The University of Texas at Arlington
Director of Media Relations
The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas, United States, 76000
Director of Media Relations
Bookmark this Posting Print Preview | Apply for this Job
Please see Special Instructions for more details.
Applicants must include in their online resume the following information: 1) Employment history: name of company, period employed (from month/year to month/year), job title, summary of job duties and 2) Education: school name, degree type, and major.
Posting Details
Position Information
Posting Number S05747P
Position Title Director of Media Relations
UTSystem Title Director
Department VP Mktng, Msgn, & Engmnt
Location Arlington
Job Family Communications/Public Affairs
Position Status Full-time
Work Hours Standard
Work Schedule
Monday-Friday; 8:00am-5:00pm
Open to External and Internal
Salary Salary is commensurate based on qualifications and relevant experience up to $120,000.
Duration Funding expected to continue
Pay Basis Monthly
Benefits Eligible Yes
Benefits at UTA
We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to all our employees at the University.
https://www.uta.edu/hr/employee-benefits
To help you understand the full value of these benefits, we have created a tool that calculates the total worth of your compensation package. This tool takes into account all of the benefits that you are eligible for, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. To access this tool and learn more about the total value of your benefits, please click on the following link:
https://resources.uta.edu/hr/services/records/compensation-tools.php
University Information
The University of Texas at Arlington is located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metroplex, a vibrant and diverse metropolitan area that is home to over 7 million people, one of the fastest-growing tech economies in the United States, and a wide array of arts, entertainment, and cultural activities. UTA is a comprehensive teaching, research, and public service institution dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through scholarship and creative work. The University is committed to providing access and ensuring student success, and to a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, and commercialization of discoveries by our community of scholars. With an enrollment of more than 40,000 students, UTA is the second largest in the University of Texas System. As a result of its combination of rigorous academics and innovative research, UTA is designated as a Carnegie R-1 “Very High Research Activity” institution. UTA ranks No. 4 nationally in Military Times’ annual “Best for Vets: Colleges” list and is among the top 30 performers nationwide for promoting social mobility of its graduates (U.S. News & World Report, 2023). UTA is designated by the U.S. Department of Education as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI), and it has one of the top 5 most ethnically diverse undergraduate student bodies in the United States (U.S. News & World Report, 2023). Its approximately 270,000 alumni, including some who occupy leadership positions at many of the 24 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in North Texas, contribute to UTA’s $22.2 billion annual economic impact on Texas.
Furthermore, UTA is poised to experience widespread growth in the near future. The university recently launched the first phase of its RISE 100 initiative aimed at recruiting 100 new tenure-system faculty to amplify research standing and position UTA as a leader in key scholarly areas; more details are available at https://www.uta.edu/administration/president/strategic-plan/rise100. The successful candidate for this position will have the opportunity to join UTA during an exciting period of growth and contribute as the university broadens its impact.
Job Summary
The Director of Media Relations manages, leads, and provides operational and editorial direction of the University’s central media relations staff. In coordination with the chief communications officer develops and executes integrated communications and media relations strategies and plans to promote University initiatives and expand its positioning among key audiences and influencers; develops and utilizes key performance indicators and uses quantitative and qualitative assessment; and regularly promotes and facilitates coordination and collaboration among college, departmental and divisional communicators across campus. Serves as deputy University spokesperson. Serves as on-call back-up to the chief communications officer for emergency and crisis communications response.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Lead and manage owned and earned news media strategies and operations to develop, direct, and/or deploy news releases, messaging, statements, responses, video coverage and news conferences.
Develop proactive strategies to disseminate appropriate, timely and accurate news, information, and resources on the University’s owned channels, including website and news center.
Work collaboratively with other members of MME and extended staff to ensure clear and consistent communications that advances institutional priorities, elevates the university’s visibility and reputation, and increases engagement with regional, state, and national media, community partners, governmental leaders and legislators, current and prospective students and influencers, alumni, university supporters and donors.
Share strategies; pitch news and feature articles; write articles and copy for the University’s publications, periodicals, and web site, as needed.
Monitor and engage multiple media channels (print, electronic, video, online, blogs); and manage all interactions and involvement with the media.
Lead a dynamic team of highly energized, focused, and results-oriented media relations staff to strategically position the University regionally, nationally, and internationally as a major research institution that excels at its multi-faceted mission of teaching, research, and community service.
Provide editorial content direction for and coordinate production of owned media/news content and collaborate with MME staff on University centrally managed mass-media products, including University periodicals, reports, newsletters, fact sheets, websites, and multimedia productions.
Utilize a data-informed approach to communications planning to increase engagement and elevates the University’s profile with target audiences.
In coordination with the chief communications officer, develop, implement, and monitor qualitative and quantitative measures of performance and effectiveness that inform audience identification and segmentation, content strategy, message sequencing and coordination, and/or media delivery, utilizing industry-standard analytics and assessment services.
In coordination with the chief communications officer, manage the MME news content calendar and collaborate closely with communications staffs within the University’s schools, colleges, collegiate athletics, and administrative units to set media priorities, develop media opportunities, identify, and devise story ideas, cultivate faculty experts, ensure consistency of overall messaging, and avoid duplication of effort and resources.
Design and implement media relations strategies that enhance the University’s visibility and reputation consistent with MME communications and engagement strategies and University’s strategic priorities.
Serve as a University spokesperson, in coordination with the chief communications officer.
Work closely with the chief communications officer in facilitating crisis communications and emergency communications support to the MME and University leadership and emergency management teams, including exercise participation, developing messaging, utilization of the University’s emergency notification systems, and MME media relations staffing during times of crisis and/or emergency, including severe weather emergencies.
This position is designated as essential personnel under the University’s crisis management plan.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in communication, journalism, public relations, marketing, public affairs or related degree and a minimum of five (5) years of communication experience in public relations, media relations, news media, public affairs, corporate communications, or nine (9) years of an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, public affairs, or a related degree with seven (7) or more years of experience in communications, news, or public relations related field.
Previous experience in higher education, public agency, or matrixed corporation.
Experience as a manager or supervisor leading a team of communication professionals.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs.
Exceptional writing/editing skills – including development and editing along with ability to shape and improve content for multiple target audiences and repackage materials for multiple uses, supported by a portfolio of writing and published/broadcast samples (required).
Demonstrated excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communications skills.
Knowledge of news media practices and journalism ethics.
Demonstrated mastery of AP style.
Knowledge of communication strategies, tools, techniques, and technologies.
Demonstrated skill and experience in developing and managing communications planning for or within a highly matrixed and visible organization and innovative problem-solving.
In-depth knowledge and use of communication analytics, monitoring and distributions platforms and services.
Demonstrated leadership and management skills.
Positive, collegial, and collaborative work style.
Other Requirements
Working Conditions
Special Conditions for Eligibility
CBC Requirement
It is the policy of The University of Texas at Arlington to conduct a criminal background check on any applicant who is under final consideration for employment with the University.
EEO Statement
It is the policy of The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA or The University) to provide an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. In accordance with federal and state law, the University prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, and/or veteran status. The University also prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity, and gender expression. Retaliation against persons who oppose a discriminatory practice, file a charge of discrimination, or testify for, assist in, or participate in an investigative proceeding relating to discrimination is prohibited. Constitutionally-protected expression will not be considered discrimination or harassment under this policy. It is the responsibility of all departments, employees, and students to ensure the University’s compliance with this policy.
ADA Accommodations
The University of Texas at Arlington is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to 817-272-5554 or email ADADocs@uta.edu.
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies 1
Open Until Filled
Minimum Number of References Required 3
Maximum Number of References Accepted 3
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants must include in their online resume the following information: 1) Employment history: name of company, period employed (from month/year to month/year), job title, summary of job duties and 2) Education: school name, degree type, and major.
Requirement Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
*What is the highest level of education attained?
GED
High School Diploma
Associate's Degree
Bachelor's Degree
Master's Degree
PhD or equivalent
*How much experience do you have in leading and managing public relations or communications teams?
None/less than 2 years
2/less than 3 years
3/less than 5 years
5 years or more
*How many years of supervisory experience do you have?
