Director of Media Relations

Job Description

The Director of Media Relations serves a vital role for Trinity College as a communications leader who develops and executes a comprehensive media strategy that elevates Trinity College’s reputation locally, nationally, and internationally across print, broadcast, digital, and emerging media. Reporting to the vice president for strategic planning and marketing and communications, the director leads proactive and reactive media engagement and serves as a core member of the College’s Emergency Management Team.

Responsibilities

• Serves as the principal media relations strategist and leader for the College: works to identify possible story leads and media-worthy ideas; develops and oversees media plans for major college announcements and events; responds to media inquiries; plans and pitches stories to local, regional, and national media; and supports members of the campus community in their interactions with the media; and identifies opportunities for influencers to share Trinity's story, all supporting a Strategic Communications and Marketing Plan.
• Fosters relationships with Trinity leaders, students, alumni, and faculty, collaborating on opportunities (including op-eds) to leverage their work in the broader media with a particular focus on stories that support the College‘s enrollment and advancement efforts.
• Oversees the tracking and sharing of media coverage and maintains a database of Trinity experts for media.
• Manages the college’s media response as the principal spokesperson; manages news conferences, press briefings, media visits to campus, and visits by Trinity leaders with editorial boards; supports the media training of administrators, board members, and others as needed. Experience working with student media is a plus.
• Sits as a member of the Emergency Management Team; develops and manages crisis and emergency communications plans and provides support and assistance.
• Contributes to the development of a data-informed process to analyze the impact and effectiveness of communications and media coverage that will guide strategies for the continuous improvement of communications and media relations.
• Cultivates relationships with journalists, thought leaders, influencers, and other content producers and distributors. Bringing existing media contacts is a plus.
• Develops and implements a media training process to prepare and position Trinity faculty and staff to interact with print, digital, and broadcast media.
• Perform other related duties as assigned and based on departmental needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree
• Area of Expertise: Strategic communications at a higher education or non-profit, and/or experience in journalism, public relations, or digital media.
• Must be an excellent writer.
• Must have media relations experience (established media contacts are desired).
• 10 years of relevant work experience or specialized training that can be used in lieu of education requirement.
• Demonstrated success placing national news stories and feature coverage.
• Experience supporting senior leaders and navigating complex or sensitive issues.
• Excellent relationship management and organizational skills.
• Strong media judgment, writing ability, and storytelling skills.
• Highly organized, deadline-driven, and comfortable working evenings or weekends as needed.
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Public speaking skills
• Ability to cultivate and maintain relationships with College leadership, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work nimbly, flexibly, and with grace.

About Us

Trinity is a highly selective, independent, nonsectarian liberal arts institution located in the capital city of Hartford, Connecticut. The college maintains a rigorous academic profile complemented by a vibrant co-curricular program. With more than 2,100 full-time undergraduate students, representing forty-three states and ninety-one countries, we consider our location in a culturally and socioeconomically diverse capital city to be among Trinity’s most distinctive assets; and we cultivate strong connections with our surrounding neighbors and with institutions and organizations throughout Hartford and the region. As a preeminent liberal arts college in an urban setting, Trinity College prepares students to be bold, independent thinkers who lead transformative lives.

Trinity College is an independent, nonsectarian liberal arts college for men and women, with approximately 2,200 undergraduate students and 200 faculty members, located in Hartford, Connecticut. Our Mission is “Engage. Connect. Transform.” As the preeminent liberal arts college in an urban setting, Trinity College prepares students to be bold, independent thinkers who lead transformative lives. Trinity is an actively engaged community of students, faculty and staff who work together to develop and sustain the intellectual and creative opportunities central to a first-class liberal arts education. Hartford, the state capital, provides many opportunities for cultural and social engagement.

The College is committed to building a representative and diverse faculty, administrative staff, and student body. Trinity is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Applicants with disabilities should request, in advance, any needed accommodation in order to participate in the application process.

For all faculty positions, completion of the Ph.D. or appropriate equivalent is expected. Candidates should have a strong commitment to undergraduate and interdisciplinary teaching in a liberal arts context, and a well-articulated plan for sustained research. Trinity is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through their research, teaching, and service.