Media Relations Specialist

UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOM; Tulsa (OK); On-site; USD 43,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits eligible

Job summary

University of Oklahoma is seeking a Media Relations Specialist to tell the stories behind OU’s people, research, and impact. You will connect journalists with experts, craft news releases, and help shape the university’s reputation through proactive communications.

In this role, you will identify compelling narratives, build media relationships, and monitor coverage to provide insights for future campaigns. A Bachelor’s degree and at least two years of related experience are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, marketing or related field.
• 2 years of experience in media relations, journalism, marketing or related area
• Strong writing background and the ability to build community through storytelling.

Responsibilities

• Identify and develop compelling stories that showcase the University's people, research, innovation, and impact.
• Write engaging news releases, feature stories, media pitches, talking points, and other communications that advance the University's strategic priorities.
• Support campus marketing and communications initiatives including web, creative, and strategic marketing.
• Build strong relationships with local, regional, and national journalists to expand OU's earned media presence.
• Monitor media coverage, analyze performance metrics, and provide meaningful insights that help shape future communications strategies.
• Maintain project documentation and collaborate with colleagues using the department's project management systems.
• Partner across Marketing & Communications and with colleges, departments, and university leadership to identify emerging stories and communication opportunities.

Skills

Media relations

News writing

Story development

Marketing communications

Journalism

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, marketing or related field

Job description

Pay Range:Target Salary Range: $50,300 per year

Benefits Eligible: Yes

Work Schedule:Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Position Introduction:

Help tell the stories that shape the future of one of the nation's leading public universities. At the University of Oklahoma, groundbreaking research, life-changing student experiences, and transformational community partnerships happen every day. We're looking for a talented storyteller who can recognize those moments, build meaningful media relationships, and share OU's impact with audiences across Oklahoma and around the world. As a Media Relations Specialist, you'll uncover compelling stories, connect journalists with world-class experts, and help elevate the university's reputation through strategic, proactive communications. If you're naturally curious, thrive on deadlines, and love turning complex ideas into engaging stories, we'd love to meet you.

What You'll Do Every day brings a new story. In this role, you'll:

• Identify and develop compelling stories that showcase the University's people, research, innovation, and impact.
• Write engaging news releases, feature stories, media pitches, talking points, and other communications that advance the University's strategic priorities.
• Support campus marketing and communications initiatives including web, creative, and strategic marketing.
• Build strong relationships with local, regional, and national journalists to expand OU's earned media presence.
• Monitor media coverage, analyze performance metrics, and provide meaningful insights that help shape future communications strategies.
• Maintain project documentation and collaborate with colleagues using the department's project management systems.
• Partner across Marketing & Communications and with colleges, departments, and university leadership to identify emerging stories and communication opportunities.

Additional department preferences and duties: Customer service oriented to serve as a marketing and communications representative on the campus. Preference with strong writing background and the ability to build community through storytelling. Experience with higher education and Tulsa community.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, marketing or related field.
• 2 years of experience in media relations, journalism, marketing or related area

Hiring Contingent Upon a Background Check: Yes