Senior Director, University Partner PR

Risepoint assists primarily regional universities in increasing their access and impact by making their academic programs available to students online. Founded in 2007, Risepoint's mission is to expand access to high-quality, affordable, and workforce-relevant education, especially for working and adult students. Risepoint brings single-minded dedication to student success, an integrated set of services, and data-driven performance to our collaboration with university partners.

The Risepoint Communications team is a highly collaborative central function within our organization. The team works across the areas of internal communications, external communications and Brand Messaging, leads Executive Communications and also is a key contributor to crisis and issues management. The Communications team partners effectively across all aspects of the business and engages with each and every function as it relates to messaging and connecting to employees and University Partners alike.

Job Summary

The Senior Director, University Partner PR will lead our new offering, PR as a Service, be the key contributor creating and driving press releases and thought leadership across our university partners. This role is responsible for all aspects of media monitoring, as well as co-owner of our Impact Exchange.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Description

• Lead the effort to develop and execute "PR as a Service" for Risepoint, serving as the main point of contact both internally and externally.
• This position will be responsible for research, strategy and, most importantly, enhancing the brands of our university partners through storytelling, content creation and public relations support. Work closely with university partner PR/Comms offices this person will:
• Develop and execute PR campaigns for university partners, including the content creation for thought leadership, blog posts, articles, social media content, etc.
• Craft all press releases related to partner launches, aligned to Risepoint PR Best Practices Guide
• Support media relations outreach alongside or on behalf of university partners including pitching media for op-eds and stories.
• Create and support the development of media lists, editorial calendars, and potential story angles.
• Facilitate discussions to conduct competitor research, communications audits, and education industry trends analysis.
• Interview University Administrators and Faculty for PR pieces, thought leadership, etc.
• Conduct research on potential op-ed media outlets and media targets and assist with strategy.
• Work cross-functionally to not only understand the partner landscape and support the strategic plans of the business.
• Collaborate across the CCO organization to showcase partnerships, support Risepoint PR initiatives, participate in report-writing, as needed.
• Navigate the complexity of working across partner-facing teams (MD, Integrated Marketing, and Partner Support) to build partner relationships with partners, launch press releases, create content, etc.
• Establish the right processes and integrate the proper systems to scale "PR as a Service"
• Develop and manage the Risepoint testimonial hub or the "Risepoint Impact Exchange."
• Support all crisis communications work, which may mean working beyond the set workday schedule.

• Provide weekly PR and update reports and action items for the internal team and partners. Prepare for monthly KPI check-ins.

Additional Position Responsibilities

• Perform in accordance with Risepoint Policies
• Perform other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree

Public Relations or Communications

10+ years Communications of PR at college or university

10+ years Experience as a communications of PR consultant or contractor within Higher Ed

10+ years Experience working with research-based and research-backed strategic communications

Understanding of the academic environment in higher education.

Communication skills - written and oral

Customer Service focused

Self-motivated and self-directed

Collaborative team player who can work in matrixed environment

MS Office skills

Risepoint is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an equitable environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by ap