We are seeking an experienced and proactiveManager – Public Relationsto lead and execute public relations and communications initiatives for the institution. The role will be responsible for strengthening the university/college's reputation, enhancing its visibility across relevant media and stakeholder communities, and ensuring consistent and strategic communication of institutional achievements, academic excellence, research, faculty expertise, student accomplishments, events, and key announcements.The ideal candidate will have strong media relationships, excellent written and verbal communication skills, sound news judgment, and an understanding of the higher education ecosystem.Key Responsibilities1. Public Relations StrategyDevelop and execute PR strategies aligned with the institution's brand, positioning, and strategic priorities.Build and maintain a strong institutional reputation among media, prospective students, parents, alumni, academic communities, industry, and other stakeholders.Identify opportunities to enhance institutional visibility through proactive media engagement and thought leadership.2. Media RelationsDevelop and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, education correspondents, digital publications, television, radio, and industry media.Generate and pitch relevant stories, features, interviews, expert comments, and institutional announcements.Coordinate media interactions, including interviews, press conferences, campus visits, and media briefings.Maintain an updated database of media contacts and track media engagement.3. Content & CommunicationsDraft and edit press releases, media advisories, statements, talking points, speeches, FAQs, newsletters, and institutional communications.Work closely with faculty, leadership, students, researchers, and administrative teams to identify compelling stories.Translate complex academic, research, and institutional information into engaging media-friendly narratives.Ensure consistency in institutional messaging and tone across communications.4. Thought Leadership & VisibilityIdentify opportunities for senior leadership and faculty members to participate in interviews, panel discussions, conferences, opinion articles, podcasts, and other relevant platforms.Develop thought-leadership opportunities around education, research, innovation, policy, industry trends,



and other areas of institutional expertise.Support leadership profiling and executive communications.5. Events & Institutional AnnouncementsProvide PR support for convocations, conferences, seminars, academic launches, research announcements, student achievements, campus events, and other institutional milestones.Develop media outreach plans before, during, and after major events.Coordinate media logistics and ensure appropriate coverage.6. Crisis & Reputation ManagementSupport the development and implementation of crisis communication plans.Monitor emerging issues and media conversations that may affect institutional reputation.Prepare timely communication materials, holding statements, FAQs, and responses when required.Coordinate with senior leadership and relevant departments during sensitive or high-impact situations.7. Digital & Social Media CoordinationWork closely with digital and social media teams to ensure PR campaigns and media coverage are effectively amplified across institutional channels.Monitor online conversations, media mentions, and sentiment around the institution.Identify opportunities for integrated PR and digital campaigns.8. Media Monitoring & ReportingMonitor daily media coverage and institutional mentions.Track PR performance, media reach, share of voice, sentiment, and quality of coverage.Prepare regular PR reports and dashboards for senior management.Evaluate campaign effectiveness and recommend improvements.9. Internal Stakeholder ManagementCollaborate with admissions, marketing, academics, research, student affairs, alumni relations, placement/career services,



and leadership teams.Establish processes for gathering timely information and identifying newsworthy institutional developments.Act as a communications advisor to internal stakeholders on media-related matters.Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)Quality and quantity of earned media coverageGrowth in positive institutional media visibilityShare of voice within the higher education sectorNumber and quality of media relationships developedSuccessful media placements and thought-leadership opportunitiesLeadership/faculty profiling opportunitiesPR support for major institutional events and announcementsMedia response time and effectivenessReputation and sentiment metricsPR campaign ROI and performance against defined objectivesQualificationsBachelor's degree inPublic Relations, Mass Communication, Journalism, Marketing, Communications, or a related field .A postgraduate qualification in communications, PR, marketing, or a related discipline is desirable.Experience5–8 years of relevant experiencein public relations, corporate communications, media relations, or institutional communications.Experience inhigher education, education, consulting, research, corporate, or professional servicesis preferred.Proven experience managing media relationships and executing PR campaigns.Experience working with senior leadership and multiple internal stakeholders is desirable.Required Skills & CompetenciesExcellent written and verbal communication skillsStrong media relations and pitching skillsExceptional storytelling and content-writing abilityStrong understanding of the Indian media and higher education landscapeStrategic thinking and sound news judgmentStakeholder and relationship managementCrisis communication skillsEvent and campaign managementStrong editing and proofreading skillsAbility to work under tight deadlinesProficiency in MS Office and media monitoring/PR toolsStrong interpersonal skills and skilled maturityPersonal AttributesProactive and opportunity-orientedHigh level of discretion and integrityCalm and composed under pressureStrong attention to detailCollaborative and stakeholder-friendlyCreative storytellerStrong ownership and accountabilityAbility to manage multiple priorities simultaneouslyIdeal Candidate ProfileThe ideal candidate is astrategic communications professional who understands both the media ecosystem and the higher education environment. They should be capable of converting institutional achievements, academic expertise, research, student stories, and leadership perspectives into compelling narratives that build credibility, visibility, and reputation for the institution.

📌 Public Relations Manager (Maharashtra)
🏢 Manav Rachna International Institute of Research & Studies
📍 Maharashtra