Media Relations Associate, UVA Communications

Commonwealth Of Virginia - Charlottesville, VA

Full-time - Entry Level

Charlottesville, VA

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

The University of Virginia's Office of University Communications is seeking a Media Relations Associate to enhance its media relations efforts. This role is pivotal in cultivating relationships and engaging with media outlets and journalists who cover topics pertinent to UVA's faculty research and expertise. The position offers extensive opportunities for professional development, encompassing both strategic and tactical responsibilities. The Media Relations Associate will focus on promoting UVA's strategic research initiatives and expertise as outlined in the Great and Good Plan. This will be achieved through various communication channels, including a weekly media email newsletter, direct media outreach, and innovative strategies that the associate will identify and implement. In addition to these responsibilities, the associate will design media events, summits, and interviews featuring UVA experts, including the creation of a virtual press briefing model. The role requires proactive outreach to media outlets and journalists to effectively promote UVA faculty research and expertise. The associate will also manage and refine a weekly media email advisory that highlights notable research, experts, and timely topics at UVA. Furthermore, the position involves assisting in the preparation and dissemination of media advisories and other communication materials, monitoring media coverage, and maintaining media contact databases. Collaboration with internal stakeholders to identify newsworthy stories and media opportunities is also a key aspect of this role. The Media Relations Associate will be responsible for designing and executing media events and expert interactions that enhance UVA's visibility through relevant research and expertise, ultimately benefiting UVA stakeholders and the public welfare. The associate will also support the Office of University Communications in handling media inquiries and interview requests, along with other duties as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Conduct proactive outreach to media outlets and journalists to promote UVA faculty research and expertise.
• Manage and refine a weekly media email advisory highlighting notable research, experts, and timely topics at UVA.
• Assist in preparing and disseminating media advisories and other communications materials.
• Monitor media coverage and maintain media contact databases.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to identify newsworthy stories and media opportunities.
• Design and execute media events, summits, and expert interactions that enhance UVA's visibility through research and experts relevant to UVA stakeholders and the public welfare.
• Develop a virtual press briefing model to facilitate media interactions remotely.
• Support the Office of University Communications in handling media inquiries and interview requests.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in English, Communications, or a related field.
• At least one year of experience in media relations, journalism, public relations, or a similar field required; two or more years strongly preferred.

Benefits

• Salary range of $60,000 to $72,000 per year, commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• Exempt level, benefited position.