Media Relations Specialist - University Communications & Marketing

Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that challenges the curious and passionate to deliver work that matters.

Our world-class institution has distinctive areas of excellence, and a culture marked by ambition and a deep, practical engagement with challenges facing society.

We continue to produce talented alumni and draw faculty and staff eager to be a part of the university's creative, dedicated and close-knit community.

We place emphasis on practical problem solving, interdisciplinary learning, an entrepreneurial spirit, and collaboration.

We are seeking a media relations specialist who helps tell the stories and pitches media outlets. This position is part of the media relations team in the University Communications and Marketing Division.

The media relations team fields request from the news media, proactively pitches faculty expertise and research, among other stories, prepares and distributes news releases, and assists in writing media statements.

• The specialist also collaborates with marketing colleagues to generate and circulate media coverage reports and engage in daily tracking of media mentions via our monitoring platform, applying learnings to future strategies;
• writes news and feature stories about the university; assists members of the news media covering university events; assists with media training for faculty staff, and leadership;

and works closely with university administrators, departments, and other members of the CMU community in preparing for outreach initiatives, media events, and issues management.

Note : This is a fixed-term position, expected to last through March 31, 2025.

• Write press releases, feature stories and faculty expertise content
• Proactively pitch stories of institutional strategic value to local, national and international media
• Foster relationships with key local, national and international members of the press
• Collaborate with marketing colleagues to track media coverage and help develop coverage reports
• Assist members of media covering university events and staff events where media coverage is expected
• Help produce multimedia components to amplify media coverage
• Assist in monitoring and managing social media channels, as needed
• Assist in conducting media training for faculty and staff

Flexibility, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within University Communications and Marketing. Inclusion, collaboration and cultural sensitivity are valued competencies at CMU.

Therefore, we are in search of a team member who is able to effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity.

We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Relationship building skills
• Strong organization and planning skills

Qualifications :

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, professional writing or similar field
• 3-5 years pitching media outlets and writing externally facing materials, or similar experience
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered

Requirements :

Successful background check

Additional Information :

• Fixed Term : This is a fixed-term position with a planned duration through March 31, 2025
• Sponsorship : Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States. CMU will not sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity.

Carnegie Mellon is not a qualifying employer for the STEM OPT benefit : only the 12-month OPT may be used to work at Carnegie Mellon.

Work Posture : This position is operating on a hybrid schedule, with an on-campus / in-office presence 3 days a week.

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits available to eligible employees.

Those employees who are have the opportunity to experience the full spectrum of advantages from to an enticing offering a generous employer contribution.

You can also unlock your potential with and take well-deserved breaks with ample and observed . Finally, rest easy knowing you are covered by life and accidental death and disability insurance.

Other perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, our to help navigate childcare needs, , and so much more!