Senior Media Relations Specialist

Overview

The Senior Media Relations Specialist, under general supervision, performs advanced media relations activities that increase the awareness, visibility, and public credibility of East Texas A&M University. This position establishes and maintains relationships with local, metro, regional, statewide, and selected national media; develops and promotes faculty expert placements; coordinates responses to media inquiries; and writes and distributes media materials that reflect the university’s mission, strategic priorities, and public voice. Working in coordination with the Communications and Editorial Manager, this position helps advance earned media opportunities, strengthen the university’s reputation, and support public information needs during emergencies and other sensitive situations. ETAMU fosters a strong professional environment that supports career growth and academic excellence.

Duties & Responsibilities

Establish and maintain relationships with East Texas local media, Dallas-Fort Worth metro media, regional outlets, statewide media, and selected national and trade outlets.
Develop, write, and pitch stories that promote student success, faculty achievement, research impact, institutional progress, and community contributions.
Develop and maintain faculty expert placements in regional, state, and national media.
Field, assess, coordinate, and respond to media inquiries in a timely, accurate, and strategic manner.
Write, edit, and distribute media advisories, press releases, statements, talking points, briefing materials, and other earned media communications.
Write short news stories, briefs, feature items, and related public-facing content for university channels.
Coordinate with the Communications and Editorial Manager on story development, editorial standards, and message alignment.
Coordinate with Texas A&M System communications colleagues as appropriate on systemwide initiatives and media opportunities.
Assist with press conferences, media availabilities, interview logistics, executive media preparation, and emergency/public information support as assigned.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, communications, marketing, English, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience / Knowledge / Skills:

Four years of related experience in media relations, journalism, public relations, strategic communications, or a related field.
Strong writing, editing, verbal communication, and proofreading skills.
Knowledge of media relations practices and the evolving media landscape.
Strong interpersonal, planning, and organizational skills.

Ability to:

Ability to write clearly for journalists and the public.
Ability to work independently, manage multiple deadlines, and exercise sound judgment in sensitive situations.

Licensing/Professional Certifications: None
Physical Requirements: None
Other Requirements: None

Preferred Education/Skills/Experience

Experience in higher education or another mission-driven organization.
Experience securing earned media placements and building reporter relationships.
Experience writing in Associated Press style.
Experience supporting crisis communication, public information, or emergency communications.

Benefits and Work Environment

Employee tuition assistance for master’s and doctoral programs.
Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance.
ETAMU contributes to employee health and basic life insurance premiums.
Paid holidays and paid sick leave/vacation accrual.
Automatic enrollment in retirement plans with optional additional retirement options.
Wellness program and wellness release time for eligible employees.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.

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