Media Relations Manager

Who we are

Why Rensselaer? Join Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's dynamic global community of changemaker including some of the world’s leading researchers, students, alumni, and faculty who ask the important questions and devise the scientific and technological innovations that make the world a better place for all of humanity.

Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, Rensselaer is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and IBM's Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world.

Are you ready to change the world? !

Job Summary

The Media Relations Manager is one of RPI’s chief storytellers with a proven expertise in brand storytelling and strategic media relations. The media relations manager plays a critical role in raising awareness of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute as an esteemed institution of academic excellence, groundbreaking research and global community influence and impact. The media relations manager will produce and disseminate relevant and engaging stories that advance the Institute in top tier national consumer media outlets and scholarly publications, and across all Institute storytelling channels.

Responsibilities Include:

• Partner with OCEC leadership and university PR firm on PR strategy
• Function as an inhouse journalist and write/develop stories to advance the reputation of RPI
• Cultivate and maintain productive relationships with top tier media on behalf of RPI
• Manage editorial calendar
• Partner with OCEC leadership, academic deans and center directors and department heads to identify and develop and pitch news stories
• Develop media results reports
• Oversee media monitoring tools

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in journalism, mass communications, or public relations degree from a journalism program
• Five (5) or more years of professional media relations experience

Applicants must meet stated minimum education and experience requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2 years of experience working in a newsroom as a reporter is ideal
• Experience in higher education

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated sound editorial judgement
• Must possess a passion for higher education and the intellectual ability to digest and create stories from complex STEM-related content
• Requires excellent oral and written communication skills and fluency in AP writing style
• Ability to use independent judgment and to gather, manage and impart information to the media and various other internal and external audiences
• Possess a strong nose for news and impeccable writing talent
• Comfort level interacting with members of the media and senior level officials

Shift

Business Hours: Monday - Friday, evenings or weekends may be required on occasion.

Travel

Driving

Incidental driving possible, but not required

Starting Salary/Rate

Expected hiring range: $70,000 - $90,000

Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate’s qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer’s good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.

Application instructions

Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile. Please be ready to upload your resume and cover letter.

If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact careers@rpi.edu.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Total Compensation and Benefits Information

Rensselaer’s Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu).