What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Director of National Media Strategy position at The University of Texas at Austin?
Job Posting Title : Assistant Director of National Media Strategy
Increase your chances of an interview by reading the following overview of this role before making an application.
Hiring Department : University Marketing and Communications
Position Open To : All Applicants
Weekly Scheduled Hours : 40
FLSA Status : Exempt
Earliest Start Date : Immediately
Position Duration : Expected to Continue
Location : UT MAIN CAMPUS
Job Details : Purpose
The Assistant Director of National Media Strategy plays a pivotal role in shaping and enhancing the public image and visibility of the University through proactive media engagement. This position is responsible for developing strategic relationships with national media outlets to publicize and advance the University's academic and research initiatives, including those related to Energy, Artificial Intelligence, and Robotics with priority audiences. The Assistant Director will collaborate with key internal and external stakeholders to develop a comprehensive understanding of the University's initiatives and advancements in the Energy, AI, and Robotics disciplines, as well as their unique attributes that separate the University from peer institutions.
Responsibilities
Media Relations : Develop and maintain relationships with national and international media outlets and media influencers. Serve as a key point of contact for national media inquiries and proactively pitch stories to secure coverage that highlights the University's academic and research achievements in priority initiatives including Energy, AI, and Robotics.
Strategic Communications : Collaborate with the University's communications and marketing teams to create and implement media plans that support institutional priorities.
Content Creation : Work closely with faculty, researchers, and leadership to identify and develop compelling stories that showcase the University's strengths and innovations. Write press releases, op-eds, media advisories, and other content tailored for external media distribution.
Media Monitoring & Analytics : Track and analyze media coverage to evaluate the effectiveness of media strategies and report on key performance indicators. Use insights to optimize future media outreach efforts.
External Partnerships : Foster relationships with external partners, such as industry groups, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies, to amplify the University's media presence and collaborative initiatives.
Social Media Engagement : Work closely with the digital and social media teams to ensure media strategies are integrated across online platforms, contributing to consistent messaging and engagement with broader audiences.
Management : May recruit, hire, train, supervise, and mentor assigned staff.
Required Qualifications :
Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
5 years of experience in media relations, public relations, or a similar field.
Proven success in developing and executing media strategies and securing placements with national digital, print and broadcast media outlets.
Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with the ability to communicate complex ideas to a variety of audiences.
Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills; ability to work effectively with university leadership, faculty, staff, and external partners.
Ability to quickly grasp and communicate complex, often technical subject matter and identify the value to core audiences.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple projects with competing deadlines.
Knowledge of media monitoring and analytics tools.
Familiarity with the higher education landscape and current trends affecting universities.
Preferred Qualifications :
Master's degree preferred.
More than 5 years of experience in media relations, public relations, or a similar field, preferably in higher education.
Demonstrated impact placing earned media content in subject matter related to this role.
Demonstrated experience in digital media strategy and social media engagement.
Understanding of SEO and digital marketing best practices.
Salary Range : $95,000 depending on qualifications
Working Conditions :
May work around standard office conditions.
Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.
Occasional overtime during peak periods.
This position is based in Austin, TX and is required to work on campus; however, the position is eligible for flexible scheduling and may be eligible for occasional remote work.
Required Materials : Resume / CV
Letter of interest
Three writing samples.
3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor.
Employment Eligibility : Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers.
Background Checks : A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.
Equal Opportunity Employer : The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action.
J-18808-Ljbffr
Salary : $95,000
