Senior Media Relations Strategist

East Texas A&M University; Commerce (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee tuition assistance

Health and dental insurance

TRS retirement

Job summary

East Texas A&M University seeks a Senior Media Relations Specialist to advance earned media, cultivate relationships with local and national outlets, and promote faculty expertise. This role writes and pitches stories reflecting the university’s mission and public voice, coordinating with Communications to align messaging.

Under supervision, you will manage inquiries, craft press materials, and participate in crisis and emergency public information efforts.

Qualifications

• Four years of related experience in media relations, journalism, public relations, strategic communications, or a related field.
• Strong writing, editing, verbal communication, and proofreading skills.
• Knowledge of media relations practices and the evolving media landscape.
• Strong interpersonal, planning, and organizational skills.
• Ability to write clearly for journalists and the public.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple deadlines, and exercise sound judgment in sensitive situations.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain relationships with local, metro, regional, statewide, and selected national media outlets.
• Develop, write, and pitch stories that promote student success, faculty achievement, research impact, and community contributions.
• Develop and maintain faculty expert placements in regional, state, and national media.
• Field, assess, coordinate, and respond to media inquiries in a timely, accurate, and strategic manner.
• Write, edit, and distribute media advisories, press releases, statements, talking points, and briefing materials.
• Write short news stories, briefs, feature items, and related public-facing content for university channels.
• Coordinate with the Communications and Editorial Manager on story development, editorial standards, and message alignment.
• Coordinate with Texas A&M System communications colleagues on systemwide initiatives and media opportunities.
• Assist with press conferences, media availabilities, interview logistics, executive media preparation, and emergency/public information support as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Writing

Verbal communication

Media relations

Editing

Planning/organization

Education

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, communications, marketing, English, or related field

Job description

East Texas A&M University seeks a Senior Media Relations Specialist to advance earned media, cultivate relationships with local and national outlets, and promote faculty expertise. This role writes and pitches stories reflecting the university’s mission and public voice, coordinating with Communications to align messaging.

Under supervision, you will manage inquiries, craft press materials, and participate in crisis and emergency public information efforts.