Media Relations Director & Strategic Communications

mnstate.edu; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 76,000 - 113,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Comprehensive benefits

Pension plan

Tuition waivers

Job summary

Minnesota State seeks a Communication Specialist 4 - Director of Media Relations to lead communications and PR strategies for the Minnesota State system. You will shape messaging, act as a media spokesperson, and advise leadership across 33 colleges and universities.

The role emphasizes timely counsel, media relationships, and the ability to manage multiple projects while collaborating with the Marketing and Communications team.

Qualifications

• Four (4) years of professional communication and writing experience in large complex decentralized organizations.
• A Bachelor's degree in a related field would substitute for one year of experience; an Associate's degree substitutes for six months.
• Demonstrated superior writing skills for presentations, speeches, press releases, articles, blog posts, etc.
• Experience creating messages for target audiences with awareness of Minnesota and global contexts.
• Experienced with media engagement and providing communications counsel.

Responsibilities

• Define, design and implement communications and public relations strategies.
• Position Minnesota State as a spokesperson and main media contact.
• Provide timely communications counsel beyond standard hours when needed.
• Manage multiple projects from inception to execution and report progress.

Skills

Professional writing

Media relations

Message development

Project management

Verbal communication

News judgment

Crisis communications

Independent worker

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications/English/journalism

Associate's degree substitute for 6 months

Job description

Minnesota State seeks a Communication Specialist 4 - Director of Media Relations to lead communications and PR strategies for the Minnesota State system. You will shape messaging, act as a media spokesperson, and advise leadership across 33 colleges and universities.

The role emphasizes timely counsel, media relationships, and the ability to manage multiple projects while collaborating with the Marketing and Communications team.