Media Relations Specialist

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. 

Essential Duties and 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 

Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Below are the minimum requirements of education, experience, knowledge and skills required to competently perform in this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education
•    Bachelor’s degree in public relations, Communications, Journalism, or related discipline required. 

Experience
•    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.
•    Experience in higher education is preferred.
•    Ability to work under deadline pressure and manage competing priorities. Documented experience developing effective media relations plans.

Knowledge
•    Deep understanding of media relations tactics.  
•    Ability to foster strong relationships with journalists, reporters, bloggers, editors, etc.
•    Understanding of issues facing higher education and for-profit institutions is preferred.
•    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.

Skills
•    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.