News and Content Manager

University of Alaska


News and Content Manager

  • JOB NUMBER: 519753
  • CLASSIFICATION: Communications Specialist 4 (NE)

  • GRADE: Grade 79

  • WORK TYPE: Hybrid, On Campus, Remote within Alaska, Staff Full-time

  • ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT: University of Alaska Statewide

  • SCHOOL/BUSINESS UNIT: SW Public Affairs

  • LOCATION: Anchorage, Fairbanks

  • CATEGORIES: Communications/Public Relations/Marketing

Position Summary:

The University of Alaska is actively recruiting for a Manager of News & Content to join our University Relations team. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Public Affairs (AVP), this position will be the primary content developer for all communications and the primary staffer for a news bureau-like suite of products including videography, website, legislative advocacy, newsletters, graphics for communications, social media video creation, podcasts, Facebook Live or Google Hangout sessions, news releases, and marketing materials. Provide a brief description of your pertinent skills and job history. Please highlight skills not listed in the duties and KSAs.The Manager of News & Content will need to be physically located in the Fairbanks or Anchorage areas, although there is potential for hybrid and remote work arrangements within Alaska.

Duties:

Communications Monitoring & Support Functions: Assist with editing and distribution of media releases, advisories, internal and external communications. Create a feature story inventory, developing the most salient facts and pitching stories to targeted media Monitor media daily, including newspapers, magazines, journals, broadcasts, newswires, social media sites and blogs, to provide morning updates for leadership and to identify opportunities for further story development. Assist with the coordination and implementation of media briefings; manage an editorial calendar of story opportunities. Create and maintain a dashboard to document communication effectiveness created through press coverage, public appearances, social media, and other channels including but not limited to newspapers, magazines, journals, broadcasts, newswires, social media sites and blogs. Work with campus communicators to create and maintain an editorial calendar in order to anticipate opportunities to provide/promote relevant content. Assist UR/VP and AVP with crisis communications preparedness, response and evaluation. Coordinate studio or location photography/videography. Audit media to keep abreast of higher education coverage and compiling regular news summaries that includes all the coverage of the UA and its leaders, faculty, students, employees and researchers that appears locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

Content Creation: Responsible for proactive content creation across all communication platforms to promote the university including the development of news releases, media advisories, newsletters, social media content and daily updates to the UA News Center’s news summary. Develop and update content for UA web pages including special project pages [UA leadership, campus free speech, advocacy] alaska.edu web pages, the public affairs page, Government Relations, Org Charts, BOR, President and other web updates as needed. Produce video news releases and the Did You Know series [video and bi-weekly stories] for dissemination to news outlets. Responsible for graphic design for websites, social media, marketing materials or other applications. Responsible for creating social media posts including photography and videography; developing a social media calendar and strategy to enhance UA’s reputation and brand; coordinating with social media strategists at MAU’s to enhance overall efforts and share best practices. Facilitate responses to social media conversations as needed and respond to queries. Execute media relations, media pitching opportunities and place opinion pieces. Implement communication and media outreach for special programs/events/major initiatives. Cultivate and maintain local media relationships with mainstream, education-related and UA college-specific publications. Build strong relationships with journalists covering higher education.

 

This position offers a flexible work environment, retirement and health insurance benefits, sick leave and vacation pay, tuition waivers for university courses, and a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative team environment. 

***Applicants must be living in or willing to relocate to the Anchorage or Fairbanks, Alaska areas, as this position will be expected to interface with employees both via distance (Zoom, etc.) and in face-to-face context. While some in-person work duties are required for this position, hybrid and remote work options may be available.

POSITION SALARY:

This is a full-time, Grade 79, minimum $26.08/hr, DOE, 12-month position complete with a competitive salary and UA employee benefits package.

