Responsibilities

• Serves as the principal media relations strategist and leader for the College: works to identify possible story leads and media-worthy ideas; develops and oversees media plans for major college announcements and events; responds to media inquiries; plans and pitches stories to local, regional, and national media; and supports members of the campus community in their interactions with the media; and identifies opportunities for influencers to share Trinity's story, all supporting a Strategic Communications and Marketing Plan.
• Fosters relationships with Trinity leaders, students, alumni, and faculty, collaborating on opportunities (including op-eds) to leverage their work in the broader media with a particular focus on stories that support the College‘s enrollment and advancement efforts.
• Oversees the tracking and sharing of media coverage and maintains a database of Trinity experts for media.
• Manages the college’s media response as the principal spokesperson; manages news conferences, press briefings, media visits to campus, and visits by Trinity leaders with editorial boards; supports the media training of administrators, board members, and others as needed. Experience working with student media is a plus.
• Sits as a member of the Emergency Management Team; develops and manages crisis and emergency communications plans and provides support and assistance.
• Contributes to the development of a data-informed process to analyze the impact and effectiveness of communications and media coverage that will guide strategies for the continuous improvement of communications and media relations.
• Cultivates relationships with journalists, thought leaders, influencers, and other content producers and distributors. Bringing existing media contacts is a plus.
• Develops and implements a media training process to prepare and position Trinity faculty and staff to interact with print, digital, and broadcast media.
• Perform other related duties as assigned and based on departmental needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree
• Area of Expertise: Strategic communications at a higher education or non-profit, and/or experience in journalism, public relations, or digital media.
• Must be an excellent writer.
• Must have media relations experience (established media contacts are desired).
• 10 years of relevant work experience or specialized training that can be used in lieu of education requirement.
• Demonstrated success placing national news stories and feature coverage.
• Experience supporting senior leaders and navigating complex or sensitive issues.
• Excellent relationship management and organizational skills.
• Strong media judgment, writing ability, and storytelling skills.
• Highly organized, deadline-driven, and comfortable working evenings or weekends as needed.
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Public speaking skills
• Ability to cultivate and maintain relationships with College leadership, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work nimbly, flexibly, and with grace.

Preferred

• Experience working with student media is a plus.
• Bringing existing media contacts is a plus.