Media Relations Officer

Job content

The University of Manitoba is a driving force of innovation, discovery and advancement. Our momentum is propelled by our campus community – UM faculty, staff and students whose determination and curiosity shape our world for the better. Our teaching, learning and work environment is uniquely strengthened and enriched by Indigenous perspectives. With two main campuses in Winnipeg, satellite campuses throughout Manitoba, and world-wide research, UM’s impact is global.

Discover outstanding employee benefits, experience world-class facilities and join a dynamic community that values reconciliation, sustainability, diversity, and inclusion. We are one of Manitoba’s Top Employers and one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers. At the University of Manitoba, what inspires you can change everything.

The opportunity:

The Media Relations Officer is a key contributing member to a dynamic team actively advancing the University of Manitoba’s priorities and perspectives with the media relations and issues management.

The primary responsibilities of this position are to support the University’s media relations activities, through executing strategies and action plans for direct advocacy with media.

• Monitor mainstream and news media for any issues that may negatively impact UM’s reputation and immediately report these to the Director, providing with assistance in managing the issue, creating and delivering timely and informed responses using appropriate platforms.
• Respond to media requests and is constantly on the watch for opportunities to strategically showcase reputation-enhancing stories by proactively making story pitches to media outlets.
• Initiate and lead strategic efforts to assess and measure success of activities relating to media relations, providing reports and analysis to the Director.

The secondary responsibilities of this position are to support the Director of Media Relations and Issues Management in

• Media engagement activities including, but not limited to, cultivating relationships with media outlets and reporters and organizations, and any events or meetings that support overall media relations and engagement priorities.
• On occasion, represent the Director of Media Relations and Issues Management, and the University of Manitoba, in meetings with internal and external stakeholders.
• The incumbent will regularly face multiple time-sensitive tasks and/or projects simultaneously.

The qualifications and experience we’re looking for:

· A University degree in relevant field is required.

· Four years of demonstrated background knowledge of media relations is required.

· Experience in program evaluation involving a variety of data collection and evaluation methods required.

· Experience measuring and reporting on effectiveness of outreach required.

· Experience working with local and national media required.

· Some experience working with media monitoring and social listening platforms such as Cision or Meltwater preferred.

· Experience planning media events is an asset.

· An acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

· Excellent communication skills including strong writing ability required.

· Adept at seeing different sides or layers to a topic and cultivating multiple story angles required.

· Ability to work autonomously or in teams remote and on-site required.

· Ability to manage a high level of discretion and confidentiality required.

· Ability to be Confident and professional when working with senior leaders required.

· Ability to identify what matters most to media and proven track record of successful pitches required.

· Satisfactory work record, including satisfactory attendance and punctuality, is required.

Why the University of Manitoba?

Along with being one of Manitoba’s top employers, we are proud to provide a collaborative and enriching work environment. In addition to a strong compensation package with a competitive salary, the University provides an exceptional workplace that includes:

• Comprehensive group benefits and pension plan.
• Competitive vacation time.
• Employee and Family Assistance Program.
• A full spectrum of professional development opportunities.

Closing Date: March 2, 2023

Applications will only be accepted if you apply on UM Careers.

The University of Manitoba is committed to the principles of equity, diversity & inclusion and to promoting opportunities in hiring, promotion and tenure (where applicable) for systemically marginalized groups who have been excluded from full participation at the University and the larger community including Indigenous Peoples, women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, questioning, intersex, asexual and other diverse sexual identities).

If you require accommodation supports during the recruitment process, please contact 204-474-7195. Please note this contact information is for accommodation reasons only.

Application materials, including letters of reference, will be handled in accordance with the protection of privacy provisions of The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (Manitoba). Please note that curriculum vitae will be provided to participating members of the search process.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: $56,128.80-$79,952.60 per year

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: One location

Expected start date: 2023-03-13