| Position Summary |
The University of New Mexico - Taos seeks applicants for the position of Sr. Public Relations Specialist. This position serves as the public information officer for the institution and reports to the Chancellor. This role is responsible for developing and maintaining effective and strategic communication for all internal and external communications for the Taos campus. The successful candidate will lead communication strategy for UNM-Taos including overseeing the Branch Communication and Marketing efforts. They will partner effectively with Branch leadership and align the work of Branch Communication and Marketing with the immediate and long-term needs of the institution. This position requires excellent writing, research, editorial, and overall communication skills. The ideal candidate exercises judgement and discretion, is diplomatic, articulate, and tactful communicator with attention to detail and a history of high-level project execution. Specific Duties and Responsibilities: - Strategic Media Relations and Public Image
- In collaboration with senior leadership, establishes a vision for the organization’s public image.
- Develops and maintains strong relationships with the media and journalists.
- Works with the marketing team to ensure that all collateral developed for the organization is aligned with its desired public image and communication objectives.
- Establishes strategies for members of the organization to follow when interacting with the media and the public.
- Plans and conducts press conferences to announce major developments or responses to problems.
- Trains members of the organization on how to properly be interviewed.
- Prepares high level written communications for the organization, revising speeches to be made by senior executives.
- Lead Crisis Communications
- Manages communication during emergencies, disasters, and other critical incidents.
- Provides clear, consistent, and timely information to the public to help control rumors and anxieties and maintain public trust.
- Oversee Design and Production of Print and Digital Marketing Materials:
- Approves all print collateral, including design layout and creation, and coordinates with vendors for production and media outlets for distribution. Examples include the annual enrollment guide and special publications such as the Taos News "Back to School" guide, flyers, booklets, brochures, campus maps and signage, invitations, newsletters, and special event programs.
- Provides guidance for the design and maintenance of the taos.unm.edu website. Serves as the primary administrator to manage and maintain five university listserv accounts, online calendar, and blog.
- Conducts analysis of web-based marketing, including website activity, online marketing reports for digital ads on taosnews.com, and social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
- Supports the marketing organization related to campus and community/public events, such as the two annual graduation ceremonies, Fall Fest, Spring Fling, New Student Orientation, Welcome Back Weeks, fundraisers, and special presentations.
- Collaborates with appropriate departments in the
development of college publications such as the catalog, annual enrollment
guide, and the annual report.
- Leadership for the Taos Campus and the Branch Communications and Marketing (BCAM) Department
- Provides leadership, support, and management for the department of skilled professionals by scheduling and leading team meetings; provides guidance, mentorship, and training to four employees; provides direction to department staff in the development and implementation of marketing campaigns and strategic initiatives for the branch; works closely with staff and faculty in the office of academic affairs, student affairs (recruitments, admissions, financial aid), and other departments/programs (student government, cultural events, and DEI TRIO campus events) to develop targeted marketing projects and ensure alignment with UNM branding standards.
- Assists in developing marketing strategies and implements marketing campaigns to reach target populations for social media marketing, digital ads, print ads, radio ads, including coordination of the scheduling, placement, and cost of marketing materials with media outlets, and negotiation of contracts with vendors.
- Serves as the liaison and primary point of contact to UNM-Albuquerque and University Communications and Marketing (UCAM); attends UCAM meetings and reports out to BCAM; serves as the UNM Logo Liaison for UNM-Taos; ensures that marketing materials and promotional items align with the UNM brand standards; ensures alignment of the branch marketing plan and strategies with the campus strategic plan and university marketing goals.
- Develops and implements branch marketing toolkits with templates, guidelines, instructions, and best practices for marketing and promotion; organizes and conducts trainings for faculty and staff in branding, logo usage, and access to available resources.
- Monitoring and Adapting Public Image
- Aligns the organization’s desired image with actual media presence including online reviews, social media feeds, and news and magazine articles
- Conducts ongoing evaluations of the organization’s image to adapt media strategies to suit changing needs or to address problems.
Why work at UNM-Taos? Thank you for your interest in employment at The University of New Mexico-Taos. The University of New Mexico-Taos, one of the four branch campuses of the state’s flagship institution, UNM. UNM-Taos is a comprehensive community college serving the region from “cradle to career” with an award-winning early childhood education and care center; pre-college programs including high school equivalency, dual enrollment and early college; vocational and technical courses and short-term certificates; associate degrees in ten programs; transfer and articulation to four-year institutions in New Mexico and surrounding states, career readiness, adult basic education, and lifelong learning opportunities. Located approximately 130 miles north of Albuquerque, UNM-Taos is the only college within a 50-mile radius. Nestled between the Rio Grande, Sangre de Christo Mountains, and the ancestral lands of the Taos Pueblo, we are tightly connected to the unique rural, multicultural, and historically rich communities we serve and as such, UNM-Taos epitomizes the term “community college”. UNM-Taos serves over 1,100 students from a service area including the counties of Taos, Rio Arriba and Colfax, and the Pueblo Nations of Taos and Picuris. The UNM-Taos student body is representative of its communities, with 52% Hispanic and 9% Native American enrollment in fall 2020, making it one of the most diverse student bodies in the state. Our student population is comprised of non-traditional and first-generation students. UNM-Taos is the recipient of several federal grants including three TRIO programs (Upward Bound Math & Science, Student Support Services, and Veterans Upward Bound), Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) grants including Title V and Title III: Part F STEM, USDA NIFA and LIFT, and most recently, a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant.About 80% of UNM-Taos alumni remain in the area and provide valuable contributions to the region's intellectual life, economy, cultural community, and primary industries including healthcare, tourism, and construction. The last decade at UNM-Taos has seen transformative and remarkable growth. From state-of-the-art facilities to future classroom renovations, a nationally-accredited nursing program, award-winning Early Childhood Education and Care program and learning lab, and the rising reputations of the Natural Resources Management, and Film and Digital Media Arts programs, meaningful collaboration with the community focused on scholarship, internship, and workforce development, UNM-Taos’ roots are spreading deeper and stronger every year. Drawing on nationally recognized and research-based practices, such as Guided Pathways, UNM-Taos is committed to academic excellence, which starts with professionals who advise, instruct, and support students in achieving their educational and career goals. In this way, our campus promotes an environment of learning, encourages a growth mindset, and prioritizes continuous improvement both inside the classroom and outside the classroom with a commitment to mentorship and professional development opportunities for our faculty and staff. UNM-Taos professionals draw on high impact practices that increase inclusion and equity such as culturally relevant pedagogy, teaching to learn, and creating a sense of community and belonging college-wide. What makes UNM-Taos special is our shared commitment to student engagement, learning, and success as defined by each student, whether that is transferring to four-year programs, entering the workforce, gaining new skills to change career paths, or personal enrichment. UNM-Taos provides academic and social supports and wrap around services to promote equitable outcomes for our students. People from various identities and experiences make UNM-Taos grow and thrive. We offer opportunities for everyone—teachers and researchers, business professionals, skilled tradespeople, and many, many more—in an environment that values the unique experiences and perspectives each of us bring. Join the UNM-Taos familia today! For firsthand information on why UNM is a great place to work and learn, visit UNM Proud to hear directly from university employees, faculty, students, and alumni. In addition to all the University has to offer, you have the added benefit of living in Taos, New Mexico — a land rich with art, history, culture, and outdoor activities. For more about life in Taos, visit taos.org and NewMexicoTrue. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
See the Position Description for additional information.
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