PR & Media Relations Manager

Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity for a PR & Media Relations Manager at UL Research Institutes, based in our Columbia, Maryland office.

The PR & Media Relations Manager develops and implements effective media relations strategies to enhance the reputation and visibility of the organization. The PR Media Relations Manager manages relationships with media outlets, journalists, and influencers, creating compelling press releases, coordinating media events, and monitoring media coverage. The PR Media Relations Manager also manages crisis communications and ensures consistent messaging across all media platforms.

UL Research Institutes:

At UL Research Institutes (ULRI), we expand the boundaries of safety science to create a more secure and sustainable world. For more than a century, we have studied the unintended consequences of innovation, designed solutions to mitigate risk and shared our findings with academia, scientists, manufacturers, and policymakers across industries. We identify critical safety and sustainability issues, asking the tough questions because we believe a safer world begins with knowledge.

Build a safer, more secure, and sustainable future with us. Join us and work with our Fire Safety teams who conduct the research required to produce that knowledge and put into practice.

Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI)

UL's Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) advances fire safety knowledge to address the world's unresolved fire safety risks and emerging dangers. As part of UL Research Institutes, we are committed to sharing our fire safety insights with everyone to advance UL's public safety mission of providing safe living and working environments for people everywhere. Through advanced fire science, rigorous research, extensive outreach, and education in collaboration with our international network of partners, we share with stakeholders the information, tools, and resources that enable them to make better, more fire-safe decisions that ultimately save lives and property. To learn more, visit FSRI.org.

What you'll learn and achieve:

As the PR & Media Relations Manager, you will play a key role in the rapid growth of UL as you:

• Create and execute strategic communication plans to promote the organization and achieve media objectives.

• Identify target media outlets and build relationships with journalists, editors, bloggers, and influencers and develop media lists and maintain a database of media contacts.

• Stay updated on industry trends, news, and media landscapes to identify opportunities for media coverage.

• Write and distribute compelling press releases, media alerts, and other media materials.

• Pitch story ideas and secure media placements in relevant outlets.

• Arrange and facilitate interviews, press conferences, and media briefings and act as a spokesperson for FSRI during media interactions.

• Cultivate and nurture relationships with media professionals, influencers, and stakeholders.

• Respond to media inquiries promptly and professionally.

• Provide media training to internal spokespeople to ensure effective communication.

• Monitor and analyze media coverage and compile media reports.

• Evaluate the success of media relations efforts and adjust strategies accordingly.

• Monitor social media platforms for mentions and engagement, responding as needed.

• Develop crisis communication plans and protocols and act as the primary point of contact for media during crisis situations.

• Craft timely and accurate responses to mitigate potential damage to the organization's reputation.

• Coordinate with research amplification, social media, and other departments to align messaging across all channels.

• Collaborate with subject matter experts to create thought leadership articles and opinion pieces.

• Provide guidance on media-related issues to senior management.

• Contribute to and/or lead other department specific and cross-functional initiatives.

What you'll experience working at UL Research Institutes: We have pursued our mission of working for a safer, more secure, and sustainable world for nearly 130 years, embedding conscientious stewardship into everything we do.

• People: Our people make us special. You'll work with a diverse team of experts respected for their independence and transparency and build a network, because our approach is collaborative. We collaborate across disciplines, organizations, and geographies to build the global scientific response that today's global challenges require.

• Interesting work: Every day is different for us here. We see what's on the horizon and use our expertise to build the foundations of a safer future. You'll have the opportunity to push the boundaries of human understanding as part of a team working to advance the public good.

• Grow and achieve: We learn, work, and grow together through targeted development, reward, and recognition programs.

• Values. Four core values guide our work: collaboration, respect, integrity, and beneficence. By living our values, we inspire the trust essential to fulfilling our mission and foster the partnerships that enable us to pursue a beneficent future in which we all can thrive.

• Total Rewards: All employees at UL Research Institutes are eligible for bonus compensation. We offer comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans and a generous 401k matching structure of up to 5% of eligible pay. Moreover, we invest an additional 4% into your retirement saving fund after your first year of continuous employment. Depending on your role, you may be able to discuss flexible working arrangements with your manager. We also provide employees with paid time off, including vacation, holiday, sick, and volunteer days.

What makes you a great fit:

While no one candidate will embody every quality, the successful candidate will bring many of the following professional competencies and personal attributes:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Excellent relationship-building and networking abilities.

• Proficient in using media monitoring tools and databases.

• Familiarity with social media platforms and their role in media relations.

• Ability to work well under pressure and handle crisis situations effectively.

• Detail-oriented with exceptional organizational skills.

• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Professional education and experience requirements for the role include:

• Bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, journalism, or a related field.

• Minimum 8 years of experience in media relations, preferably in a managerial role.

About UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement

UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement are nonprofit organizations dedicated to advancing safety science research through the discovery and application of scientific knowledge. We conduct rigorous independent research and analyze safety data, convene experts worldwide to address risks, share knowledge through safety education and public outreach initiatives, and develop standards to guide safe commercialization of evolving technologies. We foster communities of safety, from grassroots initiatives for neighborhoods to summits of world leaders. Our organization employs collaborative and scientific approaches with partners and stakeholders to drive innovation and progress toward improving safety, security, and sustainability, ultimately enhancing societal well-being.

Our affiliate, UL Solutions, stands alongside us in working for a safer and more sustainable world. UL Solutions conducts testing, verification and certification, and provides training and advisory services, along with data-driven reporting and decision-making tools, for customers around the world.

To learn more, visit our websites UL.org and ULSE.org.

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