Manager, Public Relations
American Public University System

The Manager, Public Relations supports the Director of Public Relations in executing on a variety of communications and media relations functions including, but not limited to, securing positive, on-message media coverage, managing internal stakeholders, activity reporting, and other associated duties as they relate to earned media relations. The successful candidate will be a gifted communicator, highly skilled at end-to-end media relations, including storytelling narratives, and implementing results-driven communications for all mediums including internal communications.

The Manager, Public Relations, reports to the Director, Public Relations.

Responsibilities:

• Working with internal clients and a U.S. based PR agency to deliver positive media coverage, sound PR strategy and counsel on an ongoing basis.
• Managing communications tactics from end-to-end such as proactive pitching and news releases; pursuing speaking engagements and industry awards; activities reporting; and related supporting PR documents to enhance APUS's visibility and reputation with a range of reporters.
• Help managing a U.S.-based PR agency as it relates to proactive pitching of subject matter experts and the University.
• Using a very small number of apps for media monitoring, reporting and press release distribution.
• Works with university faculty, deans, provost and president to further establish APUS as a trusted leading provider of high-quality, accessible and affordable higher education.
• Works with various marketing and academic team members to identify opportunities to leverage their initiatives and content to continue increasing APUS awareness and reputation. This includes working with several peers and instructors who are subject matter experts in various topics.
• Comfortable delivering counsel to spokespersons to help deliver favorable outcomes including positive coverage.
• Builds and nurtures relationships with media reporters by crafting the narrative and encapsulating the value APUS delivers in a manner that differentiates us and energizes targeted audiences.
• In tandem with the Director, proactively creates opportunities to communicate APUS news, messages, and storytelling opportunities to target audiences.
• Coordinates pitches and bylines, offering relevant experts and ideas that lead to positive, on-message earned media coverage.
• Manages the PR program with a results-driven mindset to drive favorable outcomes. Products include talking points, key messages, FAQs, press releases, internal letters to students & faculty, and briefing documents. Must have the ability to write and edit documents working directly with stakeholders.
• Helps identify initiatives and news opportunities to pitch to media for successful outcomes.
• Assists in identifying APUS thought leadership opportunities that align to overall goals (i.e. increasing student enrollment and brand awareness).
• Helps coordinate development, approvals and distribution of press releases, bylined articles, FAQs, and related documents as assigned by the Director and/or President's Office.
• Coordinates monitoring, evaluating and repurposing results and activities for increased awareness across academic and marketing.
• Works closely with Director, using sound PR tactics to place bylines on an ongoing basis in targeted media publications.

Requirements:

• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing, APUS stories to media and other external audiences.
• Must be a detail-oriented and organized, with firm knowledge of AP Stylebook and work samples that highlight a range of experience. Must have experience writing and delivering successful proactive pitches, news releases, briefing documents and activity reports.
• Must be able to work remotely as part of a small PR team.
• Must be able to work directly with individuals and teams across the university, including program directors, faculty and senior staff, to apply public relations expertise to drive favorable outcomes.
• Demonstrated experience delivering strong results in media relations.
• Track record in executing on public relations campaigns that successfully build brand awareness.
• Proven results in securing favorable media coverage, ideally in higher education.
• Experience applying sound decision-making to effectively address complex issues in a timely manner.
• Strong work ethic, accountability, and self-motivation.
• Strong analytical, research, organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work across multi-functional teams, while utilizing strong interpersonal and judgment skills to influence both internal and external team members.

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in public relations, journalism, communications, marketing, or related area.
• 4 - 8 years of PR experience, preferably including experience in two of the following areas: a PR agency, public company, higher education institution, and/or growth company.
• Success in managing media initiatives as a lead project manager.
• Experience working on small PR teams and leveraging outside (client) experts.
• Significant writing experience that led to successful outcomes.

About Us:

American Public University System (APUS) is an Online University based in Charles Town, WV. Our University has over 100,000 students. Our emphasis is educating our nation's military and public services communities with quality and affordable education. APUS provides partnership and commitment in helping students realize the dream of a higher education and the opportunities that brings.

It is the policy of American Public University System (APUS) to afford equal opportunity to all qualified persons. We treat all qualified individuals equally as to their recruitment, hiring, assignments, advancements, compensation, and all other terms and conditions of employment. American Public University System (APUS) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, or physical, mental, or sensory disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Colorado, California, Washington and NYC Pay Transparency Statement

If you are a resident of Colorado, California, Washington or New York City and this role is available remotely, you may be eligible to receive additional information about the compensation and benefits for this role, which we will provide upon request. Please send an email to