Senior Media Relations Strategist

Socket.dev; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanderbilt University is seeking a Senior Media Relations Specialist to develop and implement media relations plans, raise leadership profiles, and coordinate interviews and bylined content for the Chancellor and university leadership.

Reporting to the Media Relations Manager, you will work with faculty, staff and external stakeholders to protect and enhance Vanderbilt's reputation through proactive outreach and strategic messaging across multiple channels.

Qualifications

• At least 5–7 years of experience in communications or journalism or related field.
• Prior experience with executive communications, reputation management and marketing preferred.
• Experience in media relations and understanding of social media audiences.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement media relations plans and tactics aligned with university goals.
• Raise the profile of university leadership in key outlets and with stakeholders.
• Coordinate interviews, media trainings, and bylined content opportunities for leadership.
• Build relationships with local, national, and international media outlets.
• Write and edit press materials, statements, op-eds, and talking points.
• Monitor coverage and provide strategic insights to internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate across Communications for consistent cross-channel messaging.
• Support executive communications strategy and on-call media support as needed.

Skills

Media relations experience

Executive communications

Reputation management

Social media literacy

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree (preferred)

Job description

Vanderbilt University is seeking a Senior Media Relations Specialist to develop and implement media relations plans, raise leadership profiles, and coordinate interviews and bylined content for the Chancellor and university leadership.

Reporting to the Media Relations Manager, you will work with faculty, staff and external stakeholders to protect and enhance Vanderbilt's reputation through proactive outreach and strategic messaging across multiple channels.