Senior Media Relations Specialist

Vanderbilt University • Nashville, TN

4d

About The Position

The Senior Media Relations Specialist at Vanderbilt University is responsible for developing and implementing media relations plans and tactics to enhance the university’s reputation and advance its mission as a premier academic research institution. This role involves proactive and reactive media relations, including news monitoring, message development, and building relationships with local, national, and international media. The specialist will also support the Division of Communications’ executive communications strategy by sourcing speaking engagements and contributed content opportunities for university leadership, including the Chancellor, and coordinating the placement of bylined articles and op-eds. Reporting to the Media Relations Manager, this position will interact with university leadership, faculty, staff, students, and internal/external stakeholders. The Media Relations team aims to protect and enhance Vanderbilt’s reputation and position it as a leading academic research institution through compelling content distribution across various channels.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education is necessary.
• At least 5-7 years of experience in communications, journalism, or a related field.
• A track record of success in media relations is necessary.
• Experience in media relations and a full understanding of how to navigate social media tools and audiences is necessary.

Nice To Haves

• A Master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education is preferred.
• Prior experience with executive communications, reputation management, and marketing is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute media relations plans and tactics that support the university's overall communications goals.
• Raise the profile of university leadership, including the Chancellor, in key media outlets and with key stakeholders.
• Arrange, facilitate, and attend media interviews with faculty, university leadership, and the Chancellor.
• Conduct media trainings for faculty, staff, coaches, and student-athletes on best practices for external engagement.
• Develop and maintain relationships with local, regional, national, and international media outlets.
• Pitch stories to news media, prioritizing national, high priority, and international media outlets.
• Coordinate news interviews.
• Write and edit news releases, rapid response statements, media advisories, messaging, talking points, fact sheets, op-eds, and other media relations materials.
• Follow industry-related news and generate ideas around trending topics to inform media pitches and outreach, connecting Vanderbilt expertise to current events.
• Attend key events as needed, both on and off-campus, involving Vanderbilt faculty and leadership where media might be present.
• Monitor media coverage of Vanderbilt faculty experts, institutional projects, and leadership, and report to internal stakeholders.
• Maintain and update internal media lists for media outreach.
• Collaborate with partners across the Division of Communications to coordinate efforts and ensure consistent cross-channel messaging.
• Demonstrate excellent news judgment, written communications skills, and an understanding of the Vanderbilt brand.
• Communicate the role of media relations in the broader communications plan for departments, schools, and the university.
• Execute independently on communications priorities and demonstrate an understanding of the evolving media landscape.
• Assist in media training and interview preparation for the Chancellor and others.
• Provide overall support as needed for department priorities.
• Demonstrate understanding of the university's mission, values, goals, and priorities in developing communications strategies.
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with a wide range of audiences.
• Adopt and effectively use emerging technologies, including AI-enabled tools, to improve productivity, workflow, and quality of work.
• Efficiently and effectively manage multiple, complex, and results-oriented projects with quick turn-around requirements.
• Adhere to confidentiality and business ethics; demonstrate outstanding judgment and discretion.
• Work outside regular business hours (including nights and weekends) as needed, including being officially on-call.
• Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

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