What are the responsibilities and job description for the Public Relations Specialist position at University of Wisconsin- River Falls?
Posting Details
Position Information
UW - System Position Title
Public Relations Specialist
Business Title
Public Relations and Media Specialist
Major Department Code
University Marketing & Communications (J025000)
Appointment Type
Academic Staff-Fixed Term Renewable
FLSA Status
Exempt
FTE (Percentage of Appointment)
100
Typical Working Schedule
Mon. – Fri. 7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Some evenings and weekend.
Some evenings and weekend.
Hybrid or On Campus
On Campus
Position Summary
Plans, prepares and disseminates institution-related publicity and good-will information to the public and other external entities in support of the institution’s strategic communication goals. The position involves strong content creation skills and ability to strategize with campus leadership. As it relates to public-facing communication for the UWRF Chancellor, including development of time-sensitive messaging and community relations, this position will work closely with the Chancellor.
Responsibilities
Develops and executes public relations plans, projects, and initiatives utilizing various communication mediums
- Oversee public relations efforts and campaigns to maintain favorable public and stakeholder views of UWRF.
- Initiate, write, edit and pitch media coverage story ideas that demonstrate the value and impact of a UW-River Falls education, working in partnership with campus communications and marketing offices to identify unique and distinct programs and success stories.
- Provides project management and execution of communications programs, initiatives, and tactical plans, including high-level coordination and planning of social media communication strategy as well as periodic execution of social media tactics.
Participates in the development of the public relations strategy in collaboration with communications leadership
- Responsible for advancing the UW-River Falls brand, disseminating institution-related publicity to foster positive public opinion and communicating compelling stories about UW-River Falls.
- Ensure stories and information are effectively communicated to internal and external audiences: prospective students and their families, alumni, donors, local communities, business partners and public stakeholders.
- Researches, conducts interviews and writes/edits news stories/releases featuring individuals, campus events and research initiatives. Collaborates with marketing and communications team on story generation, writing and editing institutional and college/program level publications and materials.
Assists with pitching and placing content in accordance with established marketing objectives and responding to inquiries
- Develop and maintain positive relationships with state and local news media, including in the Eau Claire and Twin Cities media markets. Assist in coordinating media requests in a timely manner, serving as media relations contact.
- Coordinate with the Chancellor’s Office all media requests involving interviews with the Chancellor. Prepare briefing materials and related content in advance of interviews.
- Serve as back-up media relations/crisis communications contact as needed.
Works with the campus Legislative Liaison to understand the impacts of local and national legislative actions, supporting the development of appropriate related communications for internal and external audiences.
- Develops time-sensitive messaging and public-facing communication.
Initiates, writes, and edits press coverage ideas, briefing materials, and content independently for leadership.
- Plans content according to established goals and objectives.
- Writes clear and compelling content for internal and public-facing storytelling platforms, including key messages, statements, talking points, press releases and stories for a variety of audiences and channels, including university websites.
- Translates complex information into clear and compelling communications.
Tracks media coverage of the institution.
- Monitors reach and effectiveness of communication campaigns, projects, and initiatives.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree (English, communications, journalism, public relations, marketing or related field preferred) and 3-5 years of professional experience or equivalent relevant experience.
- Excellent communication skills including writing, storytelling and research skills; able to draft and edit content quickly and accurately; able to clearly present messages across various media platforms (news releases, bylined articles, social media content and marketing collateral).
- Thorough knowledge of Associated Press (AP) writing style.
- Proficiency to edit/proofread own work and work of department employees.
- Experience and knowledge in social media and the best ways to utilize each platform.
- Highly organized, proactive, detail and deadline oriented with the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a high level of customer service; ability to prioritize and see projects through to completion.
- Experience managing both urgent, short-term projects and complex, longer-term projects.
- Knowledge of MS Office software applications (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with public relations and media management.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with a high degree of flexibility.
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
AAF01034
Number of Vacancies
1
Desired Start Date
04/14/2025
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
03/19/2025
Closing Date
Applicant Review Date
04/04/2025
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants are required to apply online. UWRF will not consider paper, emailed or faxed applications. Applicants are required to provide:
- Resume
- Letter of interest specifying qualifications and experience (cover letter)
Inquiries should be addressed to:
Eryn Maloney
Eryn Maloney
Search Chair
eryn.maloney@uwrf.edu
Deadline to Apply: Initial review of applications will begin upon receipt. For full consideration, applicants should submit all required materials on or before April 3, 2025.
Employees receive excellent benefits including exceptionally low-cost comprehensive health, dental and vision benefits; employer match of Wisconsin Retirement System contributions of 6.95%; an attractive amount of paid leave per year in addition to paid sick leave. To learn more about our benefits, go to:
UW-River Falls does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources at 715-425-4941.
Legal Notices
EEO Statement
UW-River Falls is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies.
Confidentiality of Applicant Materials
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the final candidates may be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).
Title IX Notice
As required by Title IX and federal regulations, UW-River Falls does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its education programs or activities, including in admission and employment. Questions about the application of Title IX may be referred to UWRF’s Title IX Coordinator at titleix@uwrf.edu; the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights; or both. For more information, please see uwrf.edu/titleIX.
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies can be viewed at or call University Police at 715-425-3133 for a paper copy.
Criminal Background Check and Reference Check Policy
Employment will require a criminal background check. Final candidates will be required to provide three professional references with at least one being a prior supervisor. Misconduct checks will be completed and a personnel file review for any University of Wisconsin or State employee within the past seven years prior to hire per UW System Administrative Policy 1275.
Other Notices
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Optional Documents
- Resume
- Cover Letter/Letter of Application
