).
• Strong writing and verbal communication skills, speechwriting experience a plus.
• Ability to use a wide range of channels, media, and technology to communicate with key audiences (internal and external) including experience in social media engagement and storytelling.

Compensation:

The annual salary for this position will be between $95,953-$100,315, depending on qualifications and experience. 

Benefits:

At Macalester, we are proud to offer excellent comprehensive employee benefits. Here are some highlights:

• 10% employer contributions to the retirement plan.
• Generous Parental Leave.
• Outstanding vacation and sick time packages, plus an additional 10 holidays.
• Comprehensive health insurance plans, including a generous employer contribution to Health Savings Account.
• Tuition assistance which pays between 75% - 100% of eligible tuition for employee dependents at select institutions.
• Free primary care for most services through Nice Healthcare when enrolled in a Macalester health plan.
• Access to the athletics fitness facility, wellness coaching and activities.