None/less than 2 years
3 to 4 years
4 to 5 years
6 or more years
*How many years of experience do you have working in higher education?
None/less than 1 year
2 to 3 years
4 to 5 years
6 years or more
Documents Needed To Apply
Required Documents
Resume or CV
Cover/Interest Letter
Optional Documents
Portfolio or Work Samples
Work Samples
Publications
Writing Sample
Bookmark this Posting Print Preview | Apply for this Job
Please see Special Instructions for more details.
Applicants must include in their online resume the following information: 1) Employment history: name of company, period employed (from month/year to month/year), job title, summary of job duties and 2) Education: school name, degree type, and major.
Posting Details
Position Information
Posting Number S05747P
Position Title Director of Media Relations
UTSystem Title Director
Department VP Mktng, Msgn, & Engmnt
Location Arlington
Job Family Communications/Public Affairs
Position Status Full-time
Work Hours Standard
Work Schedule
Monday-Friday; 8:00am-5:00pm
Open to External and Internal
Salary Salary is commensurate based on qualifications and relevant experience up to $120,000.
Duration Funding expected to continue
Pay Basis Monthly
Benefits Eligible Yes
Benefits at UTA
We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to all our employees at the University.
https://www.uta.edu/hr/employee-benefits
To help you understand the full value of these benefits, we have created a tool that calculates the total worth of your compensation package. This tool takes into account all of the benefits that you are eligible for, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. To access this tool and learn more about the total value of your benefits, please click on the following link:
https://resources.uta.edu/hr/services/records/compensation-tools.php
University Information
The University of Texas at Arlington is located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metroplex, a vibrant and diverse metropolitan area that is home to over 7 million people, one of the fastest-growing tech economies in the United States, and a wide array of arts, entertainment, and cultural activities. UTA is a comprehensive teaching, research, and public service institution dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through scholarship and creative work. The University is committed to providing access and ensuring student success, and to a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, and commercialization of discoveries by our community of scholars. With an enrollment of more than 40,000 students, UTA is the second largest in the University of Texas System. As a result of its combination of rigorous academics and innovative research, UTA is designated as a Carnegie R-1 “Very High Research Activity” institution. UTA ranks No. 4 nationally in Military Times’ annual “Best for Vets: Colleges” list and is among the top 30 performers nationwide for promoting social mobility of its graduates (U.S. News & World Report, 2023). UTA is designated by the U.S. Department of Education as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI), and it has one of the top 5 most ethnically diverse undergraduate student bodies in the United States (U.S. News & World Report, 2023). Its approximately 270,000 alumni, including some who occupy leadership positions at many of the 24 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in North Texas, contribute to UTA’s $22.2 billion annual economic impact on Texas.
Furthermore, UTA is poised to experience widespread growth in the near future. The university recently launched the first phase of its RISE 100 initiative aimed at recruiting 100 new tenure-system faculty to amplify research standing and position UTA as a leader in key scholarly areas; more details are available at https://www.uta.edu/administration/president/strategic-plan/rise100. The successful candidate for this position will have the opportunity to join UTA during an exciting period of growth and contribute as the university broadens its impact.
Job Summary
The Director of Media Relations manages, leads, and provides operational and editorial direction of the University’s central media relations staff. In coordination with the chief communications officer develops and executes integrated communications and media relations strategies and plans to promote University initiatives and expand its positioning among key audiences and influencers; develops and utilizes key performance indicators and uses quantitative and qualitative assessment; and regularly promotes and facilitates coordination and collaboration among college, departmental and divisional communicators across campus. Serves as deputy University spokesperson. Serves as on-call back-up to the chief communications officer for emergency and crisis communications response.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Lead and manage owned and earned news media strategies and operations to develop, direct, and/or deploy news releases, messaging, statements, responses, video coverage and news conferences.
Develop proactive strategies to disseminate appropriate, timely and accurate news, information, and resources on the University’s owned channels, including website and news center.
Work collaboratively with other members of MME and extended staff to ensure clear and consistent communications that advances institutional priorities, elevates the university’s visibility and reputation, and increases engagement with regional, state, and national media, community partners, governmental leaders and legislators, current and prospective students and influencers, alumni, university supporters and donors.
