Website Brock University
Job Description:
Reporting to the Executive Director, Marketing & Communications, the Manager, Content & Communications informs and executes on the reputation management and communications strategies for Brock University, supporting internal and external communications programs to raise the visibility of the University and enhance its reputation. The Manager directs the work of other communications staff in this regard, and is also the University’s primary point of contact for news media relations and for public affairs, including public responses to significant, complex and time-sensitive issues.
Job Responsibilities:
- Train senior University leaders on media relations and interview techniques, ensuring a high level of competence in dealing with media inquiries and interviews;
- Write and distribute significant media releases that potentially impact the University’s reputation, ensuring appropriate & effective positioning of key messages;
- Define editorial approach to University communications, ensuring that content, focus and timing of articles and communications align with the
- University reputation management and communications strategy;
- Consult or interview Brock faculty or staff and attend University events in order to draft articles for publication in Brock’s newsletter, website and social media pages;
- Coach central and Faculty communications staff on article and story development, in support of the University’s reputation management and communications strategy, including story selection, story quality, photo/video strategies, and timing;
- Oversee and enhance Brock’s working relationships with journalists and news media organizations in order to support the University’s reputation management and communication strategy;
- Lead day-to-day communication and media relations activities that result in strengthening the University’s reputation with the local community, external stakeholders and the general public;
- Provide counsel, in partnership with the Executive Director, Marketing & Communications, to the President and senior officials regarding public statements, responding to news media inquiries, and/or the public handling of sensitive or significant issues;
- Coordinates writing or story assignments for communications staff members in Faculties and units across the Brock campus; this includes acting as the supervising editor, overseeing story planning timelines, reviewing articles and providing feedback for items that will appear in the
- Brock News or be issued as University media releases;
- Identify and cultivate opportunities for Brock faculty and/or senior administrators to be interviewed by the news media for articles that reflect on University initiatives or speak to matters of public interest;
- Write speaking notes, speeches, general announcement emails, and other related material for senior administration.
- Recognize and proactively pitch story opportunities that appeal to the needs of the news media and align to the University’s reputation management and communication strategy;
- Is a member of the University’s Emergency Response Team and serves as alternate Communications representative on the executive-level Crisis
- Management Group to formulate University statements and responses to internal and external audiences in times of crisis or operational challenges;
Job Requirements:
- High degree of critical judgement that supports decision-making, including the ability to determine when a situation requires the involvement of more senior officials.
- A relevant university degree combined with 7+ years of experience in a media/communications environment, or related professional environment with demonstrated evidence of success and effectiveness;
- Ability to balance competing objectives when communicating about sensitive topics such as labour issues and budget deliberations;
- Ability to influence people from a board range of backgrounds, positions and perspectives;
- Ability to understand and apply the Brand Standards and Media Relations policies;
- Strong understanding of the activities of the University and ability to determine appropriate faculty or administrative officials to speak about topics or issues;
- Strong, nimble interpersonal skills and leadership qualities and public speaking skills;
- Strong understanding of media relations strategies and approaches with a clear understanding of the needs, nature, and cultures of different news platforms;
- Ability to effectively manage multiple files and quickly change focus in a fast-paced environment where priorities are apt to change on short notice;
- Strong skills with the Mac environment, handheld devices, video production and managing website content;
- Proven understanding of the impact of communications on the organization and the importance of positive public opinion for the University;
- Excellent attention to detail in speech and written word;
- Strong policy development and interpretation skills;
- Ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of individuals and personalities in an environment of diverse subject matter;
- Ability to maintain clear, analytical thinking during critical situations and work collaboratively with others as part of a team effort;
Job Details:
Company: Brock University
Vacancy Type: Full Time
Job Location: Thorold, Ontario, CA
Application Deadline: N/A
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