"Media Relations Manager - University Communications & Marketing"

Carnegie Mellon University seeks a media relations professional to join University Communications and Marketing Media Relations - the team responsible for creating and implementing media outreach campaigns built around faculty research and areas of expertise, institutional priorities and initiatives, special events, and other newsworthy developments. The Media Relations team connects current events and timely topics to position CMU as a thought leader, strategically engaging target publications to proactively communicate news and research to members of the global media - and global business leaders - across all platforms.

Working with others in UCM on broad institutional communications priorities, the Media Relations team provides guidance to the broader community and different departments, and collaborates with campus colleagues on media projects and initiatives that enhance Carnegie Mellon's brand.

Reporting to the UCM Director of Media Relations, the ideal candidate exhibits enthusiasm for journalism and a strong sense of what makes a story newsworthy. They have an interest in exploring new and emerging media relations practices and engagement.

The Media Relations Manager will field requests from the news media, proactively pitch experts and research, prepare and distribute news releases, manage expert directories, serve as a resource to members of the CMU across campus and assist in writing media statements. This role also collaborates with marketing colleagues to generate and circulate media coverage reports; conducts daily tracking of media engagement; assists with media training for faculty, staff, students and leadership; and works closely with university administrators, departments, and other members of the CMU community in preparing for outreach initiatives, media events, and issues management.

Core responsibilities include:

• Writing press releases and pitches
• Building pitch lists
• Daily monitoring and reporting of media coverage
• Proactively pitching stories of institutional strategic value to local, national and international media
• Responding to media inquiries promptly-developing a sense of what inquiries are of value to CMU, and what challenges they may present
• Working with the director of media relations on statements and strategies for responding to media inquiries as necessary
• Fostering relationships with key local, national and international members of the press
• Collaborating with marketing colleagues to track media coverage and help develop coverage reports
• Assisting members of the media covering university events and staffing events where media coverage is expected
• Assisting in preparing, coordinating and conducting media training for faculty and staff
• Leading the management of expert directories like on cmu.edu and ExpertFile
• Assisting with issues management as needed
• Managing the media relations email inbox
• Daily newsjacking identification and proactive pitching of experts
• Tracking proactive and reactive efforts and placements
• Covering university beats and being the point of contact for several schools and colleges and/or centers and institutes

Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

You should demonstrate:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated relationship-building skills
• Strong organization and planning skills
• Flexibility when there is a need to change, reprioritize or shift focus or goals
• Anticipate both problems and opportunities and act accordingly
• A proactive approach while advancing work and achieving results on deadline
• Enthusiasm for journalism and a strong sense of what makes a story newsworthy
• Interest in exploring new and emerging media relations practices and engagement
• Eagerness to learn about-and promote-new trends and research

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, public relations, professional writing or a similar field
• 5-7 years pitching media outlets and writing externally facing materials, newsroom writing/experience, or similar experience
• Experience in higher education is a plus, but not necessary
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered

Requirements:

• Successful pre-employment background check

Additional Information:

• Sponsorship: Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States. CMU will not sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity. Carnegie Mellon is not a qualifying employer for the STEM OPT benefit: only the 12-month OPT may be used to work at Carnegie Mellon.
• Work Posture: This position is operating on a hybrid schedule, with an on-campus/in-office presence three days a week.