Public Relations Manager

LIFELONG LEARNING ADMINISTRATION CORPORATION (LLAC)

Full Time, Monday – Friday; 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

The selected candidate will reside in the greater Los Angeles area. This role offers a flexible hybrid/remote work arrangement, with 2–3 in‑office days per month and additional quarterly return‑to‑office days at our Lancaster, CA location. Occasional on‑site responsibilities may be required, along with some travel.

The Lifelong Learning Advantage

At Lifelong Learning, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to succeed, and every school should have the support to make that possible. Our mission is to serve our client schools so educators can focus on what matters most: helping students learn, grow and thrive. Through innovative operational and educational support, we help schools create stronger outcomes, greater opportunities, and brighter futures for the students and communities they serve.

Learn more about us at https://llac.org/ 

How You Will Make an Impact

The Public Relations Manager will manage tactical implementation of the organization’s brand and corporate communications priorities. This position will contribute to strategy development through research, brainstorming and tactical recommendations. Responsibilities include writing compelling original content with an eye for newsworthy angles, for dissemination across paid, earned, shared and owned media. Monitoring media coverage, alongside brand engagement and impressions, compiling and analyzing data to create regular performance reports, and maintaining the day-to-day execution of all content development, distribution and measurement activities on a fast-paced team that operates much like a newsroom. This position will spearhead Brand Journalism, Internal Department Project Implementation, Content Logistics (issuing releases, building media lists, content distribution/loading) and Monitoring & Reporting (track coverage and activity, merchandise results for internal/external stakeholders). This position reports to the Senior Director of Public Relations or their designee.

RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES: This job description is intended to accurately reflect the duties, responsibilities, and requirements of the position. It is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with this classification. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

• Manage and support Public Relations activities for Lifelong Learning and client schools
• Strong first draft, original writing of all content with a creative flair, including press releases, pitches, headlines, messaging, statements, articles and student stories
• Support brand journalism by creating engaging narratives that highlight brand/organizational milestones, programs and students
• Proofread materials for grammar, spelling and punctuation adhering to AP Style
• Liaise with internal departments to collect data, student stories and information about programs, performance and other angles for our content development
• Monitor daily industry coverage to understand and share trends, issues and breaking news that may inform our content and outreach strategies
• Conduct secondary research of external sources to glean data and facts to support our content and message development
• Real-time monitoring and tracking all media coverage and brand mentions for analytics reporting each month
• Manage the logistics and quality assurance of our ongoing content dissemination (e.g. wire releases, email campaigns, pitch distributions, loading and issuing newsletters, etc.)
• Support media relations strategy and outreach through tailored pitching to industry and mainstream outlets
• Support departments in event planning and execution with a focus on preparing site and spokespeople to be media ready
• Manage internal department outreach to collect data, student stories and information about programs, performance and other angles for our content development
• Field and organize department requests for internal communications support
• Collaborate with the marketing team to ensure campaigns are consistent with the organization’s public identity, brand and message
• Assist in the development of annual Public Relations plan with timeline and budgets
• Assist in planning, management and presence at industry and organizational events
• Manage, coordinate, supervise, coach and direct the hiring, training, or performance development of team members and oversee their daily activities.
• Perform administrative duties, responsibilities, and activities as assigned, which may be changed or modified from time to time.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, LICENSES, CERTIFICATION, ETC:

• Working knowledge of communication techniques tailored to various media. This includes innovative ways to inform, influence and entertain via written, spoken, digital and visual media
• Default for creativity in solving communications problems
• Knowledge of digital and social media communication methods
• Strong writing skills with mastery of grammar and punctuation following AP style
• Public speaking and presentation skills
• Ability to communicate persuasively and make constructive suggestions
• Ability to assimilate feedback into future work
• Ability to anticipate needs
• Ability to establish and maintain effective professional relationships
• Ability to remain detailed-oriented and focused when managing multiple projects
• Highly organized with strong project management skills
• Self-sufficient and focused on excellent customer service

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, or related field or 2 years equivalent experience demonstrating applicable skills.
• 3-5 years Public Relations experience
• Experience in writing, copy editing and media relations
• Experience creating content and developing communications using online marketing platforms (e.g. HubSpot)
• Spanish language is a plus
• Agency experience strongly preferred
• Proficiency in tools such as HubSpot, WordPress, Meltwater, Coverage Book, Muck Rack and Business Wire
• Skilled in MS Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams and Google Suite
• Ability to travel in performance of job duties is required

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Vision: Ability to read small print and view a computer screen for prolonged periods, prepare, or inspect documents and operate office equipment.
• Hearing: Ability to hear average or typical conversations and receive ordinary information.
• Speech: Ability to be understood in face-to-face communication, in person or remote, to speak with a level of proficiency and volume to be understood over a telephone or computer.
• Mental Demands: Ability to read, write, understand, interpret, and apply information at a moderately complex level essential for successful job performance; math skills at a high school proficiency level; judgement and the ability to process information quickly; learn quickly and follow verbal procedures and standards; give verbal instruction; rank tasks in order of importance; copy, compare, compile and coordinate information and records. Frequent multi-tasking, changing task priorities, and repetitious, exacting work. Understand how to manage stress, high workflow management, high project coordination, and high people engagement.
• Upper Body Mobility: Ability to use fingers to make small movements such as typing, picking up small objects, or pinching fingers together, use hands to grasp, and manipulate small objects; twist and bend at wrist and elbow; extend arms to reach outward and upward; use hands and arms to lift objects; turn, raise, and lower head.
• Strength: Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull objects weighing up to 10 pounds.
• Environmental Requirements: Ability to encounter constant work interruptions; work cooperatively with others; work independently; work indoors. Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Work in a moderate to high noise environment with frequent deadline pressures.