The primary responsibility for this position is the creation of news content as well as the technical execution and implementation of communications within the Office of Public Affairs on behalf of the UA System Office including the Board of Regents. This position performs communications duties including:

  • Dissemination of public information
  • Public and media relations
  • Internal and external communications
  • Writing and editing
  • Graphic and multimedia design
  • Photography
  • Website design and development
  • Advocacy on behalf of the university

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

Strong media relations skill
Strong graphic design skills
Proven work experience working with media and social media
Expertise in multiple social media platforms
Ability to deliver creative content (text, image, and video)
In-depth knowledge of SEO, keyword research and Google Analytics
Familiarity with online marketing strategies and marketing channels
Digital video filming and editing skills
Excellent communication skills including writing and editing
Experience in higher education and/or journalism
Experience in building/managing media outreach campaigns
Professional-level advanced training in public relations, journalism or communications

TYPICAL EXPERIENCE:

Three years of relevant experience required. Four years of directly comparable experience preferred (journalism or public relations in private agency, government or corporate communications).
Strong command of grammar, punctuation and AP style.
Ability to develop relationships and manage a wide range of media and campus contacts.
Outstanding personal communication, organizational and project-management skills; must be articulate and able to represent the UA in the best light in order to secure positive media coverage.
Knowledge of media analytics, monitoring and distribution services.
Technical proficiency and familiarity with CMS and other web content production platforms.
Strong verbal and relationship-building skills required, as well as persuasive writing skills.
Experience required, preferably in PR agency or newsroom setting.
Knowledge of traditional and social media with strong media contacts, understanding of competition and industry as well as knowledge of education and related trends.

REQUIRED EDUCATION OR TRAINING:

Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Journalism, Communications or a related field, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Minimum of 3 years PR experience ; specifically newsroom, journalism, or communications.

TO APPLY:

Please submit a resume, cover letter and the names and contact information for three (3) professional references.  It is preferred that a work sample, such as a news article, press release or blog is also included with the application packet.

To ensure consideration, please apply by 11:55PM Alaska time on July 5, 2022.  Review of applications will begin on July 6, 2022.  This recruitment will remain open until filled.

*To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction.  Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement:

The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact UA Human Resources by phone at 907-450-8200.

Affirmative Action Statement:

UA is an AA/EO employer and educational institution and prohibits illegal discrimination against any individual: www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination

Background Check:

The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.

Public Disclosure Statement:

Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.

University of Alaska is a Drug-Free Workplace. University of Alaska campuses are Tobacco-Free.

Training Policy:

It is the policy of the University of Alaska (UA) that all employees are required to complete training to meet the requirements of the positions they hold, and to complete the required training within a specified period to remain employed at the UA.

Probationary Period:

Pursuant to University Regulation 04.07.020, new employees of the University are employed in an at-will probationary status for the first six months of employment. During the probationary period, employment may be terminated for no reason or any reason. Promoted employees also serve a probationary period with limited rights of retreat.

UAF COVID Requirements:

University employees working in connection with certain federal contracts are required to be vaccinated or have an approved medical or religious exemption in place as of January 18, 2022. All new hires subject to this requirement must be fully vaccinated with an FDA- or WHO- authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine or have obtained a university-approved disability/medical or religious exemption no later than six weeks from the new hire's start date. 

Required employees 

  • Employees based on UAF’s Troth Yeddha’ campus in Fairbanks, regardless of university affiliation and remote work status; 

  • Employees based in UAF research units outside Fairbanks. Examples include the Seward Marine Center, Kodiak Seafood and Marine Science Center, HAARP, Poker Flat, Lena Point, and Toolik Field Station;

  • Employees, regardless of their work location, paid by or directly working on impacted UAF federal contracts. 

If you have questions about the vaccination requirement, you can contact UA Human Resources.] 

For any questions, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at ua-hrtalent@alaska.edu.

Contact Information:

If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact University of Alaska HR at 907-450-8200.

Fairbanks, AK

1 year(s) ago

Tribal Affiliation(s)
Any Affiliation