Who we are:

The Conversation U.S. is an independent, nonprofit media organization that publishes daily news analysis and explanatory journalism written by academics and edited by journalists for the general public. We take our work seriously, but we also offer a fun and flexible work culture with great benefits and lots of opportunity to shine, grow and make a difference. 

We will consider candidates working remotely in locations across the U.S. We currently have offices in Boston and New York and can offer a hybrid of in-person and work-from-home for candidates in those cities. 

The Conversation is deeply committed to inclusion and diversity. We encourage members of traditionally underrepresented groups,  including those who are Black, Latino/a, Asian American, Indigenous and LGBTQ, or armed services veterans or those with disabilities, to apply to join our team.

About the University Relationship Manager role:

The University Relationship Manager is our main point person for member universities and is responsible for maintaining and strengthening relationships between supporting member universities and The Conversation’s editorial team. Your primary role will be to communicate regularly with member communications departments, cultivate relationships with faculty, travel to member campuses and boost engagement with Conversation editors when necessary. 

Key responsibilities: 

• Serves as main contact for university communications teams, managing relationships via phone and email
• Manages the process of onboarding new members, handling all communications with universities
• Organizes virtual, in-person or hybrid campus visits for editors and training for scholars, and traveling as part of those visits as necessary
• Helps oversee initiative to improve the diversity of Conversation authors, focusing on communications with university supporters of that project
• Co-manages University Relations and Editorial Assistant
• Works to understand the needs of university partners and proposes new strategies to build stronger relationships between universities and The Conversation and among the members themselves; evaluates effectiveness of existing programming
• Takes lead on organizing annual members conference with aid from entire US team
• Helps editors understand our membership model
• Communicates and celebrates wins with universities
• Engages with our members to increase the number of scholars authoring for The Conversation
• Supports the work of other members of the university relations team

Qualifications:

• College degree
• Ability to be productive remotely

Every editorial team member is expected to: 

• Understand and embrace our mission of democratizing scholarly knowledge for the public good
• Attend daily news meetings as well as monthly planning and staff meetings 

Experience: 

Higher education; relationship management; journalism preferred

Skills/Knowledge: 

Good listener, excellent communications (written and verbal), proactive attitude to create and manage new ideas and projects, team player, self-starter.

Salary: $70,000 – $80,000

Benefits: 401(k) matching, PTO, sick days, health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, parental leave, vision insurance, paid holidays 

Position: Full time 

Job type: Hybrid (Boston or New York) or fully remote

Experience:  5+ years of combined relationship management and higher education experience

Educational qualifications: Bachelor’s degree required 

Reporting manager: Deputy Managing Editor 

Works closely with:   Editorial Researcher, University Relations and Editorial Assistant, Data Specialist, Chief Innovation and Development Officer 

Location: U.S. 

How to apply: Send your resume and a cover letter telling us why you want to work for The Conversation to sumalita.bhuyan@theconversation.com with the words “University Relationship Manager ” in the subject line.