Communications Officer IV - 996533

Nova Southeastern University; Fort Lauderdale (FL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Nova Southwestern University seeks a seasoned communications professional to develop and execute media relations plans, manage journalist outreach, and drive multi-channel storytelling. You will identify standout university stories, craft press materials, and coordinate cross-team efforts to amplify visibility.

The role emphasizes strategic thinking, strong writing, and collaboration across departments to support recruitment, fundraising, and institutional initiatives.

Qualifications

• Six to eight years of experience in communications, public relations, or media relations.
• Proven success securing media coverage and supporting campaigns.
• Knowledge of earned media strategies and media outreach.
• Strong writing and editing; translates complex topics clearly.
• Experience with multi-channel communications and analytics.

Responsibilities

• Develops and executes media relations plans aligned with institutional priorities.
• Manages media relations and serves as liaison to journalists.
• Identifies compelling stories highlighting university achievements.
• Writes and edits press releases, pitches, features, and digital content.
• Leads multi-channel communications across media, web, and social.
• Coordinates with internal teams for multimedia storytelling (photo, video, graphics).
• Monitors coverage and uses insights to refine messaging.

Skills

Writing & editing

Media relations

Strategic thinking

Project management

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications/PR/Marketing/Journalism

Tools

Cision

Meltwater

TV Eyes

PR Newswire

GlobeNewswire

Job description

We are excited that you are considering joining Nova Southwestern University!

Nova Southwestern University (NSU) was founded in 1964, and is a not-for-profit, independent university with a reputation for academic excellence and innovation. Nova Southwestern University offers competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package including tuition waiver, retirement plan, excellent medical and dental plans and much more. NSU cares about the health and welfare of its students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors and is a tobacco-free university.

We appreciate your support in making NSU the preeminent place to live, work, study and grow. Thank you for your interest in a career with Nova Southwestern University.

Primary Purpose:

Plans, develops, and executes integrated communications and media relations activities that enhance the university’s visibility, reputation, and engagement. Serves as a key contributor to institutional storytelling, manages media relations, and leads the development of multi-channel content aligned with university priorities, including recruitment, fundraising, and strategic initiatives. Works collaboratively with colleagues in the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Creative Services (PRMCS) to ensure consistent, effective messaging across audiences and platforms.

Job Category:

Exempt

Hiring Range:

Commensurate with experience

Pay Basis:

Annually

Subject to Grant Funding?

No

Essential Job Functions:

• 1. Develops and executes communications and media relations plans that support institutional priorities and increase visibility across key audiences.
• 2. Manages media relations efforts, serving as a primary liaison to journalists, editors, and media outlets, proactively pitching stories and securing coverage.
• 3. Identifies and develops compelling stories that highlight the university’s achievements, research, strategic pillars, and community impact.
• 4. Writes, edits, and produces high-quality communications materials, including press releases, media pitches, feature stories, thought leadership pieces, and digital content.
• 5. Leads day-to-day execution of multi-channel communications ensuring alignment across media, web, social media, and other digital platforms.
• 6. Coordinates with internal teams to develop and contribute to multi-media storytelling efforts, including photography, video, and graphic content.
• 7. Collaborates with PRMCS teams and university partners to support integrated communications campaigns and initiatives.
• 8. Supports executive and leadership communications for public relations initiatives as needed, including messaging and written materials.
• 9. Supports communications efforts related to recruitment, fundraising, and institutional initiatives through targeted content development.
• 10. Monitors media coverage and evaluates communication performance, using insights to refine messaging and improve effectiveness.
• 11. Assists with time-sensitive communications needs, including media inquiries and emerging issues.
• 12. Supports events announcements, and public efforts to increase visibility and engagement.
• 13. Tracks, analyzes and reports on media coverage and communications performance to inform ongoing efforts and support data-informed decision making.
• 14. Provides Director of PR with recommendations on media opportunities, messaging and communications approaches.
• 15. Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Job Requirements:

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

Knowledge:

• 1. Public Relations & Media Relations – Understanding of earned media strategies, media outreach, and relationship management.
• 2. Communications & Marketing – Knowledge of integrated, multi-channel communications approaches.
• 3. Digital Media – Familiarity with web, social media, and digital content strategies.
• 4. Analytics – Understanding of communications metrics and performance tracking.
• 5. Industry Tools – Experience with media monitoring and distribution platforms (e.g. Cision, Meltwater, TV Eyes, PR Newswire, GlobeNewswire).

Skills:

• 1. Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to translate complex topics into clear, engaging content.
• 2. Media relations and pitching skills, with demonstrated ability to secure media coverage.
• 3. Strategic thinking and sound judgment in communications planning and execution.
• 4. Project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• 5. Effective collaboration with internal stakeholders and cross-functional teams.

Abilities:

• 1. Communicates effectively, both written and verbal, with internal and external audiences.
• 2. Develops creative approaches to storytelling and content development.
• 3. Synthesizes information from multiple sources into clear, engaging narratives.
• 4. Maintains strong attention to detail and brand consistency.
• 5. Identify potential communication challenges and responds appropriately.

Physical Requirements:

• 1. May require occasional overnight travel for media opportunities, events and university initiatives.
• 2. May require occasional evening or weekend work for events or time-sensitive communications needs.

Required Education:

Bachelor's Degree

Major (if required:

Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or related field

Required Experience:

• 1. Six (6) to eight (8) years of experience in communications, public relations, or media relations including experience working across multiple communications channels (e.g. media, digital, social, web).
• 2. Demonstrated success securing media coverage and supporting communications campaigns.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 1. Experience in higher education or a large corporation.
• 2. Familiarity with integrated communications campaigns across multiple audiences.
• 3. Strong stakeholder engagement and project coordination experience.

Is this a safety sensitive position?

No

Background Screening Required?

No

Pre-Employment Conditions:

Sensitivity Disclaimer:

Nova Southwestern University is in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and does not discriminate with regard to applicants or employees with disabilities and will make reasonable accommodation when necessary.

NSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status or any other legally protected status.