Communications Specialist II - Media Relations

Texas A&M University System • College Station, TX

9d

About The Position

The Communications Specialist II integrates Texas A&M AgriLife’s media relations strategy with digital communications channels, including AgriLife Today, key public-facing websites, and social media. The role responds quickly and creatively to opportunities and trends in third-party media. Working across the Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications team and with subject matter experts, the specialist identifies opportunities and builds positive awareness of the brand and its key initiatives.

The position develops media outreach strategies, cultivates media relationships, pitches stories, responds to inquiries, and prepares and distributes media materials. It also creates and edits written content, develops timely responses to emerging or crisis issues, and creates social media content in support of media relations. The specialist supports statewide media events, crisis communications, and the dissemination of communications guidance and best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two years of related experience.
• Experience within strategic communications, or a strong desire to learn strategic communications disciplines such as media relations and social media.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Ability to present information clearly and concisely.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement media outreach strategies to secure coverage supporting Texas A&M AgriLife initiatives and priorities.
• Monitor media trends and track coverage, reporting promptly and accurately on the impact and effectiveness of media relations efforts.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with relevant journalists, reporters, and media outlets.
• Pitch story ideas, respond to media inquiries, and manage press releases to maximize media exposure and positive coverage.
• Distribute event advances, stories, and press releases through the Cision content management system.
• Manage day-to-day media requests and brand needs in a timely manner.
• Support digital communications by identifying opportunities to align media efforts across websites, social media, and other channels.
• Help disseminate guidelines, best practices, and training across Texas A&M AgriLife.
• Support key media press events statewide.
• Assist with crisis communications and issue management.
• Create written content, including press releases, feature articles, and op-eds.
• Develop timely content in response to trending, emerging, or crisis issues.
• Identify opportunities and craft narratives highlighting Texas A&M AgriLife achievements, research breakthroughs, and community impact.
• Collaborate with internal teams and subject matter experts to gather information, conduct interviews, and ensure accuracy and consistency.
• Edit and proofread content for clarity, grammar, and style.
• Create engaging and relevant social media content that supports the media relations strategy.
• Develop content responding quickly to trending topics and news or media trends.
• Create a system and content for sharing media relations coverage across key brand social media channels.
• Explore social media as a tool for connecting with outlets, reporters, and influencers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance, with Texas A&M AgriLife contributing to employee health and basic life premiums.
• 12–15 days of annual paid holidays.
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month.
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
• Employee Wellness Initiative.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level