Media Relations Manager, Physical Sciences and Molecular Engineering

Media Relations Manager, Physical Sciences and Molecular Engineering

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Department
COMM Media Relations

About the Department
University Communications focuses on building the brand, enhancing the reputation and growing public understanding of the University of Chicago, where rigorous inquiry shapes fields, creates a transformative education and experience, and confronts the most important problems of our time. The communications team specializes in content creation, media relations, public affairs, brand strategy, social media, and video and audio production for the University, while serving as a communication partner and center of excellence across UChicago.

Job Summary
The Media Relations Manager for Physical Sciences and Molecular Engineering works with national journalists and Chicago-based media to place stories that convey the breadth and impact of research in the physical sciences, molecular engineering, and related fields at the University of Chicago. This role calls for someone who enjoys working directly with media on interesting subjects, and can find creative ways to drive media coverage on a range of fascinating topics, including astronomy and astrophysics, climate science, computing, molecular engineering, and more. The Media Relations Manager must be able to juggle multiple assignments at once, build relationships with reporters, editors, and producers nationwide, communicate clearly about complicated scientific subject matters, pay close attention to detail, perform well under pressure, and collaborate with others.

The Media Relations Manager will join a dynamic and results-oriented team, and will work closely with other media relations professionals who serve as the key point people for distributing news of research and breakthroughs from a variety of areas across the University. This position also offers the opportunity to interact regularly with leading scientists and national journalists and to be at the center of high-visibility, high-priority announcements that have the potential to shape scientific fields.

Responsibilities

• Builds and maintains relationships with key members of the mainstream and trade media.
• Pitches expert advisories, news stories, and research to journalists.
• Builds and maintains lists of reporters.
• Uses monitoring services such as Meltwater to track coverage and compile quarterly metric reports.
• Measurably increases media coverage and regularly collaborates on reports to track progress.
• Collaborates in strategic planning to create focused and effective media campaigns.
• Leads the development and staffing of press conferences and other media events.
• Works closely with faculty and deans to stay current on upcoming research and science news.
• Collaborates closely with the content and social teams.
• Plans, develops, and disseminates information designed to keep the public informed of the organization’s programs, accomplishments, or point of view, with moderate levels of guidance and direction.
• Solves a range of straightforward problems, as work assignments are difficult and broad in nature, usually requiring originality and ingenuity.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelors degree.

Experience:

• At least two years of experience in media relations and/or journalism.
• Extensive experience working with media in print, broadcast, etc.
• Familiarity with and history of working in the sciences, engineering or technology.

Preferred Competencies

• Superior writing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to place stories and build media relationships.
• Excellent news judgment.
• Effective interpersonal communication skills.
• Juggle multiple projects at once.
• Proven ability to write about technical ideas in a way that captures their depth and complexity, while also making them understandable to the general public.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
Communications

Role Impact
Individual Contributor

FLSA Status
Exempt

Pay Frequency
Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5

Benefits Eligible
Yes

Drug Test Required
No

Health Screen Required
No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No

Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.