Media Relations Specialist

Are you ready to transform lives through academic excellence, innovative research, strong community partnerships and economic opportunity? Kennesaw State University is one of the 50 largest public institutions in the country, offering more than 190 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to over 50,000 students. Our entrepreneurial spirit, high-impact research, and Division I athletics draw students from throughout the region and from more than 100 countries across the globe. We are part of the University System of Georgia.

Our Kennesaw campus is located at 1000 Chastain Road NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144. Our Marietta campus is located at 1100 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta, GA 30060.

About the Role

Works with leadership in the day-to-day management of an aggressive, pro-active media public relations program. Develops, reviews and edits communication materials prior to release to the media. As a key media relations contact, this team member will build networks with regional and national media contacts to increase coverage on key college programs and initiatives.

Responsibilities

• In collaboration with leadership, participates in the development and implementation of media strategies.
• Provides guidance to colleges, departments, key stakeholders and university leadership regarding media activities such as story pitches and distribution of news releases.
• Provides editorial guidance, edits for media relations representatives, and strengthens the team working environment.
• Writes, edits, and distributes news stories, media statements and other requested communication materials to ensure effective coverage of university activities and initiatives.
• Manages assigned media and public relations campaigns in assigned areas and produces weekly, monthly and ad hoc reports to track campaign progress.
• Identifies and cultivates local, national and international media contacts as part of a proactive strategy to aggressively increase coverage of the university, its faculty and programs in support of Kennesaw State's strategic initiatives.
• Supports and identifies faculty experts who will respond to media requests.
• Prepares stakeholders and university leadership for media opportunities and/or other public speaking engagements by preparing talking points, speeches, testimonies or other remarks.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education in a related field.
• Three (3) years of experience in Journalism, Broadcasting, Public Relations, Communication, or related field.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a related field (preferred).
• Previous experience proactively pitching the media (preferred).
• Previous experience serving in a public information officer or similar role (preferred).
• Previous experience in higher education (preferred).

Skills

• Able to handle multiple tasks or projects at one time meeting assigned deadlines.
• Able to build relationships, work collaboratively and exhibit good judgment and diplomacy.
• Able to work as a contributing member in a team-oriented environment, successfully interacting with internal and external colleagues and partners.
• Working knowledge of Associated Press Style and journalism principles and techniques.
• Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem solving, independent judgment, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management and presentation skills.
• Proficient with computer applications and programs associated with the position (i.e. Microsoft Office suite).
• Strong attention to detail and follow-up skills.
• Strong customer service skills and phone and e-mail etiquette.