Internal Communications & Media Relations Manager
Gustavus Adolphus College, Saint Peter, MN, United States
Internal Communications & Media Relations Manager Marketing & Communication
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.
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.
Benefits
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 benefit plan for employees and spouse
Gustavus Adolphus College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, disability, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status in its education or employment programs or activities.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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.
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.
Benefits
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 benefit plan for employees and spouse
Gustavus Adolphus College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, disability, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status in its education or employment programs or activities.
#J-18808-Ljbffr