Media Relations Specialist/Writer

Department

Communications

Position Summary :

M etropolitan State University of Denver is in search of a motivated media relations specialist , writer and content strategist .

The media relations specialist is a dynamic storyteller with effective communications skills who excels at crafting stories on deadline and working with faculty experts and journalists to coordinate earned-media opportunities.

P roficient with juggling multiple requests , the media relations specialist will serve in a wide range of communication support roles with internal clients through out the University.

The media relations specialist is part of a talented and dedicated editorial team focused on tellingMSUDenver's unique story through the media and across the University's communications platforms, includingMSUDenver's award-winning online newsroom,RED.

The media relations specialist and writer will also work to develop and coordinate proactive earned-media opportunities, leveraging University stories, experts and content.

Serving as a secondary spokesperson on key communication initiatives and issues . W orks with University Comm unications and Marketing leadership to ensure accurate and consistent public communication and messaging about MSU Denver and it's role and mission.

This position reports to the senior director of media and public relations in the office of University Communications and Marketing.

The media relations specialist and writer :

Works with the senior director of media and public relations in developing, managing and maintaining a proactive earned media strategy that leverages University stories and experts to generate coverage that advances the institution's mission and goals.

Is comfortable with and has experience working in an ever-changing media environment and can problem solve to maximize results and overcome obstacles.

Crafts succinct, descriptive and compelling stories in a journalistic style that support University strategic priorities.

Is a nimble multi-tasker, capable of turning writing assignments quickly in a fast-paced environment.

Has a strong understanding of visual content and how it can be best used to support story development, pitches and media needs.

Duties / Responsibilities :

4 0% Media relations support, including pitching stories, responding to media requests for experts and coordinating interviews.

Develops media pitch ideas and performs outreach to local and trade media.

Responds promptly to media requests and coordinates interviews.

Secures approval from students, faculty, facilities officials, campus p arking or other campus representatives when necessary for photography, videography or other news-gathering needs.

Assists and escorts members of the media who visit campus, coordinating facility access and providing campus information.

Works with the senior director of media and public relations to gather, validate and disseminate related information including identify ing and deliver ing photos, b- roll and other visual assets to media organizations.

Works with the assistant director of photography and video production to develop and execute photography and video production workflows, archiving and asset management that support media needs for visual assets.

Ser ves as the University secondary spokesperson and works the AHEC campus communicators group to facilitate collaborative message strategy on issues impacting the interests of the entire Auraria Campus.

30 % Writing, including daily and long-term news stories, media advisories , website content and other external and internal communications.

Develops story concepts and writes compelling news and feature stories.

Interviews University experts and writes quick-turn daily news stories to be pitched to media.

Write faculty and staff website bios for the media experts guide

15 % Develops and publishes compelling website content, including faculty bios and imagery.

Develop, update and provide strategic counsel on website content strategy, including the Faculty and Staff Experts Guide utilizing content management system s and AP Style guidelines .

Work with senior director of media public relations to recommend faculty for RED stories and perform ongoing outreach to University departments, schools and colleges to identify and recruit new faculty and staff experts that can help support University communication needs and strategic goals.

1 0 % Media coverage reporting and tracking

Utilize media-monitoring services to collect earned-media coverage. Tag earned-media stories and post them to the University's website newsfeed.

Develop daily, weekly and monthly media clip tracking reports.

Conduct ongoing research and development of media lists and identify new target contacts.

5% Other duties as assigned

Work with the assistant director of photography and video production to manage and schedule photo shoots while provid ing image direction .

Collect information on vendor billing and technical needs for subscriptions and media databased services.

Under guidance of the senior director of media public relations, schedule meetings and interviews with media, faculty, staff and students to support strategic priorities.

Works collectively with student intern(s) to achieve department goals and provide coaching and mentoring as needed.

Required Qualifications :

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, public relations, public affairs or related field.
• Professional writing experience, as demonstrated by a portfolio of published work.
• Experience working in a professional environment both independently and on a team, in both on-site and remote-working environments.
• Experience working in the news media or in a media relations role.
• Demonstrated written and verbal communications skills.
• Demonstrated experience gathering, analyzing and reporting data.
• Experience working with both traditional and Spanish language media.

Important Note : Successful applicants will ensure their resumes clearly demonstrate that their work experience describes how they meet all required qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications :

• Bachelor's degree and 5 years of progressive experience in journalism communications, public relations, public affairs or related field.
• Experience as a writer, editor or producer for a news organization, as demonstrated by a portfolio of published work.
• Experience cultivating a network of subject-matter experts to support proactive and reactive media relations.
• Experience using WordPress or similar website content management system.
• Experience using media-tracking platforms, such as Meltwater, Cision or TVEyes .
• Fluency in both English and Spanish to effectively communicate with our diverse community and related media.

Schedule Information

Full-time, 40 hours per week

Exempt

Days of the Week : Mon - Fri

Evenings and Weekend Work : As needed

Schedule : Primarily in person with hybrid flexibility

Travel : Rarely

Salary for Announcement

Under Colorado law, MSU Denver is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement.

This range takes into account a variety of factors including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs.

It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $50,000.00 - $62,000.00 .

This position is paid monthly and is eligible for MSU Denver benefits.

Instructions to Apply

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11 : 59pm (MT) 09 / 25 / 2024

For full consideration, please submit the following documents :

Resume

Cover letter describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position

Please include a link or links to a portfolio of at least three published articles that demonstrate professional public relations, news or feature writing experience.

Portfolio links can be uploaded in a separate document or included in cover letter or resume.

Official transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire.

Closing Date

Open Until Filled

Posting Representative

Sophia J Montano

Posting Representative Email

[email protected]

Benefits

The University's benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans and other programs, such as accessto a long-term disability (LTD) plan.

Visit MSU Denver's benefits website to learn more.

For a brief overview, please see : https : / / www.msudenver.edu / wp-content / uploads / 2024 / 01 / MSU-Benefit-Summary.pdf .

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process.

To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at [email protected] .

Diversity Statement

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms.

Our student population consists of nearly 58% first generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.

We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion.

We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation.

It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.