Media Relations Specialist - University Communications & Marketing

Are you a dynamic and creative communicator with a passion for higher education? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment and have a knack for building relationships with media outlets? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you! Carnegie Mellon University's Office of University Communications and Marketing is seeking a skilled Media Relations Specialist to join our team. In this role, you will play a vital role in promoting the university's reputation and brand through strategic media outreach and storytelling. We are looking for someone with a strong understanding of the media landscape and excellent communication skills to help us share the incredible work and achievements of our students, faculty, and staff with the world. If you're ready to make a positive impact and elevate the visibility of one of the world's top universities, we want to hear from you!

1. Develop and execute strategic media outreach plans to promote the university's reputation and brand.
2. Cultivate and maintain relationships with media outlets, journalists, and industry influencers.
3. Collaborate with various departments and stakeholders within the university to identify newsworthy stories and initiatives.
4. Write compelling and engaging press releases, media pitches, and other communication materials.
5. Monitor and analyze media coverage and provide timely reports to senior leadership.
6. Respond to media inquiries and serve as a spokesperson for the university.
7. Plan and coordinate media events, interviews, and press conferences.
8. Stay up-to-date with current trends and news in higher education and proactively pitch relevant stories to media outlets.
9. Serve as a liaison between the university and external media partners.
10. Develop and maintain media lists and databases.
11. Assist in crisis communications and manage sensitive or controversial media situations.
12. Collaborate with the university's marketing and social media teams to ensure cohesive messaging and brand consistency.
13. Provide media training and support to university faculty and staff.
14. Represent the university at industry conferences, networking events, and other public events.
15. Continuously seek out new opportunities to elevate the visibility and reputation of the university.

According to JobzMall, the average salary range for a Media Relations Specialist - University Communications & Marketing in Pittsburgh, PA, USA is $55,000 - $70,000 per year. However, this can vary based on factors such as experience, education, and the specific organization.

Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is a private research university based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1900 by Andrew Carnegie as the Carnegie Technical Schools, the university became the Carnegie Institute of Technology in 1912 and began granting four-year degrees. In 1967, the Carnegie Institute of Technology merged with the Mellon Institute of Industrial Research to form Carnegie Mellon University. With its main campus located 3 miles (5 km) from Downtown Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon has grown into an international university with over a dozen degree-granting locations in six continents, including campuses in Qatar and Silicon Valley, and more than 20 research partnerships. The university has seven colleges and independent schools, all of which offer interdisciplinary programs: the College of Engineering, College of Fine Arts, Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Mellon College of Science, Tepper School of Business, H. John Heinz III College of Information Systems and Public Policy, and the School of Computer Science.