Head of Media Communications

University of Akron • Akron, OH

2d

About The Position

Job Summary: Manage the day-to-day media outreach, crafting compelling stories, and responding swiftly to emerging issues while working with media in both local and major markets. Responsible for building relationships and delivering high-impact results. Translate the University’s academic excellence, research innovation, and community impact into stories that resonate regionally and nationally elevating its reputation through strategic media relations. Essential Functions: •Build and maintain relationships with journalists and media outlets across Northeast Ohio, statewide and nationally. • Pitch stories, coordinate interviews, and secure media coverage that supports the University's strategic priorities. • Write and distribute press releases, media advisories, fact sheets, FAQs and more. • Manage crisis communications and serve as a key point of contact during sensitive or high-stakes situations. • Collaborate with internal departments to identify key milestones and other newsworthy developments and shape messaging. • Monitor media coverage and public sentiment; prepare regular reports and insights for leadership. • Support internal communications initiatives to ensure consistent and timely messaging across campus. • Represent the University at media events, press briefings, and community engagements. On-call 24/7 to assist in handling emergencies and crisis communications. Additional Position Information: Education: Requires a relevant Bachelor's Degree. Experience: Requires a minimum of 5 years of experience in media relations, public affairs, or communications. Demonstrated success securing media coverage in both local and national outlets. Experience managing crisis communications and working with senior leadership. Strong writing, editing, and verbal communication skills. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines. Comfortable working independently and taking initiative. Preferred Skills: Experience with media monitoring and analytics tools. Knowledge of the Northeast Ohio media landscape. Ability to navigate complex organizations and build trust with diverse stakeholders. Leadership: Responsible for directing and monitoring the work of student and/or temporary workers. Physical Requirements: Job is physically comfortable; individual is normally seated and has discretion about walking, standing, etc. May occasionally lift very lightweight objects. Working Conditions: Standard working environment with possible minor inconveniences due to occasional noise, crowded working conditions and/or minor heating/cooling or ventilation problems. Near continuous use (>70% of the time) of a video display terminal. Application Instructions: In order to be considered for this position, please complete the online application and attach your resume. Compensation: The compensation for this position is commensurate with experience. Application Deadline: Review of applicants will begin February 12, 2026. FLSA Status (exempt/nonexempt): United States of America (Exempt) Union Affiliation (if applicable): For assistance with your application or attachments, please contact the Human Resources representative listed: Madilyn Otterbacher Email: [email protected] ________________________________________________________________________ Background Check Statement The University of Akron is committed to providing a safe environment for all students and employees. The University endeavors to protect the health, welfare and safety of all students, employees and visitors on our campus. As such, all offers of employment with The University of Akron are contingent upon verification of credentials, and satisfactory completion of a criminal background check. Some positions may require additional credit investigation and a pre-employment driving record search. Non-Discrimination Statement The University of Akron is an Equal Education and Employment Institution. View our Non-Discrimination Statement for more information. Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. State of Residence Statement It is the expectation of the University of Akron that all work performed as an employee of the University will be performed in Ohio. The University of Akron empowers our people to flourish by delivering an applied and community-connected educational experience and cultivating research excellence. Leveraging our passion and expertise, we create innovative academic opportunities, support the well-being of our students and employees, and prioritize community embeddedness and engagement to impact lives through transformative experience. Through this focus, UA aspires to be the leader in community-focused higher education. The University of Akron is a lifelong learning partner, recognizing and valuing diverse learning experiences and combining traditional classroom experiences with innovative and robust approaches. As Zips, we prioritize the well-being of our students and employees, cultivate a culture and community where all can flourish, and act as responsible stewards of our resources and infrastructure by leveraging data to differentiate our processes and systems. We leverage our urban campus as a responsive and reliable partner to identify and meet the needs of the region. We intentionally contribute to economic and workforce development and civic life through research, innovation and engagement to provide community-embedded experiential learning opportunities that will enhance the UA experience for all students. We welcome candidates who are passionate about shaping and inspiring the next generation of thinkers, experts, artists and leaders. For more information about The University of Akron or the Akron community please visit our About UA page. The University of Akron offers a competitive total compensation package comprised of a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits for eligible employees including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, and paid leave of absences including time off for illness, vacation, and maternity or paternity leave. In addition, eligible employees and their dependents are provided tuition remission. All staff and eligible non-bargaining unit faculty have the option to request a Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA). The University of Akron participates in state retirement systems and offers alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions. Optional investment opportunities are available including deferred compensation programs (403(b) and 457(b)). Please visit our benefits home page for more information.

Requirements

• Requires a relevant Bachelor's Degree.
• Requires a minimum of 5 years of experience in media relations, public affairs, or communications.
• Demonstrated success securing media coverage in both local and national outlets.
• Experience managing crisis communications and working with senior leadership.
• Strong writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
• Comfortable working independently and taking initiative.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with media monitoring and analytics tools.
• Knowledge of the Northeast Ohio media landscape.
• Ability to navigate complex organizations and build trust with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with journalists and media outlets across Northeast Ohio, statewide and nationally.
• Pitch stories, coordinate interviews, and secure media coverage that supports the University's strategic priorities.
• Write and distribute press releases, media advisories, fact sheets, FAQs and more.
• Manage crisis communications and serve as a key point of contact during sensitive or high-stakes situations.
• Collaborate with internal departments to identify key milestones and other newsworthy developments and shape messaging.
• Monitor media coverage and public sentiment; prepare regular reports and insights for leadership.
• Support internal communications initiatives to ensure consistent and timely messaging across campus.
• Represent the University at media events, press briefings, and community engagements.
• On-call 24/7 to assist in handling emergencies and crisis communications.

Benefits

• competitive salary
• comprehensive benefits for eligible employees including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, and paid leave of absences including time off for illness, vacation, and maternity or paternity leave
• eligible employees and their dependents are provided tuition remission
• All staff and eligible non-bargaining unit faculty have the option to request a Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA)
• The University of Akron participates in state retirement systems and offers alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions
• Optional investment opportunities are available including deferred compensation programs (403(b) and 457(b))

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees