Internal Communications & Media Relations Manager

Internal Communications & Media Relations Manager

Marketing & Communication

Description

Gustavus seeks a strategic and highly organized Internal Communications & Media Relations Manager to support institutional communications and media engagement. The successful candidate will bring strong writing and editorial skills, sound judgment, and the ability to coordinate communications across a complex organization.

Employment Status: Full-time (1.0 FTE), Exempt (Salaried), and Benefits-Eligible

• This position is primarily campus-based, with flexibility for a hybrid work arrangement in alignment with institutional needs and leadership expectations.

Salary Range: $55,000-$75,000, commensurate with experience

JOB SUMMARY:The Internal Communications & Media Relations Manager plays a key role in executing institutional communications across internal and external audiences. Reporting to the Chief Communications Officer (CCO), this position leads day-to-day internal communications, supports media relations efforts, and helps coordinate communications across the College.

This role is responsible for translating institutional priorities into clear, timely, and well-coordinated communications. The Manager ensures that communications are aligned, effectively managed, and responsive to the needs of the institution. The role exists to ensure that communications at Gustavus are not only well-crafted, but coordinated, consistent, and effective.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

Internal Communications

• Lead the day-to-day execution of internal communications for faculty, staff, and students.
• Draft, edit, and distribute campus-wide communications, including leadership messages, announcements, and updates.
• Partner with campus leaders to support communications for institutional initiatives, changes, and priorities.
• Ensure internal communications are timely, coordinated, and aligned across divisions.

Media Relations & External Communications

• Support media relations strategy, including drafting press releases, media pitches, and external communications.
• Build and maintain relationships with local and regional media.
• Monitor media coverage and track institutional visibility and reputation.
• Coordinate responses to media inquiries in partnership with the CCO.

Executive Communications Support

• Support executive communications, including drafting speeches, remarks, and key messaging for senior leaders.
• Help ensure alignment of executive communications with institutional priorities and messaging frameworks.
• Provide input on tone, timing, and audience alignment.

Communications Coordination & Workflow

• Coordinate communications planning, prioritization, and workflow across projects and initiatives.
• Manage editorial calendars and communications timelines.
• Collaborate with Marketing, Admission, Advancement, and other campus partners to ensure aligned messaging and execution.
• Track communications projects and ensure clear follow-through.

Content Development & Editorial Support

• Draft and edit a range of content, including stories, announcements, web content, and newsletters.
• Ensure content aligns with institutional voice, tone, and editorial standards.
• Collaborate with the CCO and marketing team to support storytelling across channels.

Prerequisites

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, English, or a related field.
• 4-6 years of experience in communications, public relations, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience writing and editing for multiple audiences and platforms.

Communications & Editorial Skills

• Strong writing and editing skills, with attention to clarity, tone, and detail.
• Ability to translate complex or sensitive information into clear, accessible messaging.
• Familiarity with AP style or similar editorial standards.

Media & Digital Familiarity

• Experience supporting media relations or public relations efforts.
• Familiarity with digital communication channels, including web and email platforms.
• Experience with content management systems (e.g., Drupal, WordPress) is a plus.

Organizational & Project Management Skills

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Attention to detail and ability to coordinate across multiple stakeholders.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Professional Skills & Attributes

• Sound judgment and discretion, particularly in handling sensitive communications.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills.
• Ability to take initiative and follow through on projects.
• Strategic mindset with strong execution capability.
• Commitment to the mission of a residential liberal arts college.

How This Role Works in the Team

This role reports to the Chief Communications Officer and works closely with the Chief Marketing Officer and marketing team to ensure communications and marketing efforts are aligned. The Manager plays a key role in translating strategy into execution, ensuring that communications are coordinated, timely, and effective across all audiences.

Gustavus offers competitive and comprehensive benefits which include:

• Medical insurance (which includes access to Nice Healthcare) as well as dental, vision, and life insurance
• Workplace accommodations for physical or mental health concerns
• Onsite health services
• Free parking, exercise classes, and use of library and athletic facilities
• Paid parental leave
• Employer contribution to retirement savings plan (after one year of employment)
• Tuition scholarships for dependents
• Tuition benefit plan for employees and spouse
• 13 paid Holidays + generous PTO plan