Communications Manager for the Digital Media and Learning Research Hub

The Communications Manager for the Digital Media and Learning Research Hub is responsible for managing the external relations, public web site, and providing publicity for the Digital Media and Learning Research Hub, a distributed research initiative that examines learning processes and institutions in the digital age.  The position involves leadership in developing a public identity and PR strategy, as well as hands-on work managing external communications and the writing, editing and curation of materials for the public-facing aspects of the initiative.

The Communications Manager will work closely with the Research Hub management, staff, and affiliated researchers to develop and manage an integrated public presence, publicity and outreach infrastructure for the initiative. This will involve:
1) developing a PR strategy and public identity for the initiative as a whole,
2) acting as the editor and curator of the public online presence of the initiative (which includes a web site and an email newsletter), 
3) managing contacts and communication for key research partners , constituencies, and press,
4) crafting and managing publicity, including helping to craft press releases, to the general public, 
5) helping to coordinate partnerships with other research institutions, and
6) working with the overall DML Research Hub team to plan, coordinate, and organize various meetings, notably, the annual grantees meeting and conference. This position will report to the Director of the UC Humanities Research Institute (UCHRI).

- Edit, write, and curate content for the website, Digital Media and Learning Central.
- Manage communications and contacts with external partners, press, and affiliated researchers.
- Develop and execute a communications and publicity strategy for the Digital Media and Learning Research Hub.
- Participate in the planning of various Digital Media and Learning meetings, most notably, the annual meeting and bi-annual steering committee meetings.
- Develop, manage, and iteratively review a comprehensive communications  and publicity strategy which furthers the public presence of the research initiative, positions its relevance for diverse constituencies, and advances collaboration internally and with key research partners.
- Communicate with affiliated researchers in the network through the internal website and direct communication, to develop publicity and communication plans and priorities.
- Develop and manage a contact list and maintain communications with key research partners, audiences for the research, and press.
- In coordination with the UCHRI Associate Director for Research Development and External Relations, support communication with institutional partners, funding agencies, and individuals.
- In coordination with the Technology Committee, develop new online approaches for communications, including the use of social media.
- In coordination with the Technology Director, curate, solicit, and edit content for the public web site for the Hub (DML Central).
- Write or oversee preparation of materials for DML Central, including descriptions of key aspects of the site and initiative, announcements, and press releases.
- Oversee concept, development, writing and dissemination of a weekly email newsletter reporting on the initiative's activities.
- Oversee video, audio, and text-based documentation of DML Hub events such as the annual conference and periodic workshops, to be featured on DML Central.
- Retain and coordinate work of freelance writers, designers, photographers, videographers, and other vendors and firms contributing to the initiative's public materials.
- In coordination with the UCHRI Associate Director for Research Development and External Relations, oversee media relations for the DML initiative.
- Work with UCHRI Associate Director for Research Development to develop press releases and promote the research initiative to local and national media and other stakeholders, positioning the initiative as the central outlet for understanding learning in the digital era.
- Monitor press and online publications for public debates related to the DML field, and develop timely responses that draw from the knowledge base of the DML researchers and institutional partners.
- Participate as part of the management team of the Research Hub in regular meetings with Hub staff, Steering Committee, Technology Committee, and Scientific Review Committee.
- Participate in the planning and operations of the annual conference for the DML initiative.
- Generate, collect, and analyze data to support the public visibility of the initiative and for presentation at the annual review of the Hub to the Scientific Review Committee.
- Other related functions as needed.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Required:

 - BA in relevant fields or possess a combination of relevant skills and experience.
 - At least three years experience in progressively responsible positions in marketing, public relations, communications, and 
   management, working with a research or professional organization.
 - Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across a diverse and distributed work team.
 - Ability to collaborate with high-level academic and administrative leadership and departmental staff to identify
   communications needs and to conceive and execute programs and services to meet such needs.
 - Ability to write and edit public articles derived from academic research, press releases, and professional communication.
 - Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
 - Ability to work independently, to determine priorities and workload, and make decisions with minimal direction. (1)
 - Strong computer and online skills, particularly in online communications, social media use, and social networking
   capacities.

Desired:

 - Master's Degree in marketing, public relations, communication, journalism or related field.
 - Research or administrative background in academic field related to digital media, education, or the social sciences.
 - Experience in journalism or public relations and demonstrated facility in interacting with the press.
 - Experience with multimedia production, web publishing, and networking knowledge.

The full job description is listed under the "contract" category  at:
https://staffing2.hr.uci.edu/CSS_External/CSSPage_SearchAndBrowseJobs.AS...