Media Relations Specialist III (Molecular Microbiology and Immunology)
About The Position
Johns Hopkins University is seeking a Media Relations Specialist III to lead public information and strategic communications for the University and/or one of its constituent schools. The role is a member of the leadership team and collaborates closely with communications professionals across the institution, including the University’s Office of Communications, to support consistent and effective external communication. The specialist handles press releases, community messages, media inquiries, public events, and social media, and develops communication strategies for breaking news and proactive media outreach. The position works to enhance the institution’s reputation and external communications presence while building credibility and relationships throughout the institution and with external audiences. The position leads internal and external media relations, develops strategies and written materials, supports leaders on communications and issues response, and serves as an institutional spokesperson when required, including during crisis communications. It manages the assigned area’s online presence, monitors the effectiveness of communication channels, and incorporates technology and current communication practices to engage audiences. Duties also include external strategic communications for impact, maintaining an editorial calendar, frontline reporting, and media preparations. The role is based in the School of Public Health and is hybrid, with a Monday-to-Friday schedule of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Media inquiries may require night and weekend duties.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
- Eight years of related experience in journalism, media relations, or communications, with demonstrated success in media placement.
- Proficiency with Meltwater or other media relations management software.
- Advanced proficiency in crisis communication, media event planning, media monitoring and analysis, media planning, media relations, media strategy, project planning, and writing.
- Additional education may substitute for required experience, and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma or equivalent, subject to the JHU equivalency formula.
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree in a related field.
- Experience in strategic communications with international connections.
Responsibilities
- Lead internal and external media relations, ensuring clear and timely messaging for Johns Hopkins community members, journalists, and external stakeholders through appropriate methods.
- Work proactively with local, regional, and national media outlets and respond in breaking-news scenarios.
- Draft press releases and other written communications materials.
- Develop internal communications strategies to inform the Johns Hopkins community about initiatives, policies, and priorities.
- Develop media strategies to deliver institutional messaging to key external stakeholders effectively and on time.
- Facilitate outreach to local, regional, and national media through press releases, press conferences, events, social media, and other communication channels.
- Develop and execute proactive media outreach strategies to build relationships with journalists.
- Serve as an institutional spokesperson at events when required, including crisis communications events.
- Develop nimble strategies to communicate during breaking news and meet the information needs of internal stakeholders and journalists.
- Handle media inquiries with speed, professionalism, and accuracy, collaborating with communications staff across the institution; duties may include nights and weekends.
- Guide and support leadership on internal and external communications, media strategies, issues response, programming, and public events.
- Monitor, measure, and assess the effectiveness of channels used for internal communications and media messaging.
- Incorporate leading-edge communication strategies and leverage technology to engage content consumers.
- Stay informed about trends, techniques, and best practices in internal and external communication.
- Manage the assigned area’s online presence, including website content and social media accounts.
- Develop external strategic communications for impact.
- Maintain an editorial calendar.
- Conduct frontline reporting.
- Prepare for media engagements.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
