Media Relations Specialist

POSITION DETAILS

The CUNY Office of Communications and Marketing (OCM) works in partnership with the University’s academic and administrative offices and the 25 colleges to promote CUNY’s unique mission and transformative role as an engine of social mobility.

The office includes seven divisions : Communications, Creative, Marketing, Social Media, Multimedia, CUNY TV and Citizenship Now! Together the teams manage all aspects of press and public relations, editorial content, art design, publishing, social media, advertisement, web development, TV, video and podcast production to tell the story of the premier urban public university in the United States.

The media relations specialist is a responsible for coverage of the University in community and ethnic media outlets, including Spanish speaking press and hyperlocal outlets.

This individual will also assist with the drafting and editing of press releases, media advisories, quotes, messages and statements from senior University officials, among other communications.

In addition to preparation of deliverables, the media specialists will be expected to manage inquiries from media outlets, formulate and pitch stories, including outreach to community and ethnic media;

monitor news outlets through the internet and social media; gather clips; plan and manage press events; and maintain press contacts and media lists.

Working with the press secretary and communications director, the media relations specialist will carry out content gathering and production consistent with the strategic plan of the University Office of Communications and Marketing (OCM).

Under the direction of the Press Secretary for the OCM, the media relations specialist will research, report, write, review, edit and produce informative content for press releases, statements, op-eds, talking points, letters, remarks and other communications for internal and external constituencies.

The individual also helps the press team organize, plan, and execute projects by managing deadlines and coordinating with the art department and other members of the communication’s team.

Key duties include, but will not be limited to the following :

• Responds to inquiries from community and ethnic media outlets.
• Manages and staff events.
• Manages and staff media interviews.
• Helps formulate media stories for targeted outlets.
• Translates press releases and statements in Spanish.
• Provides talking points for the chancellor and leadership in Spanish.
• Partners with central administrative leaders and campus communications officers to develop and coordinate.

text, messaging and announcements that advance their strategic communication goals.

Oversees community and ethnic media, developing relationships with reporters at these outlets and finding.

press opportunities for the chancellor and University.

• Conceives editorial content for the University’s website and works with key staff to develop assets.
• Identifies and leverages opportunities to promote the visibility and reputation of the University.

NOTE :

Until further notice, this is a hybrid position, eligible to work remotely and work on-site in the office

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree and four years' related experience required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Written and spoken fluency in Spanish.
• Working within a fast-paced environment producing high quality editorial content across multiple platforms and repackages content for multiple distributions and for maximum impact.
• Strengths in collaboration, critical thinking, change management, communications, creativity and problem solving
• Experience as a successful writer, in a PR, journalism, academic or other related context.
• Excellent writing, communications and interpersonal skills
• Thorough knowledge of the fundamentals of writing, grammar, syntax, style and punctuation, as well as appropriate editorial style and publication guidelines and standards (e.g. AP).
• Ability to write quickly, persuasively and clearly on various topics related to public universities and higher education.
• Strong interpersonal communication and relationship-building skills to appreciate the value of others and work effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders and constituents.
• Editorial integrity and professional credibility to work discreetly on sensitive assignments, exercise sound judgement, and manage confidential information.
• Strong research and analytical skills with aptitude for understanding complex issues and the ability to translate and simplify them for various audiences, plus attend carefully to factual details.
• Strong organizational and project management skills to handle various priorities, accept direction and work independently and collaboratively to deliver high quality work and meet deadlines.

CUNY TITLE OVERVIEW

Assists in establishing and maintaining relationships with external entities and communities, representing the College's positions and interests

Serves as a liaison to one or more external organizations, representing the College and building working relationships with the leadership of these organizations

Plans and implements communications campaigns, working with publications staff

Develops an understanding of the concerns of external organizations and communicates these to appropriate College management

Plans public activities and contributes to marketing of College activities and programs to external groups

With College publications and editorial personnel, plans, writes, and produces publicity materials and other external communications

May maintain relationships with media representatives

Performs related duties as assigned.

Job Title Name : Communications and College Relations Specialist

CUNY TITLE

Higher Education Assistant

FLSA

Non-exempt

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The salary range is $70,238 to $ 86,310, commensurate with education and experience.

CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development.

We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement / pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off.

Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world.