This job is closed
We regret to inform you that the job you were interested in has been closed. Although this specific position is no longer available, we encourage you to continue exploring other opportunities on our job board.
Associate Director of News and Media Relations
University of Mississippi - Oxford, MS
posted 22 days ago
About the position
The University of Mississippi - fondly referred to as Ole Miss - stands as a premier public research institution with a proud legacy of academic distinction. We are devoted to nurturing a vibrant, inclusive community where every member - student, faculty, and staff - can achieve their fullest potential. University Marketing & Communications is a community of passionate storytellers and creative professionals driven to capture, share and distribute the enduring experiences created on our campuses every day. We strive to align, engage, inspire, and connect the University of Mississippi with all stakeholders who know or seek to know Ole Miss.
Responsibilities
- Manage, conceive, research, write, and edit publications, articles, proposals, speeches, promotional material, news, and digital content.
- Manage, coordinate and provide specialized support for writing and editing efforts such as proofreading, citation checking, or quality control of content.
- Participate in the implementation of communication strategies and efforts to raise public awareness of, understanding of, and appreciation for The University of Mississippi and/or departmental interests.
- Lead and manage a team of communications specialists to ensure the timely and strategic creation and distribution of university news.
- Collaborate closely with the director and assistant director to review news releases and develop distribution plans that capture the attention of targeted reporters and outlets.
- Develop and implement comprehensive media relations strategies and activities that highlight and promote the achievements of the university, faculty, students and staff.
- Work with the director to respond to media requests in a timely manner, often under strict deadlines.
- Coordinate and facilitate media interviews with faculty, staff, students, and administrators, including providing media interview training, interview prep and in-person support.
- Maintain and update a list of subject matter experts to assist reporters in localizing breaking news stories and to elevate the university's academic and research priorities.
- Cultivate mutually beneficial and trusting relationships with strategic members of the media.
- Prepare and distribute compelling media advisories, press releases, and story pitches that generate interest in the university and its community.
- Monitor and analyze media coverage to assess the effectiveness of media relations strategies and adjust plans accordingly.
Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree
- Three years of experience including supervisory experience.
Nice-to-haves
- Five years of professional news reporting, broadcast journalism or public relations experience, supported by a portfolio of writing and published/broadcast samples.
