Media Relations Manager

Milwaukee Public Schools

ABOUT US:

Milwaukee Public Schools is committed to accelerating student achievement, building positive relationships between youth and adults and cultivating leadership at all levels. The district’s commitment to improvement continues to show results:

  • More MPS students are taking college-level Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses; 
  • The MPS Class of 2018 earned $86+ million in scholarships; and 
  • MPS is home to seven of the state and nation’s top high schools according to U.S. News and World Report and the Washington Post.

http://mps.milwaukee.k12.wi.us/en/home.htm

Position Details

Media Relations Manager
Job
Full-time
11/26/2019
Southeast Wisconsin
Milwaukee, WI

Media Relation Manager

Office of Communications and School Performance

BASIC FUNCTION:

The Media Relation Manager serves as the direct contact between the media and the Milwaukee Public School District. Leads the development, planning, and execution of public and media relations strategy in support of the overarching MPS communications plan to help generate greater public confidence in public education in Milwaukee. Serve as primary media strategist, working at the direction of the Communications Director. Time outside regular office hours is required, including time in the evening and on weekends.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Develops, writes and distributes news releases for Milwaukee Public Schools District. 
  • Protects and promotes MPS’ brand and image in a proper, coordinated, and consistent manner. 
  • Responds in real time to initial calls and inquiries from the media for information and coordinates MPS responses from the appropriate individuals. 
  • Assists Director, Communications & Outreach and leadership staff with crisis management for individual school and district wide occurrences. 
  • Coordinates, plans, organizes and promotes all news conferences. 
  • Identifies story leads, creates pitches and secures media coverage. 
  • Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with members of the media. 
  • Develops and writes speeches and talking points for the Superintendent and other leadership staff, as needed. 
  • Provides media coaching and training to staff and prepare MPS leadership for interviews and other public appearances. 
  • Writes parent, teacher, staff messages and directs distribution of messaging. 
  • Acts as a media spokesperson on behalf of MPS and addresses questions and complaints. 
  • Serves as backup for the Director when the Director is unavailable. 
  • Supports the PR/social media relationship and supports digital messaging. 
  • Collaborates with Communication & Marketing team on brainstorming creative strategies for weekly messaging and storytelling ideas 
  • Assists in the development and implementation of MPS overall internal and external communication strategy.
  • Participates in all-staff, team and other internal meetings as requested. 
  • Attends District meetings to stay up-to-date on District policy and happenings. 
  • Serves as an outstanding team player who can troubleshoot issues, offer ideas and support and help others succeed. 
  • Actively supports the MPS Strategic Plan. 
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Position requires a bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations or related field. 
  • Five or more years’ experience in public relations, media, or related field. 
  • Demonstrated experience in media or public affairs/relations.

The salary range is $73,780 – 106,993 (12 months/260 days).


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