Media Relations Specialist/Writer

Department Communications

Position Summary :

Metropolitan 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.

Proficient with juggling multiple requests, the media relations specialist will serve in a wide range of communication support roles with internal clients throughout the University.

The media relations specialist is part of a talented and dedicated editorial team focused on telling MSU Denver's unique story through the media and across the University's communications platforms, including MSU Denver'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, this position works with University Communications and Marketing leadership to ensure accurate and consistent public communication and messaging about MSU Denver and its role and mission.

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

Duties / Responsibilities :

40% 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 parking, 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 identifying and delivering 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.

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.
• Writes 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 systems and AP Style guidelines.
• Works with the 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.

10% Media coverage reporting and tracking.

• Utilizes media-monitoring services to collect earned-media coverage. Tag earned-media stories and post them to the University’s website newsfeed.
• Develops daily, weekly, and monthly media clip tracking reports.
• Conducts ongoing research and development of media lists and identify new target contacts.

5% Other duties as assigned.

• Works with the assistant director of photography and video production to manage and schedule photo shoots while providing image direction.
• Collects information on vendor billing and technical needs for subscriptions and media database services.
• Under guidance of the senior director of media public relations, schedules 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

Experience, qualification, and soft skills, have you got everything required to succeed in this opportunity Find out below.

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. 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.
• Portfolio of at least three published articles that demonstrate professional public relations, news, or feature writing experience.

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

Closing Date : Open Until Filled

Open Until Filled

Posting Representative :

Sophia J Montano

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 life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans, and other programs.

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

Diversity Statement :

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

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