Media Relations Specialist

DeVry University

8d•$80,000 - $85,000•Hybrid

About The Position

DeVry University strives to close our society’s opportunity gap and address emerging talent needs by preparing learners to thrive in careers shaped by continuous technological change. Through innovative programs, relevant partnerships, and exceptional care, we empower students to meaningfully improve their lives, communities, and workplaces. Our colleague experience is an area of obsessive focus. At DeVry University, we care about you. Because, only through you can we deliver our unique Care Formula to our learners and partners. Overview: Under general direction from the Senior Director of Public Relations, this position is responsible for implementing media relations activities for DeVry University. The Media Relations Specialist coordinates day-to-day proactive media relations strategies to support the strategic goals and priorities of DeVry University. Helps create and maintain a favorable public image for DeVry by communicating academic programs, initiatives, events, accomplishments and/or thought leadership across print, broadcast and digital press outlets. The Media Relations Specialist will field media inquiries, book interviews with university leaders and pitch stories to help garner positive coverage of the University.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in public relations, Communications, Journalism, or related discipline required.
Minimum three to five years of direct experience in coordinating communications and media relations efforts and/or working as a journalist or a public relations agency.
Established press contacts to garner media coverage.
Proven track record of securing earned media coverage.
Ability to work under deadline pressure and manage competing priorities.
Documented experience developing effective media relations plans.
Deep understanding of media relations tactics.
Ability to foster strong relationships with journalists, reporters, bloggers, editors, etc.
Results-oriented and committed to quality through continuous process improvement.
Proficient and functional knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook), as well as Meltwater, and/or other media monitoring services.
Excellent writing and communication skills, with proficiency in AP Style.
Strong interpersonal skills, including a positive and professional attitude; teamwork skills.
Strong project management skills.
Proactive, reliable, responsible and accurate, with attention to detail.

Nice To Haves

Experience in higher education is preferred.
Understanding of issues facing higher education and for-profit institutions is preferred.

Responsibilities

Proactively identifies and pitches storylines and experts to media outlets.
Responds to media inquiries in a timely and accurate manner. Coordinates interviews and on-the-record responses.
Develops and distributes press releases, media advisories, Q&As, OpEds, news articles and story pitches. Ensures that all PR content is aligned with organizational messaging frameworks.
Cultivates relationships with editors, reporters, influencers, producers to increase visibility of DeVry University across print, broadcast and digital outlets.
Prepares media briefing documents and talking points as needed; develops and maintains media lists.
Assists with developing content for diverse communications channels as needed.
Assists with media training university leaders and subject matter experts for media engagements and opportunities.
Posts public relations content on DeVry newsroom.
Prepares monthly, quarterly, annual and special coverage reports and daily media monitoring. Assists with the implementation of crisis communications plans.
Monitors emerging issues and supports senior leaders during high-pressure media situations, as needed.
Collaborates with cross-functional teams (internal communications, marketing, social media, etc.) to ensure consistent narrative across external communications.
Other duties as assigned