The Chronicle of Higher Education is seeking A Senior Manager of Strategic Communications. The Senior Manager of Strategic Communications, in close collaboration with the Managing Director of Marketing and senior business and editorial leadership, is responsible for developing and executing a robust and multi-faced communications program to increase the visibility of The Chronicle of Higher Education’s and The Chronicle of Philanthropy’s brands, products, editorial coverage, and executive leadership within the higher education, non-profit, and publishing communities. This position is also responsible for corporate communications activities.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Work with key business and editorial stakeholders to build and execute an annual strategic communications plan that drives awareness of The Chronicle’s brands, editorial coverage, and expertise in covering the higher education and non-profit sectors.
- Manage all outbound media relations activities for The Chronicle, proactively placing editorial coverage and company news in trade and mainstream media.
- Build and execute newsroom subject matter expertise program, identifying and growing key talent as necessary.
- Use live events, panels, and social media channels such as Facebook Live to build visibility and thought leadership of key newsroom staff on specific topics.
- Act as primary contact for all incoming press calls into each of The Chronicle’s newsrooms.
- Promote Chronicle coverage in higher-ed and non-profit social media channels to amplify footprint with media, academic, and industry stakeholders.
- Oversee all public relations operations, including media list management and the tracking and reporting of mainstream, trade, and social media placements to measure the impact of PR activities on our brands, audiences, and revenues.
- Identify and process submissions for higher education, non-profit, and publishing awards to create positive press for The Chronicle.
- Manage editorial and executive speaker or panel engagements at industry conferences.
- Build strong relationships with communications counterparts at key higher-ed institutions, non-profits, and association partners.
- Execute corporate communication programs to promote Chronicle products, highlight key partnerships, and announce important company news.
- Manage and continuously improve company crisis communications plan.
- Promote The Chronicle as an employer of choice in the local area and in key online sources.
- Partner with senior company leadership to ensure the clarity and effectiveness of company-wide internal communications.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
- Passion for and knowledge of the higher education and non-profit sectors with recent relevant job experience and contacts.
- Ability to develop and edit high quality written materials, including press materials, fact sheets, and talking points.
- Exemplary communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to interact with external media contacts, reporters, and senior executives.
- Experience growing the visibility of company executives and subject matter experts in mainstream and trade media outlets.
- Proven ability to excel in a fast-paced, changing environment, working independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
- Ability to think strategically and execute tactically.
- Extensive knowledge of digital marketing and social media platforms.
- Superior writing, research, presentation, and project management skills.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, journalism, or equivalent field of study preferred
Experience: 8-10 years of experience in media relations, preferably with experience working directly with a newsroom in a publishing or media organization.