Media Relations Lead — Higher Ed Impact & Strategy

Virginia Tech; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 62,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech is seeking an Assistant Director of Media Relations to implement the university's central media relations strategy and elevate leadership, faculty expertise, research, and student achievements. The role reports to the Associate Director and collaborates with the Media Relations team and campus partners to secure national, international, trade, and high-impact regional coverage.

The successful candidate will interview faculty, write and edit materials, build media lists, pitches,

Qualifications

• Professional experience in media relations or journalism.
• Knowledge of media trends.
• Familiarity with media and target audience performance metrics.
• Excellence in writing and editing.
• Ability to meet deadlines and manage competing priorities.
• Proven ability to foster collaborative relationships with the news media and university community.

Responsibilities

• Implement the university's central media relations strategy.
• Develop regional media strategy and pitch stories to national outlets.
• Interview faculty, write tips sheets, news releases and advisories.
• Create targeted media lists and schedule interviews.
• Coordinate messaging and training across Virginia Tech campuses.
• Assist with media events, crisis communications, and messaging governance.

Skills

Media relations experience

Writing & editing

Deadlines & prioritization

Relationships with news media

Metrics familiarity

Education

Master's degree or Bachelor's with equivalent experience

Tools

Technology & social platforms

Job description

Virginia Tech is seeking an Assistant Director of Media Relations to implement the university's central media relations strategy and elevate leadership, faculty expertise, research, and student achievements. The role reports to the Associate Director and collaborates with the Media Relations team and campus partners to secure national, international, trade, and high-impact regional coverage.

The successful candidate will interview faculty, write and edit materials, build media lists, pitches,