National Media Relations Strategist

National Media Relations Strategist

Work environment: Flexible-hybrid, at least two days per week in the office

Position Overview

The National Media Relations Strategist will play an essential role in supporting and advancing the reputation of the University of Minnesota, with a particular focus on elevating the University's national visibility. This position will be responsible for developing and executing national media strategies in close collaboration with the Senior Public Relations Director and a Senior National Media Relations Strategist. This role will be responsible for proactive national media relations, including identifying and developing story ideas through a University-wide lens that align with University priorities and national media opportunities. The strategist will cultivate and maintain relationships with regional, national, and industry reporters, successfully pitching and placing stories that showcase the University's research, faculty expertise, and other institutional achievements. The National Media Relations Strategist will report to the Senior Director of Public Relations.

This role is ideal for a seasoned media relations professional who thrives in both proactive storytelling and responding to deadline-driven media. The University of Minnesota offers a dynamic and collaborative environment where your expertise can contribute to advancing the national reputation of one of America's leading research universities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute proactive national media relations strategies to enhance the University's reputation and thought leadership.
• Proactively build and maintain relationships with key reporters, editors, producers and other media contacts.
• Identify and pitch compelling University-related stories to national, regional, and industry media outlets.
• Monitor national news trends to identify timely opportunities for media engagement.
• Coordinate with teammates and other internal partners on responses, also directly respond to national media inquiries.
• Provide media training, interview preparation, and strategic guidance to University leadership, faculty, and staff engaging with national media.
• Collaborate with University communicators across departments and colleges, as well as teammates throughout University Marketing Communications, to ensure a cohesive national media relations approach.
• Work under tight media deadlines while managing multiple long-term and short-term priorities.
• Stay informed about key University initiatives, research, and institutional priorities to develop effective media relations strategies.

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, English, or a related field.
• 6+ years of relevant professional experience in public relations or a related field.
• Proven success in developing and placing strategic story pitches with high-visibility media, particularly national media outlets.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with national, regional, and industry reporters.
• Strong writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience providing media training and interview preparation for leaders and experts.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills to align media efforts with University priorities.
• Ability to work in person at least two days per week on the Twin Cities campus.

Preferred qualifications:

• Previous experience working in higher education, scientific/research, governmental, public, or nonprofit organizations.
• Existing national media relationships.
• Experience managing national media relations strategies for complex institutions.

The University Marketing Communications PR team is responsible for supporting public relations activities throughout the University of Minnesota and is the primary PR office for the Twin Cities campus, serving as an initial point of access for local, national and international media and the central office for externally promoting University initiatives, education, research and community engagement.

The highly collaborative University Marketing Communications PR team, working closely with other University Marketing Communications teams and internal partners throughout the University, positions the University to make communications decisions that maximize strategic impact, mitigate risk, and showcase the institution's expertise and value.

Pay Range: $100,000 - $110,000 annually, depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

This position will remain open until filled. Finalists will be asked to provide references. For a completed application, please include a resume and cover letter.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).