Strategic Communications Manager

Job Summary

The Strategic Communications Manager will lead earned media strategy and public relations campaigns for the College of Engineering & Applied Science (CEAS) at the University of Colorado Boulder, in partnership with the university’s Office of Strategic Relations & Communications. This media-forward position will mine the college for compelling news stories; elevate story ideas in a timely manner to the college’s lead communicators and SRC media relations staff;

and research, write and support media relations efforts designed to increase the visibility of keyfaculty research and expertise through niche publications with thegoal of improving the college’s reputation and rankings. This vitalrole will also support executive and college-level crisis communications by creating content for college leadership and ensuring a timely and effective response to urgent matters. This position reports to the Senior Director for Marketing and Communications.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating aworkplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds toapply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Founded in 1893, CEAS at CU Boulder is the second largest of sevenschools and colleges at one of the nation's top public research institutions. As Colorado's flagship university, CU Boulder hasselective admissions standards and a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs.

The college’s mission is to generate new knowledge in engineering and related fields, and to equip students from a diverse set of backgrounds to become leaders and citizens responsible for the betterment of individuals and society. Our vision is to be arecognized world leader for excellence and innovation in engineering research and education, with an emphasis on inclusive excellence, active learning and global society.

• Conduct annual strategic communications planning in concert with the college leadership and the Office of Strategic Relation sand Communications (SRC).
• Lead niche publication strategy by cultivating and maintaining relationships with journalists and targeted media outlets.
• Attend key weekly editorial meetings with the SRC to ensure content and strategic alignment around prioritized topics or research themes (E.g., Space, Quantum, Sustainability, Innovation& Entrepreneurship, Health, Climate) to minimize redundant efforts and maximize cumulative results.
• Develop and implement public relations strategies and campaigns which raise awareness of the college and elevate its reputation and profile as well as that of its departments and programs.
• Plan, write, and edit news articles, feature stories, and other public relations materials that exemplify the college’s research mission and reinforce its desired brand positioning.
• Identify and share stories of wide public interest for news packaging by meeting with college experts to discuss the latest research efforts and by keeping abreast of emerging and trending topics in engineering.
• Break down complex research topics into engaging content that anyone can understand.
• Develop strong news hooks, pitches and story ideas, including multimedia ideas, based on the current news cycle.
• Collaborate with college and campus videographers,photographers, and social media teams to generate multimedia asset packages.
• Implement a strategy, including training and advising faculty,to pitch articles and boost placements in The Conversation.
• Write and edit content to ensure that it aligns with Associated Press Style, university…