"Senior Manager of University Relations"

Alabama State University, Institutional Effectiveness invites applications for the position of Senior Manager of University Relations. The Senior Manager of University Relations serves as a key member of the Office of Marketing and Strategic Communications and functions as the University's primary day-to-day liaison with media outlets. This role is responsible for developing, writing, and producing timely, compelling news content that elevates the University's academic programs, campus activities, leadership, and community impact.

Working directly with the Executive Director of Marketing and Strategic Communications, the Senior Manager of University Relations supports institutional messaging, responds to media inquiries, prepares leadership for interviews, and represents the University during live and recorded media engagements. The position requires strong editorial judgment, exceptional writing skills, and the ability to perform confidently in high-visibility public settings.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serve as a primary point of contact for local, regional, and national media inquiries.
• Gather, verify, and provide accurate information to media outlets in coordination with the Executive Director.
• Escort University leadership, faculty, students, and campus representatives to media appearances and interviews.
• Represent the University on television, radio, or live media reports when needed, speaking clearly and professionally on behalf of the institution.
• Assist in preparing talking points, background materials, and interview briefs for University leadership.
• Write, edit, and produce multiple news stories per week highlighting campus activities, academic programs, faculty achievements, student success, research initiatives, and institutional milestones.
• Ensure all written content aligns with University brand standards, messaging priorities, and editorial tone.
• Collaborate with internal departments to identify story opportunities and ensure accurate representation of programs and initiatives.
• Provide timely updates, summaries, and media intelligence to the Executive Director of Marketing and Strategic Communications.
• Assist in managing sensitive or high-profile communications issues under the guidance of the Executive Director.
• Support strategic communication initiatives and campaigns as assigned.
• Research, write, and edit official University resolutions honoring deceased alumni, faculty, staff, and other members of the University family.
• Ensure resolutions reflect institutional dignity, accuracy, and respect.
• Work closely with marketing, digital media, social media, and creative teams to ensure coordinated messaging.
• Maintain professional relationships with media partners and external stakeholders.
• Uphold a high standard of professionalism, discretion, and responsiveness in all interactions.

Bachelor's degree in Communications, 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. Experience working in higher education, on-camera or broadcast media experience, familiarity with crisis communications and executive-level communications support preferred.