Media Relations Manager

JOB ID: 24000189

Founded in 1909 by Milton and Catherine Hershey, Milton Hershey School (MHS) is a tuition-free private home and school for 2,100 pre-K through 12th grade students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Since its’ founding, the lives of almost 12,000 children have had lives transformed through high-quality education and a positive, nurturing home life.  And the school is growing to serve more students.    

MHS is seeking a Media Relations Manager to expand awareness of the Hershey’s legacy, and the amazing opportunities provided by the School. This is an onsite position in Hershey, PA. The position pays between $74,000 and $99,000 (based on years of experience), plus benefits.     

The Media Relations Manager is responsible for the communication and media strategy at MHS. It involves securing high-level placements in print, broadcast, and online media managing critical reputation situations, crafting messages, maintaining and building media lists, planning events, and project management. This person is also responsible for assisting with internal communication, including content writing, proofing, communication strategy, and inter-departmental support.  Externally, this person also may act as a company spokesperson, so strong public speaking skills are a must.

The Media Relations Manager must have a keen eye for detail in proofing/editing, excellent writing skills, and the ability to work independently and within a large organization. This position requires a high level of creativity, an innovative approach guided by data-driven metrics, and a willingness to be agile. This person should set their goals high and be excited to help others to do the same. They should have a high degree of stamina, organizational skills, a strong work ethic, and an assertive personality with personal integrity.

Responsibilities include:  

• Develop communication and media strategies to promote the School’s life-changing work.
• Provide a wide variety of media outlets with high quality, engaging, and relevant stories that are compelling to ensure they are frequently selected and shared. 
• Identify new media outlets and journalists to communicate the inspiring story of MHS, its students, and staff.   
• Manage critical reputation situations.
• Serve as a media spokesperson and an editorial resource.
• Respond to media inquiries on a timely basis.
• Gather information to develop statements and talking points.
• Assist with internal communication, including content writing, proofing, communication strategy, and inter-departmental support.
• Skilled in forming relationships within MHS to identify and gather high quality stories and information efficiently and accurately.
• Serve as event lead for large school-wide events.
• Produce large reputational print and digital projects.
• Collaborate extensively within the Communications Team, the MHS community, and the greater Hershey community to promote the Hershey legacy. 

Qualifications:

• • Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, or similar major. 
  • 7 or more years of experience with demonstrated success in media relations. 
  • Experience in non-profit or education a plus. 
  • Exceptional verbal, written, and platform communication skills. 
  • Website content management and writing skills.
  • Exceptional editing skills. Layout and design skills a plus.  
  • Skilled in various communications technology including the ability to quickly interpret internet trending and outcomes data. 
  • Proficient with Microsoft applications.
  • Thrives in a fast-paced and dynamic environment with competing priorities. 
  • Must be a motivated independent self-starter with strong project management and organizational skills. 
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills, including the ability to collaborate, influence, and lead. 
  • Candidates should have a high degree of stamina, a strong work ethic, an assertive personality, and a willingness to be agile.
  • Candidates must demonstrate a high degree of integrity as all staff are role models for students.
  • Candidates should be willing to actively engage with students. 
  • This job requires evening and weekend work.