Media Relations Strategist

Position Summary:

The Media Relations Strategist directs and executes public relations and media placement strategy for Fort Lewis College. Additionally, the Media Relations Strategist develops internal and external communications strategies and content with executive and marketing leadership. This is a writing-focused position that quickly turns around exceptional deliverables, including press pitches, press releases, media statements, news stories, and internal memos.

The Media Relations Strategist accomplishes their best work by forming meaningful relationships with key FLC stakeholders on and off campus. They work closely with media partners in student recruitment markets and higher education beats. In close association with other members of the Marketing & Communications team, they help articulate brand messaging to internal and external constituent groups. They collaborate with the Emergency Management Team to help lead campus through complex and unexpected challenges and crises. They are an effective editor for written communications, coaching faculty and staff on tone, grammar, placement, and timing to ensure impact.

The Media Relations Strategist reports to the Director of Marketing & Communications within the Marketing & Communication Department. The position also works closely with the President and members of the President’s Cabinet.

Job Description:

Major Responsibilities

• Creates and directs public relations and media placement strategy for the College in close association with recruitment and College-wide brands to infiltrate target markets and amplify the efforts of Admission, President’s Office, and Marketing & Communications.
• Serves as the primary media contact for the College. Writes press releases and press pitches and provides statements to the media as spokesperson. Hosts media for on-campus visits.
• Collaborates with the Marketing & Communications team to write feature stories for the College news website, biweekly newsletter, and biannual print magazine. Determines which news content is appropriate for press release and press pitch development.
• Acts as a thought partner for the President and other members of leadership regarding written content, including memos, op-eds, and campus updates. Additionally, mentor leadership on brand/leadership positioning, tone, and oral communications strategy.
• Establish trackable metrics that target desired media outcomes; study news cycles and audience engagement to improve tactics.
• Trains high-level faculty and staff on proper media relations etiquette and best practices.
• Processes open records requests in compliance with the Colorado Open Records Act.
• Leads the Public Information Officer Team during campus emergencies. Coordinates training and meetings for the Public Information Officer Team and liaises between Student Affairs and the FLC Police Department.
• Manages email distribution through campus listservs.
• Maintain and revise a style guide for the institution, ensuring consistent messaging and brand identity across all communication channels and departments.
• Monitors social and news media for mentions of the College and responds when appropriate.
• Serves as a member of the President’s Cabinet, Budget Advisory Committee (non-voting), and strategic plan implementation team.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., English, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism), plus 4 or more years of comprehensive experience in strategic communications, marketing, media relations, and/or internal communications.
• Strong understanding of and appreciation for higher education, especially the role of rural and Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions.
• Proven facility in strategic storytelling and exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong creative skills to develop internal and external messaging that aligns with a strategic plan and is tailored to a variety of audiences.
• Proficiency in using computer technology for communications, including experience in web editing programs and email marketing platforms.
• Exceptional organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet strict deadlines within a fast-paced environment.
• Solid leadership skills to collaborate on shared projects across campus departments and train faculty, staff, and students in media relations best practices.
• Good judgment and ability to handle confidential or sensitive information with discretion.
• Experience and training as a Public Information Officer.
• Must be willing to work extended hours and be available evenings and weekends as needed to serve as the on-the-record spokesperson and/or gather information for others when appropriate for them to serve as the spokesperson.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Public Relations or a related field.
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud software.
• Familiarity with the Fort Lewis College brand.
• Familiarity with online content management system (CMS)

Compensation

The salary range is $66,500 to $74,000, plus a comprehensive benefits package

Application Process
A complete application packet includes:

• Cover letter addressing interest and qualifications for position. Include details regarding how your personal and professional experiences position you to encourage a learning environment grounded in equity and inclusion . Answer the following, “How do you envision contributing to Fort Lewis College’s commitment to equity and inclusion?”
  
  
• Resume
  
  
• Names and contact information for three current, professional references .
  
  

Application materials received by June 26, 2023, will receive full consideration. The position will remain open until filled.

The successful candidate will be required to submit original, official college transcripts, and pass a background check.

Notice to Prospective Employees:
The Fort Lewis College is required by the Clery Act of 1990 to notify prospective employees, current employees, students and applicants where to access our Campus Security Report. The report is updated and published annually in accordance with the Higher Education Amendments of 1998, Federal Student Right-to-Know, the Federal Drug-free Schools and Campuses Act of 1989. This report contains information about:

• Fort Lewis College's alcohol and other drug policy
• Sexual assault policy
• Campus security policies
• Campus/community resources
• The Colorado Riot Offense Statute restriction on enrollment
• Where to find registered sex offender information
• Crime statistics for the previous three calendar years
• Reporting crimes

The Campus Security Report can be accessed in two ways:
By going to the internet website at: www.fortlewis.edu/AnnualSecurityReport Fort Lewis College Student Affairs Office will also provide a paper copy of the annual security report upon request. You can reach them at (970) 247-7331.

Equal Opportunity
Fort Lewis College does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, religion, national origin, sex*, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, family or domestic status, political beliefs, veteran status, pregnancy, or genetic information. Accordingly, equal opportunity for employment shall be extended to all persons. The College shall promote equal opportunity, equal treatment, and affirmative action efforts to increase the diversity of students, faculty, and staff. The College is dedicated to building a culturally diverse and pluralistic faculty and staff committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment. To file a report, get resources, read policies, or make an appointment, See www.fortlewis.edu/CARE.

Discrimination Questions?

Office of the Equal Opportunity Coordinator
David Pirrone
192 Education Business Hall
1000 Rim Drive
Durango, Colorado 81301
(970) 247-7182 djpirrone@fortlewis.edu

Questions about Title IX sex discrimination?
Office of the Title 9 Coordinator
Kate Suazo
230 Skyhawk Station
1000 Rim Drive
Durango, Colorado 81301
(970) 247-6729 cmsuazo@fortlewis.edu

Information about Fort Lewis College’s alcohol and drug policy, sexual assault policy, campus security policies, campus crime statistics, fire safety procedures and fire statistics, and campus/community resources can be found in the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. Hard copies are available upon request.

* Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Part 106 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, including in admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and CFR 106 to Fort Lewis College may be directed to FLC's Title IX Coordinator and/or to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights of the Department of Education.

ADAA Accommodations
Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided a reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an employment assessment. To request an accommodation, please contact Kristin Polens by phone 970-247-7459 or email kpolens@fortlewis.edu at least five business days before the assessment date to allow us to evaluate your request and prepare for the accommodation. You may be asked to provide additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional limitations and type of accommodation needed. Please ensure that you have this information available well in advance of the assessment date.