Manager, University Relations

Manager of University Relations

Alabama State University, Institutional Effectiveness invites applications for the position of Manager of University Relations. The Manager of University Relations serves as a key member of the Office of Marketing and Strategic Communications and supportsthe University's external visibility through the development and distribution of timely, engaging news content. This role focuses on executing day-to-day communications efforts that highlight the University's academic programs, campus activities, and community impact.

Working directly with the Executive Director of Marketing and Strategic Communications, the Manager is responsible for content creation, media coordination, and maintaining consistent, accurate public-facing communications. This position requires strong writing skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Respond to routine media inquiries by gathering and providing accurate, approved information
• Coordinate logistics for media interviews, including scheduling and on-site support
• Escort University leadership, faculty, students, and campus representatives to media appearances and ensure smooth coordination of engagements
• Maintain up-to-date media contact lists and assist in distributing press materials
• Write, edit, and produce multiple news stories per week highlighting campus activities, academic programs, faculty achievements, student success, research initiatives, and institutional milestones.
• Ensure accuracy, clarity, and timelines of all written materials
• Gather information from internal departments to support story development and ensure proper representation of programs and initiatives
• Assist in drafting press releases, media advisories, and other external communications
• Research, write, and edit official University resolutions and memorial pieces as assigned, and ensure all written materials reflect professionalism, accuracy, and respect
• Monitor media coverage and compile regular reports or summaries for internal use
• Maintain organized records of media interactions, press coverage, and published content
• Support the execution of communications plans by assisting with content development and distribution
• Work collaboratively with internal teams to gather content and support ongoing communications efforts
• Assist in coordinating messaging across platforms by ensuring consistency in published materials
• Maintain professional and responsive communication with internal stakeholders and external contacts

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor degree in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field, 3–5 years of professional experience in journalism, media relations, public relations, or strategic communications, demonstrated experience writing news stories in a higher education, media, or institutional setting, proven ability to interact confidently with media and appear on camera or live broadcasts, strong editing, proofreading, and organizational skills, and have the ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Supplemental Information:

It is the policy of Alabama State University to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job. Federal law requires identity and employment eligibility verification on Form I-9 within three (3) business days of employment. All positions require the passing of a background check and some the passing of a drug screen.