Public Relations Manager

If you're looking for the chance to learn, grow, and make a contribution to the community, look at employment opportunities with Full Sail University. You'll find your choice of career opportunities, great benefits, an environment that welcomes and values creativity, and a work experience that is both challenging and rewarding!

The Public Relations Manager will work to develop strategic communication efforts that enhance the reputation, visibility, and credibility of Full Sail University. This role is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive public relations strategies, managing media relationships, with a key focus on producing high-quality written content that supports institutional goals. The Public Relations Manager is a strong storyteller, skilled writer, strategic thinker, and a proactive relationship-builder with experience in higher education or mission-driven organizations. Must have a proven ability to manage the development, implementation, and execution of successful public relations strategy and campaigns.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Communications & Media Relations

• Develop and implement public relations strategies that align with institutional priorities and brand positioning
• Serve as one of the primary media contacts for the institution, building and maintaining strong relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets
• Manage media requests in a timely and professional manner
• Pitch stories, respond to media inquiries, and coordinate interviews with faculty, staff, alumni, and leadership
• Proven track record of ability to garner press/media coverage 
• Support crisis communications in coordination with director & senior leadership as needed
• Manage and organize large scale events including ribbon cuttings, grand openings, degree program launches, etc. 
• Oversee measurement of PR impact through regular reporting 

Writing & Content Development

• Demonstrate ability to create strong written content for advertorials, op-eds, byline articles, and keynote presentations 
• Demonstrate ability to draft, edit, and distribute compelling and newsworthy press releases, media advisories, talking points, and statements
• Ensure messaging is accurate, compelling, and aligned with institutional voice and standards
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to identify newsworthy stories and achievements
• Maintain editorial standards and ensure consistency across all external communications
• Collaborate with partners on strategic joint announcements, case studies, white papers etc. 

Advertising & Budget Management

• Plan, execute, and manage paid advertising buys across print, digital, broadcast, and other media channels
• Manage the public relations advertising budget, including vendor negotiations and performance tracking
• Monitor campaign effectiveness and adjust strategies to maximize reach and return on investment

Awards, Rankings & Reputation Building

• A primary function of this role is the overall management of strategic rankings, awards and accolades efforts on behalf of the university including seeking out new/relevant awards/rankings opportunities, managing completion of surveys/submissions, tracking results and amplifying positive results to internal and external stakeholders and audiences.
• Identify, pursue, and manage submissions for institutional awards, rankings, and accolades
• Manage and execute the gathering of data, narratives, and supporting materials to strengthen award applications
• Track and report earned recognition and leverage them in external communications

Collaboration & Leadership

• Partner with marketing, internal teams including but not limited to Full Sail’s creative agency and academic departments to support institutional initiatives
• Collaborate with Full Sail’s Partners to execute strategic communications initiatives
• Manage external vendors as needed
• Stay current on higher education trends, media landscapes, and best practices in public relations

Other Responsibilities:

• Adheres to the policies and procedures of Full Sail University
• Maintains strict confidentiality of company and personnel information
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to the mission and values of the organization
• Adheres to company attendance standards
• Performs other duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities:   No

Competencies:

• Exceptional oral and written communication skills
• Strategic thinking and sound judgment
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Proven ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively with ability to manage multiple priorities under deadlines
• Professional presence and discretion when working with senior leadership and media
• Collaborative, proactive, and detail-oriented approach
• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills with a demonstrated ability to tailor messaging to diverse audiences
• Familiarity with higher education governance, culture, and academic environments
• Self-starter
• Possess a deep understanding of public relations, digital reputation management, and project/campaign management skills

Education and/or Experience:

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field
• Minimum of 5 to 7 years of progressively responsible experience in public relations, or corporate communications, preferably in higher education or a complex organization
• Proven experience with media relations, press release distribution, and advertising buys
• Experience managing budgets and measuring campaign effectiveness
• Experience working with rankings organizations, award programs, or accolades-related communications

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:  n/a

Computer/Equipment Skills:

• Proficient in Microsoft 356 (Word, Outlook, OneDrive, Excel) Keynote, Zoom
• Exceptional working knowledge of a variety of public relations / project management programs: (ex. CisionOne, PR Newswire, Monday, Workfront, etc.)
• Working knowledge of a variety of AI Platforms

Environmental Factors/Physical Demands:

Work is performed in an office environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to have the ability to maintain active customer and employee communication; access, input and retrieve information from the computer system; enter alphanumeric data into a computerized system often while listening on the telephone. (May be subject to bending, reaching, kneeling, stooping and lifting up to thirty (30) pounds.) Ability to work nights and weekends as needed. 

Full Sail is an Equal Opportunity Employer.