Communications Manager

The Communications Manager supports Touro University's strategic communications, public relations, media relations, content development and reputation management initiatives. This position works closely with the Executive Director for Communications and Marketing, the rest of the PR and communications team, the University PR agency as well as deans, faculty, administrators, students, alumni and external media to identify, develop and promote stories that advance the visibility, reputation and mission of Touro University and its schools. This role is responsible for media outreach, content creation, website updates, social media support, publications support, writing stories/news releases and other communications.

• Media Relations and Public Relations Develop and maintain relationships with journalists, editors and media outlets.
• Identify and pursue media opportunities for faculty experts, interviews, commentary/op-eds and institutional achievements.
• Research, compile and maintain accurate media contact lists.
• Pitch news stories, feature articles and expert sources to relevant media outlets.
• Monitor, share and archive media coverage.
• Support institutional messaging and reputation management efforts during emergencies or sensitive communications matters for content development and storytelling.
• Research, write, edit and publish stories highlighting faculty, student, alumni and institutional accomplishments, new programs, cutting-edge research.
• Collaborate with deans, directors, faculty, administrators and students to generate story ideas, particularly for TCOP, TouroCOM and GSSW.
• Create content for University and school websites, newsletters, president's reports, alumni publications, special supplements and other communications materials.
• Develop story outline/manage publication production and write content for school-specific communications, including the pharmacy school's Dean's Update.
• Maintain current institutional boilerplate language and messaging.
• Ensure all content aligns with University branding, marketing and strategic communications goals, digital communications and social media.
• Research and develop content for social media platforms.
• Cover University events and provide content for social media and digital channels.
• Post approved content to University websites using the content management system (CMS).
• Monitor trends and emerging best practices in communications, public relations, social media and artificial intelligence applications, event coverage and stakeholder engagement. 
• Attend school, University and community events to identify content and media opportunities.
• Partner with student leaders, faculty and administrators to identify newsworthy initiatives.
• Provide media training/interview prep and guidance to faculty, staff and students as needed; publications and institutional communications. 
• Contribute written and edited content for University-wide publications, including President's Reports, alumni publications and external supplements.
• Collaborate with University departments to update institutional information and publications, including catalogs and University fact sheets.
• Work with academic and administrative leadership to review, revise and update University communications materials administrative and compliance responsibilities. 
• Manage media release permissions and photography consent processes. 
• Coordinate student photography opt-out requests and maintain appropriate records. 
• Obtain required approvals from academic leadership prior to publication of content. 
• Attend departmental meetings and participate in meetings with external public relations agencies. 
• Perform all other duties as assigned. 

Education/Experience: 

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, English, Marketing or a related field required. Master's degree a plus. 
• Relevant certificates a plus, i.e., AI for PR, digital marketing
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in communications, journalism, public relations, higher education communications or related field.
• Experience developing media relationships and securing earned media coverage.
• Experience writing for multiple audiences and platforms, including web, print, news and social media.
• Experience using content management systems and social media platforms.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent written, editing, proofing and verbal communication skills. Strong interviewing, storytelling and content development abilities.
• Ability to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Knowledge of media relations strategies and public relations best practices.
• Familiarity with higher education communications preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and digital communications platforms.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.

Travel:

• Occasional travel to University campuses and events may be required; at times on evenings or weekends.