Responsibilities

• Develop and implement media relations strategies that align with the University’s long-term goals, academic priorities and brand position.
• Serve as a primary media contact for the University and a trusted advisor to leadership on media engagement.
• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with local, regional and national media.
• Research, write and distribute press releases, media advisories, story pitches, statements and feature stories to secure earned media placements.
• Coordinate and respond to media requests, facilitate interviews with faculty, staff and University leadership and plan and lead University press conferences.
• Develop proactive strategies to promote academic, research and scholarly work through media channels.
• Monitor media coverage, higher education trends and reputational issues to provide awareness and recommendations to University leadership.
• Track key media metrics and compile regular reports to evaluate performance.
• Maintain the University’s Strategic Communication online Newsroom and Media Experts Guide.
• Assist with University-wide crisis communication planning and serve as a backup to the Chief Communications Officer during emergencies. Develop clear and confident messaging in response to reputational issues, crises or emerging challenges.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, marketing or related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible experience in public relations, journalism or public affairs.
• Demonstrated success in securing impactful media coverage and shaping public narratives.
• Strong understanding of modern media, digital platforms and social media best practices.
• Exceptional writing, editing and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, deadline-driven environment.
• Ability to collaborate with University departments, faculty and leadership
• Familiarity with digital communication tools and basic mobile or desktop video production and editing, media monitoring and analytics tools (e.g., Cision, Sprout, Google Alerts).
• Ability to think strategically and craft compelling narratives.
• Able to handle sensitive or controversial topics with professionalism and discretion.

Preferred

• - Master’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing or related field.
• - At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in public relations, journalism or public affairs.

Benefits

• - Affordable medical, dental, vision, life and short term and long-term disability insurance plans.
• - Retirement plan where the University makes the total contribution equivalent to 11% of annual salary.
• - Full tuition fee waiver for employees, spouses, and dependent children.
• - Vacation and sick time
• - Holiday pay
• - Free access to Recreation, Fitness & Wellness Center.
• - Access to on-campus University Health Center and Dental Hygiene Clinic.
• For more information about the benefits that USI offers, please visit www.usi.edu/hr/benefits .