Public Relations Manager

University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee

As Wisconsin’s only public urban research university, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee has established an international reputation for excellence in research, community engagement, teaching, and entrepreneurism. Designated an R1 research institution, UWM educates 24,000 students and is an engine for innovation in southeastern Wisconsin.

Founded over 60 years ago in the belief that Milwaukee would need a great public university to become a great city, UWM has a dual research and access mission aimed at serving the diverse needs of Wisconsin’s largest metropolitan area by furthering opportunities at all levels for students who may be financially or educationally disadvantaged. More than one-third of its students are the first in their families to attend college, and 30 percent are students of color. In all, the university educates almost 24,000 students on its three campuses. It is the largest educator of veterans in Wisconsin, with more than 1,000 enrolled each year under the federal G.I. bill. The Princeton Review named UWM a 2018 Best Midwestern university based on overall academic excellence and student reviews.

UWM is committed to the full inclusion of LGBT+ campus constituents. In 2018, Campus Pride Index named UWM as one of the Best of the Best Top 30 LGBTQ-friendly postsecondary institutions in the United States. UWM was the first university in the UW-System to implement an inclusive housing policy.

http://www.uwm.edu

Position Details

Public Relations Manager
Job
Full-time
Office/WFH
100% remote
2/24/2025
Southeast Wisconsin
Milwaukee, WI

Official Job Title: Public Relations Manager

Business/Working Title: Public Relations Manager

Job Summary:

The Public Relations Manager initiates, develops, and manages the public relations strategy for the university, including creating communications plans, drafting and editing news releases, feature stories, web content, and crisis communications. This position works closely with the Director of Strategic Communications and campus leaders to prioritize and distribute information and shape messaging for different audiences including students, faculty, staff, media, and the public.

The Public Relations Manager will need to be both a strong storyteller who brings awareness of UWM’s brand and accomplishments to the marketplace and a straightforward communicator of administrative information. Coordination of community relations activities and campaigns are also part of this role to enhance brand awareness through outreach and communications. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional written communication skills, the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment and be a self-starter able to work independently and as part of a larger team.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, public relations, or similar field. 
  • Progressively responsible experience in an external communications role, including planning and execution in a deadline-driven environment. 
  • Strategic thinker who is able to translate goals and complex concepts for multiple stakeholders through a variety of communications channels. 
  • Exceptional written, verbal and visual communication skills including knowledge of AP Style. 
  • Media relations and interview preparation skills. 
  • Demonstrated ability to take initiative, exercise sound judgment, and handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Ability to adapt and maintain positivity in a rapidly changing environment. 
  • Crisis communication experience. 
  • Interpersonal skills necessary to build and maintain relationships with key individuals across campus and with partner organizations. 
  • Evidence of strong news judgment and ability to develop story ideas. 
  • Experience working with WordPress or a similar content management system to update websites. 

Target Salary Range: $75,000 - $80,000


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