Manager, Public Relations

The University has identified one or more qualified candidates for potential appointment to this position. This posting is being provided in accordance with Colorado law and University procedures to provide notice of the opportunity.

The University Relations division at the University of Denver speaks with a unified, authentic and resonant voice to strategically advance the university's brand with four goals in mind:

• To promote and protect DUs reputation
• To inspire students to enroll and engage
• To increase inclusion
• To strengthen the University

The University Relations (UR) team aims to strengthen DUs strategic position locally, regionally and nationally through data-driven and authentic storytelling across multiple channels with focused support on the university's value drivers: academics and research; enrollment and admissions, athletics and advancement. Whether through public or media relations, marketing, digital strategies, social media, print, podcast, issues or crisis management, community relations or thought leadership and training, UR drives results through narratives that involve words, pictures and design. With true understanding of and connection with our diverse audiences, we aim to foster collaborative problem solving, creativity and innovation.

Position Summary

The Public Relations Manager supports the university’s integrated public relations function, spanning media relations, issues monitoring, and crisis response. Reporting to the Director of Public Relations, this role plays a key executional and coordination role in advancing media opportunities, managing incoming requests, and supporting rapid response to emerging issues.
This position also contributes to identifying trends, monitoring public sentiment, and ensuring alignment across communications efforts during both routine and high-profile situations.

Essential Functions

• Serve as a primary point of contact for media inquiries, managing intake, triage, and response coordination
• Proactively pitch stories and cultivate relationships with local and regional media
• Support development and execution of strategic media relations campaigns
• Draft media materials including press releases, statements, talking points, and responses for sensitive issues
• Monitor news cycles, social sentiment, and emerging issues relevant to the university
• Flag potential reputational risks and support development of response strategies
• Coordinate logistics and messaging for media engagement during breaking news or crisis situations
• Compile media coverage reports and provide insights on trends and impact
• Maintain media databases, faculty expert resources, and issue tracking tools
• Partner with campus stakeholders to identify and elevate media opportunities
• Support media training and preparation for university spokespeople
• Participate in after-hours and on-call response as needed

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of media landscape and news cycles
• Ability to assess news value and reputational risk
• Experience supporting crisis or issues communications
• Strong collaboration skills and cross-functional coordination
• Ability to translate complex topics into clear, accessible messaging

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, communications, or related field

7+ years of experience in media relations, public relations, or journalism

Experience working in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments

Strong writing, organization, and communication skills

Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and respond quickly to emerging issues

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or relevant work experience in journalism or related field
• More than 5 years’ experience in a deadline-oriented newsroom or media field, preferably as a news writer or publicist

Working Environment

• Standard office environment.
• Unexpected interruptions occur often and stress level is moderate to high.
• Noise level is quiet to moderate.

Physical Activities

• Ability to work in front of a computer for extended periods of time.
• Occasionally required to move about the office/campus.

Work Schedule
Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Application Deadline
For consideration, please submit your application materials by 9:00 a.m. (MST) August 18, 2026.

Special Instructions
Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.

Salary Grade Number:
The salary grade for the position is 12.

Salary Range:
The salary range for this position is $85,000-$91,000.

The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate’s sex or any other protected status.

Benefits:
The University of Denver offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO pass. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver.

Please include the following documents with your application:
1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital, family, or parental status, pregnancy or related conditions, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. The University of Denver does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, creed, disability, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital family, and parental status, pregnancy, genetic information, military enlistment, or veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the University’s educational programs and activities, and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; the Equal Pay Act; the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; the Colorado Protecting Opportunities and Worker's Rights ("POWR") Act; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. For more information, please see the University of Denver's Non‑Discrimination‑Statement.

All offers of employment are based upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history and National Sex Offender Registry background check.