Media Relations Coordinator

The University of Tampa; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free Tuition

Generous paid leave

Wellness initiatives

On-campus dining discounts

Health benefits

Job summary

The University of Tampa is seeking a Media Relations Coordinator to manage day-to-day media inquiries, connect reporters with campus experts, and place UTampa voices in national and regional conversations.

Reporting to the Director of Institutional Marketing and Content Strategy, you will develop story ideas, prepare spokespeople for interviews, monitor news cycles, and coordinate with our external PR agency to advance the university’s reputation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, PR, or related field.
• 3–5 years in media relations or PR.
• Proven ability to manage media inquiries and respond promptly.
• Strong writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as day-to-day contact for journalists and media inquiries.
• Develop relationships with local, regional, national journalists.
• Identify and pitch stories showcasing faculty expertise and programs.
• Prepare faculty and leaders for media interviews.
• Coordinate with external PR agency and track media outcomes.

Skills

Strong writing

Editing

Verbal communication

Media relations

Pitching stories

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications/journalism/public relations/marketing

Tools

Media databases

News monitoring tools

Press release platforms

Job description

If you are a current University of Tampa student, please search for and apply to student jobs via Workday. Job applications for current students will not be considered if submitted through the external career center.Position DetailsThe Media Relations Coordinator supports the University of Tampa’s external visibility and reputation by serving as the day-to-day point of contact for media relations. The coordinator works proactively and responsively with journalists, faculty, staff and University leaders to identify and develop media opportunities, connect reporters with University experts, and help position UTampa faculty and programs as authoritative sources on issues of public interest.Reporting to the Director of Institutional Marketing and Content Strategy, the coordinator also works closely with the University’s external public relations agency and colleagues across Marketing and Communications to advance institutional priorities, faculty thought leadership and the University’s broader reputation.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesServe as a primary day-to-day contact for journalists and media inquiries, coordinating timely responses and connecting reporters with appropriate University experts and spokespeople.Develop and maintain productive relationships with local, regional and national journalists, editors, producers and other media contacts.Proactively identify, develop and pitch stories that showcase UTampa faculty expertise, academic programs, research, student experiences and institutional priorities.Work directly with faculty and staff to identify areas of expertise and develop opportunities for media commentary, interviews, contributed content and thought leadership.Monitor news cycles and emerging issues to identify timely opportunities for University experts to contribute perspective and analysis.Prepare faculty, staff and University leaders for media interviews, including background information, key messages, anticipated questions and interview guidance.Draft and edit media materials including pitches, media advisories, press releases, statements, talking points, briefing materials and other external communications.Coordinate the day-to-day relationship with the University’s external public relations agency, including sharing priorities, identifying opportunities, facilitating access to faculty and institutional experts, and supporting execution of media initiatives. Strategic direction, priorities and agency accountability remain with the director.Track earned media activity, placements, journalist engagement and other media relations outcomes and contribute to regular reporting and analysis.Monitor media coverage involving the University, its leadership, faculty, programs and issues affecting higher education and the Tampa Bay region.Support communications related to emerging or sensitive issues by gathering information, coordinating media inquiries and assisting with messaging and response materials under the direction of senior leadership.Support major institutional announcements, awards, recognitions and other select public relations initiatives that strengthen University visibility and reputation.Collaborate with writers, content strategists, social media, creative and digital colleagues to extend earned media opportunities across University-owned channels when appropriate.Maintain media lists, faculty expert information and other media relations resources.Perform other duties related to media relations, reputation and external communications as assigned.QualificationsRequiredBachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing or a related field.Three to five years of professional experience in media relations, public relations, journalism, communications or a closely related field.Demonstrated experience working with journalists and responding to media inquiries.Strong writing, editing and verbal communication skills.Ability to identify compelling stories and translate complex or specialized information into clear, accessible narratives.Experience developing media pitches, press releases, briefing materials or similar communications.Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-moving environment.Sound judgment, professionalism and discretion when working with sensitive or time-sensitive information.Ability to build productive relationships with faculty, staff, journalists and external partners.PreferredExperience in higher education, a complex organization, agency public relations, journalism or a related environment.Experience supporting faculty experts, executives or other subject-matter experts in media interviews.Familiarity with media monitoring, media databases and earned media measurement tools.Experience supporting thought leadership or proactive reputation-building campaigns.Work ScheduleMonday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.Summer: Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.The University of Tampa offers great benefits, including:Free TuitionGenerous paid leaveWellness initiatives100% Employer-Funded Health Reimbursement Account100% Employer-Paid Short & Long Term Disability Insurance100% Employer-Funded Employee Assistance ProgramDiscounted On-Campus Dining Meal PlansFree On-Campus ParkingAccess to Campus Amenities (pool, library, campus events, and more)Fitness CenterPet InsuranceFlexible Spending AccountsAnd moreSubmission GuidelinesTo receive full consideration for employment with The University of Tampa, please be sure to submit/upload required documents for this position at time of application submission. Required documents should be submitted in the attachment box at the bottom of the \"My Experience\" page of the application before continuing through the application.Background Check RequirementsFinalists may be required to submit to a criminal background check. Some positions may also require a motor vehicle report and/or a credit report.Additional InformationThis description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not to determine specific duties and responsibilities for any particular position. Essential functions and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific task assigned to the position.