Public Relations Strategist for Issues Management

Public Relations Strategist for Issues Management

Work environment: Flexible-hybrid, at least three days per week in the office

Position Overview

The Public Relations Strategist for Issues Management will play an essential role in supporting and advancing the reputation of the University of Minnesota. This position will be responsible for both proactive and reactive, issues-based communication efforts, supporting and leading various communications tasks in response to unexpected issues that arise, as well as developing and implementing forward-looking issue response strategies. As part of the role's University-wide responsibilities, the Public Relations Strategist for Issues Management will provide strategic communications support to senior leaders, marketing communications staff, and other key stakeholders based at many University locations throughout the state.
The Public Relations Strategist will report to the Senior Director of Public Relations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement forward-looking communication strategies and response plans for a wide range of issues and emergencies that may arise, in collaboration with University Marketing Communications colleagues and internal partners.
• Plan and maintain responses for routine but critical situations (e.g., weather impacts, workplace accidents).
• Update and manage crisis communication components of the University's emergency operations plan.
• Monitor and report out to leadership and internal partners on emerging and ongoing issues, as well as local or national trends affecting higher education or with potential to affect the University.
• Provide crisis communications support in real-time response efforts when issues or emergencies arise, which may include conducting fact-finding/research, drafting FAQs and/or media materials, interacting with media, and developing background resources for spokespeople and leaders.
• Collaborate with University Marketing Communications colleagues, University leaders and internal partners throughout the University to ensure aligned and strategic responses to issues and emergencies.
• Work across levels at the University to develop a community of practice related to issues management and crisis communications to foster greater collaboration and implementation of best practices University-wide.
• Provide strategic communication counsel to University leadership, faculty, and staff, as well as internal communications partners throughout the University, both as issues arise and unfold, and in forward-looking planning discussions.
• Provide strategic communications support for the University of Minnesota Police Department, Department of Public Safety, Department of Emergency Management, and other central offices with issues and emergency response responsibilities.
• Develop and deliver issues management and media training; support and lead interview preparation.
• Serve as a media contact and University spokesperson on issues- and emergency-related topics.
  

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, English, or a related field.
• 6+ years of relevant professional experience in public relations or a related field.
• Previous experience with issues management, crisis communication or emergency response.
• Ability to prioritize multiple deadlines and manage competing priorities effectively while maintaining sound judgement and high attention to detail.
• Strong writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Proven collaboration skills and the ability to work with widely varied teams and stakeholders.
• Availability to work in person at least three days per week at the Twin Cities campus and to respond on-site to local emergencies, as needed.
• Strength in critical and strategic thinking.

Preferred qualifications:

• Previous experience working in higher education, municipalities, public or government organizations, or with law enforcement or emergency response agencies.
• Experience serving as a media spokesperson.
• Experience providing strategic communication counsel to senior leaders, especially on sensitive matters or crises.
• Training or certification in crisis communication or emergency management.
• Experience handling sensitive information with discretion.
• Ability to quickly adjust to changing priorities and situations.

The University Marketing Communications PR team is responsible for supporting public relations activities throughout the University of Minnesota and is the primary PR office for the Twin Cities campus, serving as an initial point of access for local, national and international media and the central office for externally promoting University initiatives, education, research and community engagement.

The highly collaborative University Marketing Communications PR team, working closely with other University Marketing Communications teams and internal partners throughout the University, positions the University to make communications decisions that maximize strategic impact, mitigate risk, and showcase the institution's expertise and value.

Pay Range: $100,000 to $110,000 annually, depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

This position will remain open until filled. Finalists will be asked to provide references.

For a completed application, please include a resume and cover letter.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).