Public Relations Manager

Under the direction of the Director Corporate Communications and Public Relations, the Manager Public Relations will oversee Versiti’s external communications and media relations efforts. The Manager Public Relations will develop communication strategies to engage donors, further increase brand trust, and cultivate and maintain positive relationships with media contacts. The Manager Public Relations will nurture a strong industry network, increase awareness of Versiti and develop an enviable brand image by developing and executing effective communication and media relations programs.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develops, manages, and implements public relations plans and initiatives 
• Creates and manages public relations budgets, deadlines, objectives, and schedules 
• Identifies routine- to high-impact public relations opportunities and initiates news coverage 
• Develops key messages to reinforce Versiti’s brand position and prepares the organization to respond 
• Analyzes media coverage and develops strategies and responses as needed 
• Provides counsel to senior management, develops strategy, builds internal consensus, and guides communications to internal and external audiences 
• Develops media relations strategy, seeking impactful placements in various media streams 
• Coordinates and manages all public relations activities 
• Collaborates with Versiti’s social media team to help engage audiences via social channels 
• Leverages existing media relationships and cultivates new contacts within consumer, business, and industry media 
• Manages media inquiries and interview requests 
• Creates content for press releases, byline articles and keynote presentations 
• Monitors, analyzes, and communicates public relations results on a quarterly basis 
• Evaluates opportunities for partnerships and sponsorships on an on-going basis 
• Builds and maintains relationships with key internal partners to identify and execute story opportunities 
• Works closely with internal communications on the cadencing and alignment of messaging to internal and external audiences 
• Maintains a keen understanding of industry trends affecting clients and makes appropriate recommendations regarding communication strategy surrounding them 
• Manages external vendors, freelancers, and agencies 
• Assists Director of Marketing in the preparation of the budget 
• Ensures that Versiti resources are used wisely 
• Processes paperwork including purchases orders and invoices in a timely manner

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree with emphasis in communications, public relations, journalism, advertising, or related degree required

Experience:

• Six years of public relations experience required 
• One year of agency experience required 
• Three years of experience in managerial roles required

Skills and Knowledge:

• Knowledge of and ability to utilize a mix of available communication channels to drive results & achieve company goals 
• An analytical mind and problem-solving skills 
• Strong project management skills 
• Excellent attention to detail 
• Action- and results-oriented team leader 
• Outstanding written, visual, and verbal communication skills 
• Manage and prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced and demanding environment 
• Ability to foster cross-functional collaboration 
• Ability to leverage and utilize an integrated communications approach 
• In-depth knowledge of industry best practices 
• Ability to implement process improvements 
• Knowledge of strategic communications solutions 
• Ability build a relationship to leverage a network of connections internally and externally to drive results