Responsibilities

• Media Operations and Outreach: Manages the process of receiving and distributing university press releases, media advisories, and other news items. Maintains accurate and up-to-date contact lists for external media. Oversees the centralized media contacts database and the media metrics tracking platform. Uploads news releases and advisories to the content management system (CMS). Trains media relations personnel across campus in the use of the media database and CMS. Serves as the initial point of contact for media relations inquiries from colleges, schools, and units across the university.
• Media Relations Support: Acts as first point of contact for incoming media requests via phone and email. Triages inquiries, gathers relevant details, and routes them to appropriate subject matter experts or units. Conducts topical research to inform senior leadership of potential media issues. Assists in organizing press events, including managing logistics under the direction of senior media relations staff.
• Media Monitoring and Reporting: Tracks and reports on earned media metrics relevant to the university's public presence. Compiles daily news clippings and distributes to university executives. Prepares a monthly roundup of key media coverage and targeted metrics reports for significant university events or issues. Uses email templates, mailing lists, and email management platforms to format and distribute communications.
• Collaboration and Coordination: Maintains internal organization for the media relations team, including scheduling and keeping minutes for weekly meetings. Manages the team calendar and coordinates communication efforts with campus partners as needed.
• Writing and Editing: Produces original news content including explainers, Q&As, media pitches, and story roundups. Edits and proofreads content for clarity, accuracy, and style prior to publication or release.
• Other related functions as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Three year of experience in public affairs, including media relations, journalism, coordination of special events, and preparation of informational materials.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Accuracy in all phases of work.
• Ability to interact in a professional manner with faculty, staff, students and the public.
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred

• More than three years of experience in public affairs or related field.
• Experience using Wordpress, or similar CMS.
• Basic knowledge of HTML.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills.
• Intermediate skill level with Microsoft Office programs (Outlook, Word, Excel)
• Basic database skills a plus.
• Experience using a project management system a plus.
• Familiarity with group email systems (Emma, Mailchimp, Constant Contact or similar) a plus.