Executive Director of Media Relations

The University of Texas System; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

A major higher education institution in Austin is looking for an Executive Director of Media Relations to develop and execute media strategies. The ideal candidate will manage proactive communication, collaborate with institutional professionals, and provide leadership in media relations. Required qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree and over 10 years of experience in public relations or higher education. This role offers a competitive salary based on experience and a full-time employment schedule.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of senior professional experience in public relations or related field.
• Experience providing media counsel to higher education.
• Track record of generating media coverage.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic media activities aligned with UT System objectives.
• Manage media-related communications effectively.
• Generate and develop content to inform media.
• Oversee content creation for official statements, news releases, and reports.
• Coordinate with social and digital channels for multi-channel delivery of information.
• Mentor communications colleagues in media relations.
• Support UT System events with media opportunities.
• Maintain updated media lists and relationships with national and local outlets.

Skills

Exceptional writing and editing skills

Knowledge of digital media tools

Strong leadership and management skills

Ability to mentor communications colleagues

Proven ability to manage complex issues

News judgment

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree in related field (preferred)

Job description

Join to apply for the Executive Director of Media Relations role at The University of Texas System.

Hiring Department

External Relations, Communications and Advancement Services

FLSA Status

Exempt

Earliest Start Date

Immediately

Salary

Salary commensurate with experience

Hours per Week

40 hours weekly

Required Application Materials

A resume and letter of interest is required to apply. Candidates under final consideration will also be required to submit professional references, college degree information, and employment history to an online third-party vendor.

About Us

For more than 140 years, The University of Texas System has improved the lives of Texans — and people all over the world — through education, health care, and research. The System consists of nine academic institutions, five health institutions, and The University of Texas System Administration. The institutions of the UT System employ more than 116,000 faculty, health care professionals, researchers, support staff, and student workers. The UT System Administration is primarily based in Austin, Texas. It supports the missions of the System’s fourteen institutions by providing financial, legal, planning, purchasing, government relations, communications, development, and other central services. Serving a growing state, the UT System Administration strives to provide a welcoming, supportive work environment that embraces different perspectives – not only because it enables the organization to be stronger, creative, and thoughtful, but because it is the right thing to do. To that end, UT System Administration embraces state laws on military and former foster children employment preferences.

Purpose of Position

The Executive Director of Media Relations is responsible for developing and executing strategic media activities aligned with the objectives and mission of the UT System by effectively and consistently managing proactive and responsive media-related communications, and providing thoughtful leadership.

Essential Functions

• Demonstrate excellent knowledge and awareness of issues, opportunities and challenges, and develop proactive, sound, timely, and accurate communications, including responses to a steady stream of media inquiries.
• Proactively generate and develop content on relevant topics on a consistent basis to inform state, national and trade media.
• Author a variety of written content pieces, including official statements, news releases, reports, briefings, op-eds, and media pitches and manage communications vetting processes.
• Ensure strong oversight of communications and coordination with social media manager on multi-channel delivery of information.
• Work with communications professionals across the UT institutions to keep them informed on issues of importance on a timely basis.
• Create media briefings, including logistics, talking points and reference materials – as appropriate – to prepare principals for media engagement.
• Propose, write and pitch columns and op eds on key issues for UT System principals.
• Provide media relations coverage for board meetings of the UT System Board of Regents and the University of Texas/Texas A&M Investment Management Company (UTIMCO).
• Serve as a media relations liaison to the UT System departments and UT institutions.
• Support UT System events with media opportunities.
• Consistently evaluate and update media lists based on proactive outreach and evolving press opportunities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Exceptional writing and editing skills.
• Excellent knowledge of and experience with digital media tools and multi-channels.
• Exceptional news judgement and understanding of national, regional and local media environments, with a keen sense of providing sound advice and effectively addressing media-related matters.
• Demonstrate integrity, high ethical standards, honesty and discretion in collaborations with various colleagues and departments on media matters.
• Extensive experience working with regional and national media.
• Proven track record of success in generating earned media coverage and content placements in state, national and trade publications.
• Ability to produce engaging content for a variety of audiences and media.
• Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize and manage complex tasks, and work both independently and as a team member.
• Strong and effective leadership and management skills.
• Depth of experience, sensitivity, and confidence befitting a strategic leadership position.
• Proven ability to manage large and complex issues through varied and competing interests.
• Ability to mentor communications colleagues in media relations.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• 10+ years of senior professional experience in a public relations agency providing media counsel and services to higher education, or ten years in a senior-level corporate communications post, journalism or related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior senior professional/media relations higher education, health or nonprofit sector.
• Master’s degree in related field.

Working Conditions

• May work around standard office conditions
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation
• Uses standard office equipment
• Requires occasional evening or weekend hours

Additional Information

The standard retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. However, the incumbent of this position may elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. Participation in either TRS or ORP is mandatory. A background check will be conducted on applicants under final consideration. The background check may include any or all of the following: criminal history check, prior employment verification, education verification, professional references check, and motor vehicle records check. Background checks are conducted by third-party vendors. Upon request from the third-party vendor, candidates under final consideration must provide the required information for the background checks to be completed.

EO/AA Statement

The University of Texas System Administration is a federal contractor committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all qualified applicants and employees in all terms and conditions of employment. U. T. System will provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state laws. For information on accommodations for individuals with disabilities, please contact the Office of Talent and Innovation at [e-mail].

Seniority level

Executive

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing

Industries

Higher Education