External Communications Manager

Academic Partnerships assists primarily regional universities in increasing their access and impact by making their academic programs available to students online. Founded in 2007, AP's mission is to expand access to high-quality, affordable, and workforce-relevant education, especially for working and adult students. AP brings single-minded dedication to student success, an integrated set of services, and data-driven performance to our collaboration with university partners.

The Manager of External Communications will be responsible for supporting the development and execution of the external communications strategy for Academic Partnerships.

This role will report to the Senior Director of External Communications and work closely with the Chief Communications Officer, SVP of Government Affairs and other functional leaders to proactively articulate the company's value proposition and newly launched brand.

The Manager of External Communications will:

• Support the execution of the external communications strategy, aligned with the AP business strategy, focused on key stakeholders.
• Help manage the editorial calendar planning.
• Identify and develop impactful storylines that support the AP brand.
• Create press releases, announcements, articles, PR campaigns, testimonials, etc. aligned with the strategy of the organization.
• Support the company's thought leadership strategy, including the development of external assets such as the Annual Impact Report, Return-on-Investment Report, Voice of the Online Student Report, etc.
• Work with cross-functional teams, including Government Affairs, in the creation of proactive and reactive communication plans based on the issuance of state or regulatory guidance.
• Support the head of External Communications with risk management and mitigation planning, as well as coordinating crisis communications, as needed.
• Support media tracking including state/partner-specific coverage and report out to the appropriate stakeholders within the organization.
• Collaborate with the Employee Communications and with cross-functional teams to ensure that the organization's internal and external communications strategies are aligned.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, English, Journalism, or other related discipline.
• 3-5 years of professional experience in communications where external communications/crisis communications management was a focus.
• Experience with crisis communications and proactive communications planning.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to handle multiple projects and deadlines at once.
• A flexible person who is comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with last-minute changes that are typical within a communications setting.
• Excellent verbal and written communicator with critical thinking skills and the ability to collaborate across teams.
• Proficient in MS Office including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and additional presentation formats.

Academic Partnerships is an equal opportunity employer and committed to hiring a diverse and inclusive workforce

Academic Partnerships is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Academic Partnerships offers the following comprehensive benefits:

• PTO - accumulated from day one
• 11 designated holidays
• Medical - four options (including PPO and HDP)
• Dental
• Vision
• Life & Disability (company paid)
• Flexible Spending Account & Health Savings Account (company contribution to HSA)
• Retirement plan with company match
• Maternity / Paternity / Parental Leave (company paid)
• Volunteer Time Off

Supplemental Benefits:

• Wellness program
• Alternative medicine options
• Pet discounts
• Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity

Personal and Professional Development:

• Continuous Professional and Leadership Development Programs
• Tuition Reimbursement for employees and their dependents