Executive Director of Media Relations

About the role

The Executive Director of Media Relations is responsible for developing and executing strategic media activities aligned with the objectives and mission of the UT System.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate excellent knowledge and awareness of issues, opportunities and challenges, and develop proactive, sound, timely, and accurate communications, including responses to a steady stream of media inquiries.
• Proactively generate and develop content on relevant topics on a consistent basis to inform state, national and trade media.
• Author a variety of written content pieces, including official statements, news releases, reports, briefings, op-eds, and media pitches and manage communications vetting processes.
• Ensure strong oversight of communications and coordination with social media manager on multi-channel delivery of information.
• Create media briefings, including logistics, talking points and reference materials – as appropriate – to prepare principals for media engagement.
• Propose, write and pitch columns and op eds on key issues for UT System principals.
• Provide media relations coverage for board meetings of the UT System Board of Regents and the University of Texas/Texas A&M Investment Management Company (UTIMCO).
• Serve as a media relations liaison to the UT System departments and UT institutions.
• Support UT System events with media opportunities.
• Consistently evaluate and update media lists based on proactive outreach and evolving press opportunities.

Requirements

• Exceptional writing and editing skills.
• Excellent knowledge of and experience with digital media tools and multi-channels.
• Exceptional news judgement and understanding of national, regional and local media environments, with a keen sense of providing sound advice and effectively addressing media-related matters.
• Demonstrate integrity, high ethical standards, honesty and discretion in collaborations with various colleagues and departments on media matters.
• Prior senior professional/media relations higher education, health or nonprofit sector experience.
• Extensive experience working with regional and national media.
• Proven track record of success in generating earned media coverage and content placements in state, national and trade publications.
• Ability to produce engaging content for a variety of audiences and media.
• Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize and manage complex tasks, and work both independently and as a team member.
• Strong and effective leadership and management skills.
• Depth of experience, sensitivity, and confidence befitting a strategic leadership position.
• Proven ability to manage large and complex issues through varied and competing interests.
• Ability to mentor communications colleagues in media relations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• 10+ years of senior professional experience in a public relations agency providing media counsel and services to higher education, or ten years in a senior-level corporate communications post, journalism or related field.

Skills

• Exceptional writing and editing skills.
• Excellent knowledge of and experience with digital media tools and multi-channels.
• Exceptional news judgement and understanding of national, regional and local media environments, with a keen sense of providing sound advice and effectively addressing media-related matters.
• Ability to produce engaging content for a variety of audiences and media.
• Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize and manage complex tasks, and work both independently and as a team member.
• Strong and effective leadership and management skills.
• Depth of experience, sensitivity, and confidence befitting a strategic leadership position.
• Proven ability to manage large and complex issues through varied and competing interests.
• Ability to mentor communications colleagues in media relations.

Benefits

Salary commensurate with experience. Hours per Week 40 hours weekly.

Pay

Salary commensurate with experience.

Schedule

Hours per Week 40 hours weekly.

Application Materials

A resume and letter of interest is required to apply. Candidates under final consideration will also be required to submit professional references, college degree information, and employment history to an online third-party vendor.

Additional Information

The standard retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. However, the incumbent of this position may elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. Participation in either TRS or ORP is mandatory. A background check will be conducted on applicants under final consideration. The background check may include any or all of the following: criminal history check, prior employment verification, education verification, professional references check, and motor vehicle records check. Background checks are conducted by third-party vendors. Upon request from the third-party vendor, candidates under final consideration must provide the required information for the background checks to be completed. EO/AA Statement The University of Texas System Administration is a federal contractor committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all qualified applicants and employees in all terms and conditions of employment. U. T. System will provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state laws. For information on accommodations for individuals with disabilities, please contact the Office of Talent and Innovation at oti@utsystem.edu .