Summary

Develops and manages the overall media relations program for the Health Sciences Center. Proactively develops and maintains effective working relationships with senior mass media representatives in order to enhance the overall presence and perceived relevance of the HSC Office of Public Affairs in the media arena. Deputizes for the Director, Public Affairs / HSC in the Director's absence and/or as otherwise designated.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Manages all aspects of the statewide HSC Media Relations Program, to include handling media queries, media interviews, and press conferences, preparing news releases and media kits, and promoting HSC story lines.
2. Provides direct and proactive advice, consultation, and assistance to senior management in the development and implementation of key messages and media relations strategies
3. Interacts directly with senior HSC leadership on behalf of the Director on broad public affairs issues, either as delegated or in the absence of the Director
4. Proactively develops and maintains positive relationships with senior media representatives both locally and across the State.
5. Develops, prepares, and conducts media training for HSC faculty and staff prior to the granting of an interview with press representatives.
6. Analyzes and evaluates the outcomes of the Media Relations Program and develops strategies for enhancing the effectiveness of media interactions as required.
7. Prepares and disseminates periodic reports to senior HSC leadership quantifying the value of the print and broadcast stories that result from media interactions.
8. Conducts frequent outreach visits with media outlets statewide to establish personal contacts and keep them informed regarding HSC Public Affairs services and contacts.
9. Serves as public information contact for the HSC and maintains communications with internal University constituencies and staff on public information issues.
10. Under direction, coordinates and carries out the implementation of the HSC Office of Public Affairs Five-Year Strategic Plan.
11. Leads and trains lower graded staff and/or student employees, as required.
12. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree; at least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Knowledge of journalism, public relations and general communications principles and practices.
• Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.
• Strategic planning skills.
• Ability to lead and train staff and/or students.
• Ability to use independent judgment and to gather, manage and impart information to the media and various other internal and external audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Ability to develop and maintain documents using various electronic media.
• Ability to develop and present educational programs and/or workshops.
• Program development, management, and evaluation skills.
• Knowledge of electronic communications applications, including the internet.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present effectively to small and large groups.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• No or very limited physical effort required.
• No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.

Revised Date: 03/20/2017