Communications and PR Manager

University of California, Irvine•Irvine, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Office of Communications oversees all strategic communications for the University of California, Irvine School of Law, including media relations, external and internal communications, website content creation, social media, marketing, photography, graphics, videography and public relations. Under the supervision of the Assistant Dean for Communications, the Communications and PR Manager will lead the development and execution of a comprehensive, integrated communications and public relations strategy for the UC Irvine School of Law. This individual will be responsible for shaping and promoting the law school's brand identity across all channels including the school website, social media platforms, email newsletters, marketing materials, media outreach, and special publications. The ideal candidate is a skilled storyteller, strategic thinker, and relationship-builder who thrives in a fast-paced academic environment and understands the unique communications landscape of a professional school within a major research university. This role requires both the creative sensibility to craft compelling narratives and the analytical mindset to determine communications platforms, measure impact and refine strategy.

Requirements

Understanding of legal education, legal scholarship, or professional education environments.
Principles and best practices of strategic communications, public relations, and media relations.
Higher education communications and marketing.
News writing, feature writing, editorial standards, and AP Style.
Digital communications, WordPress, Constant Contact and Canva.
Brand management and institutional messaging.
Exceptional writing, editing, proofreading, and storytelling abilities.
Strong media relations and relationship-building skills.
Excellent interviewing and research skills.
Ability to translate complex legal and academic topics into compelling, accessible content.
Strong organizational and project management skills.
Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills.
Strong presentation and verbal communication abilities.
Analytical skills to evaluate communications effectiveness using data and metrics.
Demonstrated excellence in writing, editing, and strategic communications.
Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, English, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
A minimum of 3 years of experience progressively responsible professional experience in communications, public relations, journalism, media relations, or higher education communications.

Nice To Haves

Experience in communications within higher education, law schools, legal organizations, or nonprofit institutions.
Familiarity with legal scholarship and legal education.
Familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva, or similar design tools.
Experience using content management systems and email marketing platforms.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive, integrated communications and public relations strategy for the UC Irvine School of Law.
Shape and promote the law school's brand identity across all channels including the school website, social media platforms, email newsletters, marketing materials, media outreach, and special publications.
Develop strategic communications plans that advance institutional priorities.
Exercise sound judgment in handling sensitive and confidential information.
Work independently while managing multiple competing priorities.
Build productive relationships with faculty, administrators, students, alumni, journalists, and external partners.
Meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Adapt communications for multiple audiences and platforms.
Exercise creativity while maintaining institutional voice and brand standards.
Respond effectively in high-pressure or rapidly changing situations.
Develop media relations strategies and securing earned media coverage.
Manage multiple communications projects simultaneously.
Collaborate with senior leadership and diverse stakeholders.