PR Lead

Introduction

University of the People (UoPeople) is the first non-profit, tuition-free, American, accredited, 100% online university. Today, UoPeople has over 270,000 students enrolled from more than 200 countries and territories, including 50,000 students who are refugees. UoPeople is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

We believe that higher education is a basic human right and that it can transform not only the lives of students, but also their families’ lives, their communities, their nations, and, by extension, the world.

UoPeople is an innovative university, and we welcome team members who bring creativity and innovation to their roles. We’re a fast-paced organization with remote teams all around the globe. If you’re a self-starter who wants to succeed alongside a passionate team, we’d love to hear from you!

UoPeople is supported by the generosity of individuals and foundations, including the Gates, Hewlett, Ford Foundations, Foundation Hoffmann, and others. The University has been covered by The New York Times, BBC, NPR, Times Higher Education, U.S. News & World Report, and many other leading media outlets. President Reshef’s TED Talk and Nas Daily interview about the University have more than 30 million combined views.

General purpose:

· The Lead Public Relations & Strategic Communications will lead the evolution of UoPeople's public relations function through the strategic application of AI. Working closely with the President, this role will design and deploy AI-powered tools, agents, and workflows that enhance media relations, content development.

· The role will combine PR expertise with advanced AI capabilities to identify emerging stories, trends, media opportunities, journalists, influencers, and communication channels that can strengthen UoPeople's global visibility and reputation. Beyond promoting accessible education, this leader will leverage AI to uncover broader conversations, social impact narratives, higher education trends, workforce developments, technology topics, and other strategically relevant opportunities where UoPeople can contribute a meaningful voice.

· Success in this role will be measured not only by media coverage and brand visibility, but also by the ability to build scalable AI-enabled communications systems that improve the effectiveness, reach, speed, and intelligence of the University's public relations efforts.

Essential functions & responsibilities

· Lead UoPeople’s AI-powered public relations and strategic communications function by designing and implementing AI-enabled workflows, tools, and agents that strengthen media engagement, content creation, reputation management, and thought leadership.

· Identify and pursue strategic communication opportunities by leveraging AI to monitor trends, emerging stories, media conversations, influencers, journalists, and platforms relevant to UoPeople's mission and broader areas of impact.

· Partner closely with the President and senior leadership to develop compelling narratives, thought leadership initiatives, executive communications, media pitches, and content that strengthen UoPeople's visibility and influence.

· Build and maintain relationships with media, journalists, and strategic partners, ensuring UoPeople is effectively positioned in meaningful and high-impact conversations.

· Continuously evaluate emerging AI technologies and communication practices, using data and insights to optimize content performance, audience reach, media engagement, and communication outcomes.

Key competencies

· AI-Powered Communications - Proven ability to apply AI tools, agents, automation, and emerging technologies to enhance public relations, media intelligence, content creation, audience engagement, and communications strategy.

· Storytelling & Content Strategy - Strong ability to identify, shape, and amplify compelling narratives while leveraging AI to accelerate research, content development, message refinement, and personalization.

· Media Relations & Reputation Building - understanding of the media landscape, journalist engagement, reputation management, and thought leadership development.

· Strategic & Analytical Thinking - Ability to translate trends, data, and insights into actionable communication opportunities and measurable outcomes.

· Innovation & Continuous Learning - Curiosity and adaptability to explore new technologies and approaches that advance communications effectiveness and organizational impact.

Qualifications

· Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.

· 2-4 years of progressive experience in public relations, strategic communications, media relations, or thought leadership.

· Demonstrated experience leveraging AI tools and emerging technologies to improve communications, content development, media engagement, research, or audience targeting.

· Knowledge of the global media landscape and experience cultivating media relationships and securing impactful coverage.

· Exceptional storytelling, narrative development, and executive communications capabilities, including the ability to effectively leverage AI for content creation and optimization.

· Experience in higher education, EdTech, technology, nonprofit, or mission-driven organizations is preferred.

Tools & Technology

Experience with AI-powered communications, media intelligence, and public relations platforms, including tools for:

· Generative AI, prompt engineering, automation, and AI agent development

· Media monitoring, journalist discovery, and reputation management

· Content creation, optimization, and audience targeting

· Trend analysis, social listening, and communications analytics

· Press distribution, campaign measurement, and performance reporting

Examples include ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Muck Rack, Meltwater, Cision, Brandwatch, Signal AI, and comparable platforms.