National Media Relations Specialist Office of Communications and Marketing UTK

The National Media Relations Specialist is a vital member of the News and Information team within the Office of Communications and Marketing (OCM) at the University of Tennessee Knoxville. This role focuses on advancing the universitys reputation among national audiences through developing earned media strategies media pitching and strategic storytelling. The specialist collaborates across OCM teams university departments and colleges to highlight UTs achievements in academics student success research and innovation.

National Media Strategy

• Directly support the director of news and information in planning executing and evaluating national media strategies that elevate the reputation of the university.
  
• Lead collaboration across OCM departments and with key campus partners on stories projects and initiatives that advance UTs reputation nationally.
  
• Generate ideas that align with UTs national storytelling goals and participate in brainstorming sessions to uncover national pitching opportunities.
  
• Proactively seek innovative opportunities and new channels to elevate UTs national reputation across both traditional and non-traditional media.
  
• Monitor and analyze national media trends to inform compelling pitches and ensure UT remains competitive in national coverage.
  

National Media Relations and Pitching

• Execute targeted outreach to national media by creating news releases and strategic pitches that highlight UTs priorities research and achievements.
  
• Develop and maintain relationships with national media contacts that support the universitys strategic communications plan.
  
• Elevate key research to national media in partnership with the director of research marketing and communications to earn placement in traditional non-traditional and niche publications; regularly attend monthly research council meetings.
  
• Increase national recognition of faculty experts by working with the director of research marketing and communications and assistant director of news and information in elevating faculty expertise through the universitys membership with The Conversation.
  
• Create alignment with key campus communications partners to promote college/unit research expertise to trade publications and specialized media outlets.
  
• Actively promote and utilize UTs Experts Guide to identify faculty and staff for national media interviews.
  
  
• Create high-level content supporting institutional goals including news releases repurposing select campus partner content some of which will be featured in the universitys bi-annual magazine and across official university social platforms.

Evaluation of National Media Monitoring Efforts

• Collaborate with the Digital News Content Coordinator to assess pitch outcomes and coverage and regularly report back to leadership.
  
• Analyze factors influencing results and provide actionable insights for data-driven improvements.

Other Duties

• Build news posts and publish content on UTs news page using best practices such as SEO optimization concise headlines and audience-specific copy (when needed in back-up capacity).
  
• Work with project managers to secure photography for assignments (as needed).
  
• Other duties as assigned.

Required

Education:

Bachelors degree in public relations communications journalism marketing or the humanities.

Experience:

At least 4 years of communications experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Knowledge:

• Demonstrated knowledge of effective media relations strategies for securing national media placements engaging diverse audiences.
• Working knowledge of traditional and emerging media platforms.
• Familiarity with university branding guidelines and standards.

Skills:

• Strong media pitching skills.
• Strong writing skills for creating clear accurate and compelling content and pitches tailored for national media contacts and various stakeholder groups.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
• Collaborative skills for working effectively with campus partners office staff and leadership teams.
• Analytical skills for evaluating media coverage and providing actionable insights.

Abilities:

• Commitment to representing the university positively and professionally in all interactions.
• Proficiency in utilizing OCM tools and platforms for maximum efficiency.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to team goals.
• Capacity to accept constructive feedback professionally while providing thoughtful input when needed.

Preferred

Education:

Masters degree in public relations communications journalism marketing or the humanities.

Experience:

At least 4 years of communications experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified within the higher education industry.

Work Location

• Knoxville TN
• This is an onsite position with some hybrid work schedule flexibility

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR10
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structurehere

The university offers a highly competitive benefits package that includes health insurance and retirement plans through the State of Tennessee generous annual and sick leave accruals longevity pay tuition waivers and discounts and more. Find more information on UT Benefitshere.

Application Instructions

For full consideration applicants must apply electronically and submit a cover letter detailing experience in national media relations resume highlighting relevant accomplishments and the names email addresses and phone numbers of three references. A minimum of two references should be current or previous selected for further consideration will be asked to submit examples of successful national media placements or campaigns.

About The College/Department/Division

The Office of Communications and Marketing is dedicated to advancing the universitys reputation. Staff members support the institutions mission and goals promote its successes and achievements inform and engage its stakeholders and ensure the integrity of its brand. We craft audience-focused communications based on data best-practices and emerging trends.

The division comprises several cross-functional teams employing professionals with expertise in design development video production content strategy feature writing editing marketing media relations internal communication and special events.