Assistant Director of Media Relations

General Statement of Duties: Responsible for developing plans and strategies for the College of Science and Technology, the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions and other assigned areas to promote college/unit programs, faculty research, and student achievement to target audiences via media relations and other appropriate means. Additional duties include developing ties with media at local, state, national and international levels, writing news releases and tip sheets, tracking areas of interest of key editors and reporters, strategic pitching of news stories, supervising student writers, and working closely with other members of the media relations unit and the public relations and marketing staff.

Reporting Relationship: Report to and assist Director of Media Relations.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required, preferably in journalism, English or a related field.
• Minimum two years related experience.
• Strong writing, editing and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability in the strategic placement of news stories.
• Positive interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and project a positive image.

• Serve as a liaison between colleges, departments and the press; contact media about campus programs; pitch story ideas to targeted local, state, national, and international media; provide media relations counseling and training as needed; respond to media queries about college/unit news and research; pursue and develop media relationships. Work with departments and offices to develop public relations plans to promote specific programs and events to target audiences.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with college deans, associate deans, development officers, marketing coordinators, department chairs, faculty, and administrators.
• Monitor current events for the development of tips sheets and expert sources.
• Aggressively pursue strategic pitching of stories in areas of interest to key reporters and editors.
• Advise clients, in conjunction with the publications office and marketing director, on the need for publications, print and broadcast advertising, and other marketing initiatives.
• Write for and review college and department newsletters and other printed materials as appropriate.