Overview

Under general direction from the 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 programs, accomplishments and/or thought leadership with the media and key influencers. The Media Relations Specialist will field media questions, book interviews with university leaders and pitch stories to help garner positive coverage of the University.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• 
  Assists with media relations plans and develops outreach materials for media, integrated campaigns, initiatives, new and existing academic programs
• Fields media inquiries and proactively pitches opportunities to identified outlets; develops and maintains media lists as needed
• Helps writes with press releases and media relations efforts at the local, state and national level
• Cultivates and develops relationships with editors, assignment desks, producers to increase visibility of DeVry University; helps organize press tours and editorial meetings with media outlets
• Assists with developing messages for diverse communications platforms, as needed
• Collaborates with social media to amplify coverage and develop social media posts, as needed
• Develop data, metrics, and dashboard for monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting as needed
• 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 the education, experience, knowledge, and skills required to competently perform in this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalist or related discipline required.
• Master’s degree in similar/same discipline preferred.

Experience

• Min 3-5 years of direct experience in coordinating communications and media relations efforts and/or working as a journalist or booker for a press outlet
• Experience in higher education preferred
• Crisis and issues management experience a bonus
• Documented experience developing effective communications and public relations plans.

Knowledge

• Deep understanding of media needs and media relationships
• Ability to foster strong relationships with journalists, reporters, bloggers, editors, etc.
• Understanding of issues facing higher education and for-profit institutions preferred
• Tactical understanding of social media platforms
• 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 Cision, Lexis Nexis or other media monitoring service.

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

Salary range 70-80k

• 401(k) and Roth Plan w/match
• Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage
• Health Advocacy Service
• Family and Domestic Partner Coverage
• Tax Savings Account (FSA and HSA)
• Short-Term/Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Life, Accident, AD&D, Critical Illness Insurance
• Fertility Coverage
• Wellness Programs
• Volunteer Time Off
• Remote and Flex Work Options
• Technology Stipend
• Paid Tuition Program
• Auto/Homeowners, Pet and Legal Insurance
• Exclusive Discount Programs
• Adoption Assistance
• Career Development Programs
• Mental Health Care Programs
• Paid Parental Leave
• Family Care Services