Just in time for Real World Integrated Marketing Communications’ first anniversary, a new hire will bring years of expertise to the agency. TCU’s student-managed marketing communications and public relations agency has hired a 13-year veteran as copy chief.

Real World now has Margaret Ritsch as one of two advisers to the agency. The agency provides students the opportunity to work on promotional campaigns for nonprofit organizations.

Ritsch took the position after the retirement of Jack Raskopf, former director of the agency. Ritsch started her job a week before the beginning of classes and is already involved in some of the agency’s fall projects.

Ritsch said she also has plans to become an adjunct faculty member for the advertising/public relations department.

Claudia Butts, new director of the agency, said Ritsch will help the agency expand its public relations capabilities.

“Margaret will assist our students with their clients’ PR needs,” Butts said, “Her vast experience in the industry, along with her newspaper background, will really help us grow in that area.”

Ritsch received her Master’s of Art in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and worked as director of public affairs for the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History for three years. Before that, Ritsch spent seven years working in Washington, D.C., doing public relations work, including working with Lipman Hearne, one of the nation’s leading marketing consulting and communications firms serving the nonprofit sector.

Ritsch said the decision to leave the museum and join Real World came at a good time.

“I was looking for something new, something where I could work with young people,” Ritsch said. “I wanted an environment that was family-friendly and creative. When I saw the job was available, it immediately jumped out at me.”

Ritsch said the agency’s focus on nonprofit organizations appealed to her the most.

“I’ve been working with nonprofit organizations for seven years,” Ritsch said. “My heart is with the nonprofit sector.”

Ritsch said the hardest part of the transition is getting used to not actually working but watching and advising the students.

“I forget that I need to step back and remember that this is the students’ job, not mine,” Ritsch said.

Jeramey Kraatz, who works at Real World, said Ritsch brings good energy to the agency and has great ideas for upcoming projects.

“She is so energetic and ready, and she has a lot of great experience,” said Kraatz, a senior advertising/public relations and English major.

While there is no official collaboration with Ritsch’s former employer, Butts said, they hope the opportunity to work with the museum will arise. Some of their new clients for the fall include Jubilee Theatre, Casa of Tarrant County and Gill Children’s Services, Butts said.