Public Relations Specialist

University of Richmond; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Richmond seeks a Public Relations Specialist to advance its reputation through media relations, storytelling, and strategic communications. The role supports outreach, faculty visibility, and university initiatives, reporting to the Senior Director, Media Relations & Strategic Communications.

The candidate will manage media outreach, track performance metrics, and oversee digital assets, collaborating with academic and administrative units to share compelling stories across

Qualifications

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience writing press releases, media pitches, and digital content.
• Familiarity with crisis and strategic communications principles and practices.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Familiarity with media monitoring and analytics tools.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain professionalism in sensitive or high‑pressure situations.
• Knowledge of AP Style, Adobe Creative Cloud, and best practices in media relations.

Responsibilities

• Develop, write, edit, and distribute media releases, pitches, advisories, and related communications materials to support University initiatives.
• Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with national, trade, regional, and local media contacts.
• Support proactive media pitching efforts that increase awareness of university programs, achievements, research, and subject matter experts.
• Monitor, track, and report key media relations metrics, including placements, engagement, reach.
• Manage and/or support digital communications assets, newsroom content, and editorial calendars.
• Assist with strategic communications planning and execution for institutional announcements, initiatives, and events.
• Provide communications support during crises and sensitive messaging situations.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the division and across units to identify stories and media opportunities.
• Support internal communications efforts as needed.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal comms

Press release writing

Crisis/Strategic communications

Organization & multitasking

Media monitoring & analytics

Professionalism under pressure

AP Style

Education

Bachelor's degree in PR/communications

3+ years in PR/media relations

Higher education/nonprofit experience (preferred)

Tools

Adobe Creative Cloud

Job description

Position Summary:

The Public Relations Specialist supports the University's media relations and strategic communications efforts to advance institutional reputation, elevate academic visibility, and promote faculty and staff expertise. This position will Manage and/or support media outreach initiatives, contribute to strategic communications efforts, oversee select digital communication assets, and tack performance metrics related to media engagement and communications impact. Reporting to the Senior Director, Media Relations & Strategic Communications and working in close collaboration with the Media Relations Manager, the specialist helps secure media opportunities and develop compelling storytelling opportunities that strengthen the University's public profile and support institutional priorities.

Job Duties:

Media Relations (65%)

• Develop, write, edit, and distribute media releases, pitches, advisories, and related communications materials to support University initiatives, research, faculty expertise, and institutional priorities.

• Cultivate and maintain positive working relationships with national, trade, regional, and local media contacts.

• Support proactive media pitching efforts that increase awareness of university programs, achievements, research, and subject matter experts.

• Monitor, track, and report key media relations and communications metrics, including media placements, engagement, reach, and other performance indicators.

• Manage and/or support digital communications assets, including newsroom content, media resources, online press materials, editorial calendar, and related platforms.

Strategic Communications Support (35%)

• Assist with strategic communications planning and execution for institutional announcements, initiatives, and events.

• Provide communications support during crisis, emergencies, and sensitive messaging situations, as needed, including social listening.

• Collaborate with colleagues across the communications division, as well as academic and administrative units to identify and promote compelling stories and media opportunities.

• Support various internal communications efforts, as needed.

Qualifications:

Knowledge, skills & ability

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Experience writing press releases, media pitches, and digital content.

• Familiarity with crisis and strategic communications principles and practices.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

• Familiarity with media monitoring and analytics tools.

• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain professionalism in sensitive or high‑pressure situations.

• Knowledge of AP Style, Adobe Creative Cloud, and best practices in media relations.

Education & experience:

• Bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, marketing, or a related field.

• 3+ years of professional experience in public relations, media relations, or strategic communications.

• Preferred: Experience in higher education or nonprofit communications.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time; Exempt position

• 8:30AM-5:00PM, however, this position is subject to occasional on‑call status and emergency response.

Pay Structure:

Grade 6 ($50,461 to $66,851 annually)