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Director of Media Relations

Job Details




Job Description:

You could be the one to develop and execute SUNY Oneonta's media relations strategy and promote local, regional and national awareness of the university, its mission and its values to a diverse audience, including members of the media, general public and prospective students.

The Director of Media Relations will work collaboratively with Communication and Marketing colleagues, faculty and senior leadership to ensure that SUNY Oneonta has a consistent earned media presence in both general market and trade print, broadcast and online media. The director will be a communicator and content producer who can effectively build relationships with media outlets, journalists, faculty and staff to create new and compelling content promoting the university to a wide audience. The director will report to the Senior Communication and Marketing Officer.

The ideal candidate will be someone who writes in an articulate and persuasive manner; has and maintains an in-depth knowledge of public relations best practices and media contacts; displays exemplary ethical standards, strong organizational skills and attention to detail; has working knowledge of the latest media-related technology; and is able to work evenings and weekends as needed.

Responsibilities

Media Relations
  • Develop and execute an earned media strategy aimed at strengthening SUNY Oneonta's reputation, increasing its share of voice in key media markets, and gaining statewide and national media coverage to raise the profile and influence of university faculty and staff experts
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key media partners to continuously grow the positive reputation of the university; proactively pitch news and story ideas to external news and media outlets
  • Spearhead development of targeted media lists, proposals for news stories and the coordination of media interviews; help faculty, staff and students prepare for media interviews; manage logistics and accompany news/television crews for all on-campus news events
  • Write, edit and distribute news releases, media advisories, media statements, talking points and other communications promoting SUNY Oneonta news, activities and events
  • Serve as the contact for after-hours media calls and work after-hours events for media coverage when needed
  • Maintain a database of earned media mentions and produce summary reports for university schools and academic departments; share clips of SUNY Oneonta news coverage with the SUNY System communications office and the SUNY Oneonta campus community
  • Apprise senior leadership of new developments or potentially controversial subject matter in the media
Communication
  • Work collaboratively with the university's faculty, staff, leaders and Communication and Marketing department colleagues to identify newsworthy stories and develop content as needed
  • Conduct interviews with faculty, staff and students for news articles and coverage
  • Assist with creation of materials to effectively support the university's external communication plan, including brochures, newsletters and promotional opportunities
  • Assist the Senior Communication and Marketing Officer and other senior leaders with crisis communication and government relations
Salary: $70,000 - commensurate with experience. Information on SUNY's comprehensive benefits offerings can be found at https://www.suny.edu/benefits .


Requirements:

Required qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Seven years' progressive professional experience in media and public relations
  • Excellent written communication skills
  • Demonstrated media placement experience
  • Experience working with and serving diverse populations
Prioritized qualifications:
  • Strong news writing and pitching skills
  • Experience managing multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
  • Strong interpersonal communication skills
  • Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively
  • Experience in logistics for media interview setups
  • Proficiency with Meltwater, Cision or a comparable media monitoring platform
Preferred qualifications:
  • Master's degree
  • Established network of media contacts
  • PRSA or similar certification
  • Bilingual (Spanish and English)

Additional Information:

SUNY Oneonta enrolls about 5,500 students who pursue bachelor's or master's degrees or certificates in one of 70-plus academic programs. Known as an exemplary residential campus that values inclusion, service and sustainability, SUNY Oneonta is a nurturing community where students grow intellectually, thrive socially, and live purposefully.

The university is located in the City of Oneonta, nestled in the northern foothills of the Catskill Mountains about a four-hour drive from New York City, Boston, and Philadelphia. With a population just shy of 14,000, Oneonta is one of the 20 Most Picturesque Small Towns in America, according to Microsoft News. The natural beauty of the region is breathtaking year-round. Each season offers outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, boating, swimming, and skiing. Employees give SUNY Oneonta high marks for work/life balance, management, and culture. The university's indeed.com rating is 4.4, with one recent review noting that the people are what make SUNY Oneonta so special.


Application Instructions:

To apply online go to: http://oneonta.interviewexchange.com/candapply.jsp?JOBID=158832 . Please upload the following required documents: cover letter, resume, at least one news writing sample, media placement clips and contact information for three professional references. A writing exercise will be part of the interview process.

For other employment and regional opportunities, please visit our website at: https://suny.oneonta.edu/about-oneonta/employment .

Pursuant to Executive Order 161, no State entity, as defined by the Executive Order, is permitted to ask, or mandate, in any form, that an applicant for employment provide his or her current compensation, or any prior compensation history, until such time as the applicant is extended a conditional offer of employment with compensation. If such information has been requested from you before such time, please contact the NYS Office of Employee Relations at (518) 474-6988 or via email at info@oer.ny.gov.

SUNY Oneonta values a diverse university community. Please visit our website on diversity at: https://suny.oneonta.edu/diversity . Moreover, the University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Women, persons of color, persons with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.

Company

SUNY Oneonta

SUNY Oneonta is a mid-size, four-year, public university. We offer small classes, loads of activities, opportunities for undergraduate research, student/faculty interaction and an attractive cost of attendance.

Nestled in the hills of Central New York, the university’s idyllic setting is ideal for study, adventure and self-discovery. Just “up the hill” from the charming City of Oneonta, our campus and the surrounding community engages, nurtures, and inspires.

Caring is our longest-standing tradition, traced all the way back to the school’s founding in the late 1800s. Today our growing alumni network spans the globe, advancing the values of inclusivity, service and sustainability that exemplify SUNY Oneonta.

 

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