The Highlights:

The Media Relations Specialist is member of the strategic communications team who is responsible for identifying, developing and implementing measurable media relations and communication initiatives. Reporting to the Sr. Director for Strategic Communications, this position will help respond to media inquiries and create news content that elevates the university’s reputation to a wide range of audiences, both internal and external. This position requires a strong writer with excellent editorial skills who has experience working with news outlets. 

What You'll Need:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in public relations, marketing, communication, journalism, English or related discipline
• 3 – 5 years of full-time communications experience successfully utilizing a variety of communication tools 
• Experience in external facing communications, identifying public relations opportunities, and then developing, implementing and measuring their impact and effectiveness.
• Skilled at working with traditional media and sustaining relationships with journalists and bloggers.
• Adept at creating and telling compelling stories and narratives through digital channels, traditional media and multimedia platforms. 
• Ability to conceptualize, structure, write, edit and pitch compelling stories for wide range of audiences, both internally and externally.
• Experience with developing strategic social media plans and implementation; strong working knowledge of a wide range of digital communication strategies and applications; demonstrated success with social media-driven public relations including developing digital influencer relationships and outreach campaigns
• Proficient with media monitoring, social listening and analytics-based platforms.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interface and counsel, coach and communicate with all levels of senior management as well as with colleagues across the university.
• Proven ability to develop and implement effective communications strategies for PR campaigns.
• Proven track record of excellent strategic thinking with a high degree of comfort and flexibility managing multiple competing priorities with attention to complex details.
• Ability to thrive in fast-paced, high-energy environment; proactive, creative, detail-oriented and self-motivated; highly organized.
• Ability to self-start and manage several programs/projects simultaneously while maintaining a high quality of work.
• Strong oral and written communications skills; knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, punctuation, AP style and grammar.
• Experience working successfully with cross-functional teams.
• Foster promotion of University Communications as being the primary communication authority for the university.
• Drive external outreach, enhance and/or support DePaul University’s image and reputation.
• Ability to work full-time on campus and travel between the Loop and Lincoln Park Campuses as necessary. 

Perks:

• Working for a stable and well-known University that values diversity and inclusion.
• Top choice medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Retirement plan matching contribution of 10%.
• Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
• Generous paid time off, sick time, holidays, floating holidays, and more!
• Full-Time Benefits

Diversity and Inclusion Statement:
Guided by an ethic of Vincentian personalism and professionalism, DePaul compassionately upholds the dignity of all members of its diverse, multi-faith, and inclusive community. We seek to hire collaborative, open-minded, and dedicated professionals who are committed to advancing our university mission to making education accessible to all, with special attention to including underserved and underrepresented communities. Successful candidates thrive in an environment where ideas and perspectives representing a wide variety of cultures, backgrounds and experiences are welcome and supported.

Required Background Check:

Mandated Reporting of Child Abuse & Neglect:

Illinois Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS)Illinois Abused and Neglected Child Reporting ActDePaul University is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, genetic information or any other legally protected status, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local EEO laws.