Assistant Director of Media Relations

Job Description

The Assistant Director of Media Relations implements the university's central media relations strategy, with a focus on elevating Virginia Tech’s leadership, faculty expertise, research discoveries, and student achievements.

The Assistant Director reports to the Director for Media Relations and D.C. Area communications and collaborates with colleagues across the university to find and facilitate national media and high impact regional and local media opportunities.

The Assistant Director regularly interviews faculty members, writes tip sheets and advisories; develops targeted media lists and pitches stories. She/he works across all of Virginia Tech’s campuses to engage in message preparation and training, facilitating the needs of visiting media on campus.

The Assistant Director also manages news conference, editorial meetings and other media events and opportunities as needed.

The Assistant Director maintains a flexible work schedule, responsive to the needs of media outlets and broadcast schedules. Occasional night and weekend assignments are likely. Occasional travel may be required for media training, news events, and other opportunities.

The Assistant Director manages and schedules the Media Relations Broadcast Studio and facilitates the production of live and recorded television, broadcast, and video interviews with faculty experts in the studio and via online platforms (Zoom, Skype, etc.) and emerging channels.

Required Qualifications

- Master's degree in job-related field; or Bachelor's degree with experience equating to an advanced degree.

- Professional experience working in media relations or working in media.

- Knowledge of media and media trends.

- Demonstrated excellence in writing and editing

- Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and manage competing priorities.

- Proven ability to foster and maintain effective, collaborative relationships with the news media and university community.

Preferred Qualifications

- Experience leading a team

- Prior experience working in a print, online or broadcast newsroom.

- Knowledge of AP Style.

- Experience handling sensitive and confidential information with appropriate discretion.

- Proficient in technology, social media platforms, and current industry digital applications and platforms.

Pay Band

N/A

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

Commensurate with Experience

Review Date

09/26/2022

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges , a school of medicine , a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School , and Honors College . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact HR Advancement at hradv@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: September 7, 2022
Applications close: