Media Manager, News Office

Columbia College Chicago is a creative liberal arts college focused on rigorous academics, hands-on learning, collaboration and career preparation.

Reporting to the Director of the News Office, the Manager of the News Office in the Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications serves as the communications account manager for news and public relations activities for client groups/business units across the college. The Manager of the News Office develops and executes effective communications plans and strategies that elevate the college's position and prominence, assist in driving enrollment, and support fundraising goals. She/he is also the primary driver of narratives and storytelling for internal and external audiences, including faculty and staff, current and prospective students, donors and the general public. The Manager of the News Office conducts print, broadcast, online and social media outreach to promote increased awareness of the college brand, initiatives, programs, special events, as well as accomplishments of the President and the President's Cabinet, faculty/staff, alumni and students. She/he develops and writes key messages for executive and academic leadership; communicates compelling, consistent messages across multiple channels; and utilizes multi-media communications practices to shape college and departmental/program narratives.

- Serve as communications liaison/account manager for client groups at the college. Regularly meet with and build relationships with clients to fully understand their business goals and create news and messaging strategies to support those goals. - Develop, pitch and place stories about the college in business, trade, education, arts and consumer media; cultivate media relationships through proactive outreach and responsiveness to inquiries/requests. - Plan, create and execute effective communications and media strategies and tactics that support delivery of college and departmental/program business priorities. Specific activities include: - Researching, interviewing, reporting, writing, editing and fact checking a variety of content, including: press releases, messaging documents, fact sheets, scripted remarks, feature stories and other news-related materials; individual project communications plans; and large-scale communications plans. Planning, producing and editing video shorts/news; managing media assets (photo and video). - Manage communications projects from start to finish; review all major deliverables to ensure quality standards and client expectations are met; and deliver final products to clients for review. - Collaborate daily with Marketing Communications staff to ensure appropriate editorial deliverables within larger integrated communications strategy. - Engage in crisis/issues management planning and communications implementation; partner with legal, compliance, HR, budget and other administrative offices to meet organizational goals and priorities. Manage editorial staff and internal and external partners such as designers, photographers and writers.

- Bachelor's degree required in Journalism, Public Relations, Political Science, English, Communications, or related field. - 7+ years of experience in a fast-paced editorial/communications or public affairs environment with strong media relations, client and project management skills. At least two of those years in an agency or client account management role within a complex organization. - Superior writing, editing and verbal communication skills; consistently approach challenges in a positive, creative and solution-oriented manner. - Proven ability to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction with a sense of urgency, drive and energy. - Knowledge of current and emerging communications methodologies and technologies. - Highly collaborative style with strong customer service skills. - Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects in a demanding, deadline-driven, team-oriented environment. - Familiarity with tracking and measurement resources and tools; familiarity with various content management systems (HTML not required). - Strong command of Associated Press style preferred. - Familiarity with fine and performing arts or higher education institutions preferred.