Director of Media Relations
Location
Evanston, IL | United States
Job description
Department: Global Marketing/Communication
Salary/Grade: EXS/11
Job Summary: The primary focus of Office of Global Marketing and Communications (OGMC) is communicating Northwestern's academic agenda -- communicating to all internal and external audiences in order to strengthen our identity and improve our reputation amongst our peers.
The Director of Media Relations is responsible for managing the team of media relations and communications professionals (writers, editors, videographers, producers and media relations experts) in OGMC who generate University news and amplify the news of all schools and units. The Director strategizes and guides how the University tells its story to key audiences, facilitates media events and connects reporters with faculty expert sources for stories. Guided by best practices, strategic planning and data analysis, the Director ensures the media relations team maximizes opportunities and deliver the media coverage, content and messaging priorities of the University. With an emphasis on global and national media hits, the Director pitches stories to reporters, editors and producers, and develops best practices for the Media Relations team. The Director of Media Relations also oversees the editing and pitching of Op-Eds by University leadership and faculty.
Specific Responsibilities: • Leads and manages on a daily basis the team of media relations and communications professionals (writers, editors, videographers, producers and media relations experts) functioning with individualized beats which generate University news and amplify the news from across the University, schools and units.
• Enables the team to be innovative storytellers in a fast-changing media landscape, exploring new media outlets as well as methods to reach key audiences, while also building close relationships with Northwestern expert/sources and members of the media, generating news releases, media advisories, and media kits that draw the attention of global, national and local media outlets.
• Ensures the media relations team conceives content for stories that aligns with the messaging priorities, guided by best practices, strategic planning and data analysis, to elevate the reputation of the University.
• Leads the development of media events and press conferences, and facilitates media access to our campus, faculty, leadership, staff and students.
• Matches faculty with breaking news stories to place faculty as expert commentators in the media, connect reporters with faculty expert sources for stories.
• Leads the annual strategic approach to provide ongoing media training and education for key faculty and staff.
• Manages For Journalists website to showcase University experts and promote University news to media.
• Serves as a key point of contact for external media, oversees efforts to pitch stories to media and develops and maintains productive relationships with members of the media. Serves as an additional University spokesperson as needed.
• Enlists the cooperation of media representatives in providing accurate information to the public that furthers the goals and mission of the University. Provides background information to the media as required and drafts talking points for spokespersons ahead of interviews or announcements.
• Writes and executes emergency communications in accordance with the Clery Act.
• Oversees media training for faculty members across the University.
• Edits and pitches Op-Eds from University leadership and faculty members.
• Other duties as assigned by the Vice President, Global Marketing and Communications, and the Assistant Vice President of Communications.
Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances) • Minimum of 10 years of experience in journalism, communications, strategic communications, media relations, PR agency and/or integrated marketing/communications roles with a demonstrated record of success working in/with global, national and local media;
• Managerial/supervisory experience;
• Extensive knowledge of print, broadcast, digital and social media;
• Excellent news judgment;
• Strong writing/editing, pitching and storytelling skills;
• Ability to work quickly and on deadline;
• This position demands strong management, organizational skills and proactive planning;
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, sound judgement, creative, collaborative, and motivates/empowers others;
• Proficiency in interpreting data and analytics;
• Undergraduate degree in English, journalism, public relations or a related field or equivalent experience;
• Candidates for this position should be prepared to work after hours and on weekends as necessary to attend events, complete assignments satisfactorily and meet media deadlines.
Target hiring range for this position will be between $98,000-$112,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data
Benefits: At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at to learn more.
Work-Life and Wellness: Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at to learn more.
Professional Growth & Development: Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at to learn more
. Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.
The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.
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