- Code
- 5482
- PCLS
- N3050
- Pay Grade
- 118
- Exempt
- Yes
- ORP
- No
- EEO Code
- 3
- Title
- Public Relations Specialist
- Description
Works closely with University leadership, campus faculty and administrators, students, donors and alumni to produce stories and profiles that increase awareness, drive enrollment and foster greater engagement from internal and external stakeholders. Acts as a liaison between external media, student newspaper and campus personnel; participates on various committees to assist in event planning; Assists in emergency situations that may require communications support. Manages employee who is dedicated to gathering and disseminating information for public service announcements, managing university calendar, and writing news releases and other stories for various publications and the website.
- Examples
Produces a variety of communication pieces for use in newsletters, fact sheets, Sunwatcher Magazine, campus news on the website, social media and other promotional materials as needed. Mines for original content to uncover compelling and differentiating stories within the university. Localizes national trends or stories that affect the University. Assists with long-range editorial planning and strategy for University communications needs, providing consistency of messaging across all channels. Prepares, reviews, and edits news releases. Distributes commencement and honor roll listings through outside vendor. Works with faculty to develop and update a Faculty Experts Guide; contacts appropriate personnel after receiving interview requests from media; handles reactive media requests for information as needed; pitches subjects/stories to local, regional, higher-ed and national media outlets. Collaborates closely with creative services, web services and social media managers, as well as outside vendors, to build visual storytelling capacity through use of photo, video, animations, graphics and charts. Provides support in crisis communications such as writing statements, serving as resource for journalists and/or managing messages during emergencies. Helps to implement inclement weather and emergency notifications. Performs other duties as assigned.
- Physical Condition
- Experience
At least five years of experience in media relations and/or journalism are required. Extensive experience working with media in print, broadcast and other platforms. Experience with visual story telling through use of photo, video, animations, graphic and charts. Experience in issues management and/or crises communication preferred. Experience in higher education is preferred.
- Knowledge
Excellent news judgment; excellent interpersonal communication skills; exceptional writing, research, and editing skill with knowledge of Associated Press style; strong skills in planning organization, active listening and attention to details; ability to take initiative, multi-task and work cross-functionally; knowledge of Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite.
- Education
Bachelor's degree in journalism, communication, marketing or public relations
- Additional Requirements
Requires the ability to work well with diverse populations and maintain positive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and the community. Excellent verbal and written skills and the ability to communicate effectively. Highly motivated, self-directed and capable of working independently and as part of a functional team. Must be able to solve complex problems and to work independently with little supervision. *Regular reliable attendance is required. *This position is designated as security sensitive (Mod) and requires a criminal background check.
- Standard Requirements
-
Requires the ability to maintain positive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and the community. Must adhere to University’s core values: People-Centered, Community, Integrity, Visionary, and Connections, per the MSU Texas Values Journey. Personal cell phone usage may be required to complete position duties, including multi-function authentication requirements. Regular reliable attendance is required.
This position is designated as security sensitive (Mod) and requires a criminal background check. Position is designated as a Responsible Employee as outlined by Title IX. May serve as Campus Security Authority as outlined by the Clery Act.
Last Updated 10-11-2019