Positions in University Communications

University Relation Associate

UNIVERSITY RELATIONS ASSOCIATE -UCP VII

JOB SUMMARY

Under the directions of a designated supervisor, is responsible for carrying out a variety of major public relations functions, as well as the production of timely news releases and feature stories which promote the University by focusing on its academic programs, research, faculty and students.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Serve as a public relations professional by developing and implementing strategic approaches to positively enhance the University’s public image, both internal and external.
2. Establish and maintain working relationships with local, state and national media to coordinate and promote news coverage of the University.
3. Research and respond to inquiries from the media and the public about the University and specific events and problems.
4. Respond to emergency/immediate public information needs as required by the University administration.
5. Serve as a consultant to university administrators, faculty and staff members in matters dealing with the media and the University image.
6. Proactively develop, write and edit timely news releases, media advisories and other communication vehicles for distribution to the media designed to generate positive media coverage of the University and enhance UConn’s competitive market position and prominence.
7. Know and incorporate UConn’s key messages/positioning points into story pitches as appropriate.
8. Initiate and write news and feature stories for the UConn Advance or other University publications in support of the University’s strategic goals and mission. Exercise creativity and originality in developing interesting and readable copy.
9. Produce lengthy, complex feature stories for the UConn magazine, about newsworthy research or other topics that proactively promote the University to its alumni and other targeted audiences.
10. Develop and maintain working relationships with deans, faculty members and administrators as needed to seek out news developments.
11. Plan, organize and facilitate special projects such as media workshops, coordination of special events and news conferences.
12. Provide advice and support to UConn faculty members regarding interaction with the media; prepare faculty experts and staff for media interviews.
13. Attend UConn lectures, meetings and other significant events to develop and maintain personal contacts with University faculty, administrators and staff as possible sources of pertinent news information and remain up-to-date on current practice in journalism and public relations.
14. Read local, state and national publications to maintain in-depth awareness of public events and to remain abreast of events in public relations, world, regional and local affairs.
15. Perform related duties as required.

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications or public relations.
2. Minimum 5 years as a reporter, media relations or public relations professional with an outstanding portfolio of media placements, or equivalent related experience.
3. Excellent writing and interviewing skills, preferably achieved through journalism training.
4. Knowledge of news operations and the needs of reporters. 7. Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, willing to work flexible hours when activities fall outside normal working hours, and proactively contribute to team efforts.
5. Tact and superior interpersonal/communication skills and techniques.
6. Excellent planning, organization and coordination skills. Proficiency in Microsoft products and the Internet.
7. Must be a self-starter and able to work without guidance, and make snap judgments based on sound journalistic background.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Extensive knowledge of beat reporters at state, regional and national media outlets preferred.
2. Experience in pitching and placing stories with reporters, producers and editors preferred.
3. Knowledge of new media