Manager, Public Relations and Social Media
Join the Marketing and Communications team at UI Health Care as the Manager of Public Relations and Social Media. This role is responsible for the development and execution of integrated public relations and social media initiatives aimed at connecting external stakeholders with University of Iowa Health Care’s brand. This individual will oversee a team of specialists responsible for managing enterprise social media accounts, working with the news media to build public trust in UI Health Care, and promoting and protecting the organization’s reputation through transparent communication.
Position Responsibilities:
Strategy
In conjunction with the Director of Strategic Communications, develop and execute an integrated public relations strategy, including earned media and social media, in support of the organization’s strategic priorities
In collaboration with Brand Strategy and Marketing and Content Strategy teams, develop media campaigns that integrate with content strategy and marketing campaigns
Develop national media pitching program priorities and executive thought leader platforms in alignment with the integrated public relations strategy
Maintain a keen understanding of industry trends affecting the organization and make appropriate recommendations regarding communication strategy surrounding them.
Social Media
Lead creation and curation of engaging content for various social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn
Lead management of social media accounts and engage with followers, responding to comments and inquiries in a timely and professional manner
Lead the curation and development of social media listening reports, monitoring, and analyzing social media metrics, and adjust strategies as necessary to increase engagement and reach
Define and provide strategic direction to Marketing and Communications leadership and internal stakeholders on social media best practices
Serve as the main point of contact across the enterprise for social media-related questions
Recommend tools and software to optimize social media activity
Ensures social media posts meet accuracy, grammar, style, and tone guidelines
Stay up-to-date with emerging trends and technologies in social media and make recommendations for improving our social media strategies
Media Relations
Serve as primary media contact and spokesperson for UI Health Care
Brief and prepare senior leaders, faculty, and staff for major interviews
Receive and strategically manage complex media inquiries
Work with communication specialists and agency partners to develop story pitches for local, regional, and national media outlets
Write communications plans, statements, talking points, news releases, Q&As, backgrounders, and other materials
Establish strong working relationships with key media representatives
Leadership
Supervise and provide public relations and social media team members with appropriate resources, clear direction, and support
Assists with the supervision of student workers
Ensures compliance with all UI Health Care and UI policies and procedures
Crisis Communications
Update and regularly maintain the crisis communications plan and train Marketing and Communications team members on their roles.
Serve as a Public Information Officer (PIO) for University of Iowa Health Care and act as a primary liaison for the coordination of messaging with the Marketing and Communications team, including web, social media, and internal communications, during actual and scenario crises.
Message Development and Issues Management
Recommend and develop message strategy and communications plans for issues management.
Address new and anticipate potential issues with background research
Draft statements and briefs
Ability to effectively interpret and transmit information for internal and external audiences.
Collaboration
Work closely with other teams in the Marketing and Communications department
Develop and manage productive relationships with UI Health Care senior leadership, UI Office of Strategic Communications, and other internal and external stakeholders and customers.
Represent UI Health Care on various internal or external committees, agencies, and associations.
Process
Tracks and reports on key performance indicators and progress toward goals, per the integrated public relations strategy
Establishes and maintains necessary processes, tools, and resources for effective public relations. Applies and upholds UI Health Care brand standards and editorial style
Financial Responsibility
Manage public relations and social media budget
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, or a related field, or an equivalent amount of education and experience.
5 years of related professional social media and public relations experience
In-depth knowledge of social media and digital platforms
Experience developing and implementing earned media and social media campaigns
Excellent organizational and project management skills
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Ability to lead a multi-disciplinary team
Ability to effectively collaborate and work in a team environment
Self-motivated, thrives in a fast-paced environment, with the innate drive to learn and pick up new challenges
Ability to work effectively with senior leaders
Ability to think strategically and creatively
Demonstrated experience working effectively in a welcoming and respectful workplace environment.
Desired Qualifications:
Experience working directly with journalists
Professional experience in the health care industry
Experience presenting to large groups
Experience working in a large organization
Master’s degree desired.
Application Process: To be considered, applicants must upload a cover letter and resume (under the submission of relevant materials) that clearly address how they meet the listed required and desired qualifications of this position. Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification.
Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. For questions, contact Sharon Walther at sharon-walther@uiowa.edu.
This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization now or in the future.
Equal opportunity employer
The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, or associational preferences.
Persons with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations with the application or interview process may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, (319) 335-2660 or fsds@uiowa.edu. For jobs in UI Health care, please contact UI Health care Leave & Disability Administration at 319-356-7543.
