Assistant Director of Public and Media Relations (Higher Education / Communications)

Decatur, IL | Full-Time About the RoleA private university is hiring an Assistant Director of Public and Media Relations to serve as the institution’s chief information source and primary storyteller. The role is responsible for planning, executing, and continuously improving a proactive, outcomes-driven media and public relations strategy that raises the university’s visibility and reputation at the local, regional, state, and national levels.The assistant director will produce news releases, feature stories, articles, and other written materials while building and maintaining relationships with media outlets to secure high-quality coverage. The position also involves crisis and emergency communications support, collaboration across campus departments, and monitoring of media presence through tracking tools. The role’s scope extends across both the university and the surrounding community, and the schedule includes occasional evenings and weekends.What the Role CoversWriting and producing news releases, feature stories, articles, media advisories, and other media relations materialsProactively developing and maintaining relationships with local and national media to secure coverageStaying current on university events and activities to identify and pursue media opportunitiesDeveloping and implementing a comprehensive media relations plan at local, regional, state, and national levelsManaging the news section of the university websiteOrganizing press conferences, media tours, interviews, and other promotional eventsServing as a key media relations contact and providing communication support during crisis and emergency eventsCollaborating with university offices to develop media strategies that advance the institutional brandMonitoring media presence across traditional, online, and social outlets using CisionCreating and publishing student achievement content on the university websiteProviding communication support for administrators, faculty, staff, and studentsTracking current events and higher education issues to identify media placement opportunitiesQualificationsBachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, English, or a related fieldMinimum 3 years of professional experience in media relations or a related communications fieldExcellent writing, editing, interviewing, and networking skillsKnowledge of public relations and strategic communication principles and best practicesAbility to work independently and collaborate as a strong team memberHigh degree of creativity, initiative, and integrityStrong organizational skills and attention to detailAbility to manage multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlinesWillingness to stay current with emerging trends in media relationsCompensation and BenefitsCompetitive salaryFull benefit package including eligibility for tuition waiverVisit Mediabistro for full details and application instructions.