Senior Media Relations Strategist — Higher Education

Vanderbilt University; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanderbilt University seeks a Senior Media Relations Specialist to join the Media Relations team and advance the university's reputation as a leading academic research institution. The role involves developing proactive and reactive media relations plans, monitoring news developments, and building productive relationships with local, national, and international media.

It also supports the Division of Communications' executive communications strategy, sourcing speaking engagements and contributed

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree is required.
• Master's degree is preferred.
• 5–7 years of experience in communications, journalism or related field with a track record of success in media relations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute media relations plans that support university goals.
• Raise the profile of university leadership in key media outlets.
• Arrange and attend media interviews with faculty, leadership and the chancellor.
• Conduct media trainings for faculty, staff, coaches and student-athletes on external engagement.
• Develop and maintain relationships with local, regional, national, and international media outlets.
• Pitch stories to news media and coordinate interviews.
• Write and edit news releases, statements, advisories, talking points, op-eds, and related materials.
• Monitor news and generate ideas for pitches aligned with Vanderbilt expertise.

Skills

Media relations

Executive communications

News writing

Strategic planning

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Media monitoring tools

Job description

Vanderbilt University seeks a Senior Media Relations Specialist to join the Media Relations team and advance the university's reputation as a leading academic research institution. The role involves developing proactive and reactive media relations plans, monitoring news developments, and building productive relationships with local, national, and international media.

It also supports the Division of Communications' executive communications strategy, sourcing speaking engagements and contributed