Assistant Director of Media Relations

Job Description
Department: Marketing and Communications

Pay Rate Type: Salary

Job Summary
The Assistant Director of Media Relations will join a talented and innovative communications team. The Assistant Director of Media Relations will be largely responsible for pitching media to generate positive stories that continue to enhance the reputation of the College. Reporting to the Director of Media Relations, the Assistant Director is expected to work with journalists to obtain national placements for a range of content related to research, scholarship, programs, achievements, and initiatives, as well as assist faculty and staff in preparing for media interactions. Additionally, the Assistant Director will oversee media monitoring tools, continuously identify news trends, and deliver reports that offer insights about the College’s earned media efforts.

Essential Functions
To be successful in this position, an individual should be able to perform the essential duties and bring the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities that support the role. Colby College supports the Americans with Disabilities Act and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. This list of duties is intended to be representative rather than exhaustive, and additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed.

Assist the Director of Media Relations in executing a robust earned media initiative to enhance the reputation of the College

Pitch national media outlets – and develop relationships with national journalists – to secure multiple placements for College announcements, research, stories, and opinions

Develop media interview briefings for College spokespeople

Create, maintain, and update an extensive database of media contacts

Coordinate interviews and media events

Respond to incoming media inquiries in a timely manner by working in collaboration with the director of media relations

Review editorial calendars for relevant placement opportunities

Collaborate with the director of media relations on crisis communications as needed

Identify timely 'news hooks' and work with subject matter experts to develop commentary for trending news cycles

Generate reports for senior leadership that show measurable data-driven impact of earned media placements

Manage relationships with local newspapers, broadcast, radio, and online media

Facilitate content and copy for "In The Media" section of weekly newsletter

Assist faculty in editing and placing op-eds in national, local, and industry media

Position Qualifications
Education and/or experience

Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in education and experience

Minimum of one to three years of work in public relations, media relations, or communications

Preferred Qualifications or Skills

Excellent writing and oral communication skills

Instinct for identifying undiscovered stories and developing creative ways to tell them

Ability to distill complex topics and communicate about them in a clear and compelling manner

Ability to present ideas clearly and collaborate with colleagues and constituents

Good command of language, grammar, and ability to adhere to Colby style guidelines

Attention to detail and high level of organization

Ability to thrive under deadlines and work some nights and weekends as needed

Strong interpersonal skills with the demonstrated ability to establish and develop productive and collegial relationships

Collaboration and the ability to communicate with various constituencies (e.g. staff, faculty, students, managers, and visitors)

Understanding of social media platforms and media relations tools, such as Cision and Muck Rack

Hands-on experience with WordPress or similar Content Management Systems (CMS) for managing the media coverage section of Colby News

Experience with Meltwater, Qwoted, Asana, Business Wire or PRNewswire. Proven experience of podcast placement and training is a plus.

Physical/Mental Demands
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here reflect what is typically needed to perform the essential functions of this position and what may be experienced while carrying out those duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

To perform this role effectively, an employee is expected to handle employee information, documents, and sensitive matters with care, professionalism, and respect for privacy.

This position involves working with a variety of timelines, including some that require quick turnaround and responsiveness to urgent needs.

In this role, the employee will interact with members of the public and others in a variety of situations and conversations. Presenting oneself in a professional, respectful, and thoughtful manner at all times is an important part of the role.

This position includes regular movement throughout office spaces, hallways, meeting rooms, and other campus locations.

Daily work may involve extended use of a computer, including keyboard and mouse.

Physical requirements differ by position. In general, most roles involve lifting up to 10 pounds regularly, with some positions requiring occasional lifting of up to 35 pounds or, in more physically demanding roles, up to 50 pounds.

Vision requirements for this position include the ability to see clearly at close and far distances and to adjust focus as needed.

The work environment is dynamic and engaging, often involving multiple tasks and projects that require shifting focus and strong organizational skills.

The noise level is generally moderate; however, there may be occasional moments of louder sounds depending on campus activity.

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