Public and Media Relations Coordinator

The Public & Media Relations Coordinator is the chief source for information about Millikin University and is responsible for telling the University’s story through various media to enhance the Millikin brand by creating high-quality content for news releases, feature pieces, and other written materials.

The Coordinator is responsible for the planning, execution, analysis, and continual improvement of a comprehensive, proactive, and outcomes-driven media and public relations plan that enhances Millikin University’s visibility, reputation, relationships, and resources. The outcomes of these efforts will demonstrate increased awareness and interest of the University. The Public & Media Relations Coordinator is also responsible for assisting in managing emergency and crisis communications plans and activities. The position's scope of influence is both University and community wide. Success in this position necessitates skills in communication, leadership, and collaboration with constituents across marketing and media, campus, and community. The Coordinator’s schedule may include working evenings and/or weekends.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to, the

following:  

·       Yields high quality media coverage for the University by proactively developing and maintaining opportunities and relationships with local and national media

·       Develops and implements a comprehensive media relations plan at the local, regional, state, and national level

·       Produces content for news releases, feature stories, media advisories, expert alerts, and other written media relations materials

·       Maintains the news section of millikin.edu

·       Collaborates with appropriate University offices to develop media strategies to advance the Millikin brand

·       Serves as key media relations contact and provides communication support during crisis and emergency events

·       Monitors Millikin's presence in traditional, online, and social media outlets through the use of media tracking software (Cision)

·       Create and publish student achievements on the University website

·       Organizes press conferences, media tours, interviews, and other events and activities to promote Millikin's academic programs, initiatives, and news

·       Provides communication support for administrators, faculty, staff and students

·       Track current events and higher education issues to explore opportunities for media placements and university collaboration

·       Attends and participates in appropriate conferences, events, and networks to establish significant positioning in the community and represent the University

·       Works independently and as a productive collaborator of the Marketing & Media Relations team

·       Responds to tight deadlines and works on multiple projects simultaneously

·       Assists the communications team with special projects and departmental initiatives, performing other work-related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: This position does not have supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to succeed in a result-driven professional organization. Maintaining professional performance, demeanor, team-approach and focus on results while working under pressure in a dynamic environment

Minimum Education and/or Experience:

·       Excellent writing, editing, interviewing, and networking skills

·       Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, English, or another related field

·       Minimum three years’ professional experience in media relations

·       Ability to work independently on projects and collaborate as a strong team member

·       A high degree of creativity, initiative, and integrity

·       Willingness to stay up to date with emerging trends in media relations

·       A confident, professional, and positive attitude

·       Sound organization skills

·       Excellent attention to detail

·       Excellent knowledge of public relations and strategic communication principles and best practices

·       Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously and with precise execution

Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information of three professional references to millikin.edu/employment. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Employment and first day of work is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. Millikin University is an equal opportunity employer and candidates from traditionally underrepresented groups in this field are encouraged to apply. Beyond meeting fully its legal obligations for non-discrimination, Millikin University is committed to increasing employee diversity and will consider qualified applicants with experience in diverse settings, who have a record of research that supports/benefits diverse communities or a record of teaching a diverse student population. Millikin offers a competitive salary and full benefit package, including eligibility for tuition waiver. To view Millikin’s benefits, please go to https://millikin.edu/about/administration/human-resources/benefits.