Share strategies; pitch news and feature articles; write articles and copy for the University’s publications, periodicals, and web site, as needed.
Monitor and engage multiple media channels (print, electronic, video, online, blogs); and manage all interactions and involvement with the media.
Lead a dynamic team of highly energized, focused, and results-oriented media relations staff to strategically position the University regionally, nationally, and internationally as a major research institution that excels at its multi-faceted mission of teaching, research, and community service.
Provide editorial content direction for and coordinate production of owned media/news content and collaborate with MME staff on University centrally managed mass-media products, including University periodicals, reports, newsletters, fact sheets, websites, and multimedia productions.
Utilize a data-informed approach to communications planning to increase engagement and elevates the University’s profile with target audiences.
In coordination with the chief communications officer, develop, implement, and monitor qualitative and quantitative measures of performance and effectiveness that inform audience identification and segmentation, content strategy, message sequencing and coordination, and/or media delivery, utilizing industry-standard analytics and assessment services.
In coordination with the chief communications officer, manage the MME news content calendar and collaborate closely with communications staffs within the University’s schools, colleges, collegiate athletics, and administrative units to set media priorities, develop media opportunities, identify, and devise story ideas, cultivate faculty experts, ensure consistency of overall messaging, and avoid duplication of effort and resources.
Design and implement media relations strategies that enhance the University’s visibility and reputation consistent with MME communications and engagement strategies and University’s strategic priorities.
Serve as a University spokesperson, in coordination with the chief communications officer.
Work closely with the chief communications officer in facilitating crisis communications and emergency communications support to the MME and University leadership and emergency management teams, including exercise participation, developing messaging, utilization of the University’s emergency notification systems, and MME media relations staffing during times of crisis and/or emergency, including severe weather emergencies.
This position is designated as essential personnel under the University’s crisis management plan.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in communication, journalism, public relations, marketing, public affairs or related degree and a minimum of five (5) years of communication experience in public relations, media relations, news media, public affairs, corporate communications, or nine (9) years of an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, public affairs, or a related degree with seven (7) or more years of experience in communications, news, or public relations related field.
Previous experience in higher education, public agency, or matrixed corporation.
Experience as a manager or supervisor leading a team of communication professionals.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs.
Exceptional writing/editing skills – including development and editing along with ability to shape and improve content for multiple target audiences and repackage materials for multiple uses, supported by a portfolio of writing and published/broadcast samples (required).
Demonstrated excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communications skills.
Knowledge of news media practices and journalism ethics.
Demonstrated mastery of AP style.
Knowledge of communication strategies, tools, techniques, and technologies.
Demonstrated skill and experience in developing and managing communications planning for or within a highly matrixed and visible organization and innovative problem-solving.
In-depth knowledge and use of communication analytics, monitoring and distributions platforms and services.
Demonstrated leadership and management skills.
Positive, collegial, and collaborative work style.
Other Requirements
Working Conditions
Special Conditions for Eligibility
CBC Requirement
It is the policy of The University of Texas at Arlington to conduct a criminal background check on any applicant who is under final consideration for employment with the University.
EEO Statement
It is the policy of The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA or The University) to provide an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. In accordance with federal and state law, the University prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, and/or veteran status. The University also prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity, and gender expression. Retaliation against persons who oppose a discriminatory practice, file a charge of discrimination, or testify for, assist in, or participate in an investigative proceeding relating to discrimination is prohibited. Constitutionally-protected expression will not be considered discrimination or harassment under this policy. It is the responsibility of all departments, employees, and students to ensure the University’s compliance with this policy.
ADA Accommodations
The University of Texas at Arlington is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to 817-272-5554 or email ADADocs@uta.edu.
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies 1
Open Until Filled
Minimum Number of References Required 3
Maximum Number of References Accepted 3
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants must include in their online resume the following information: 1) Employment history: name of company, period employed (from month/year to month/year), job title, summary of job duties and 2) Education: school name, degree type, and major.
Requirement Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
*What is the highest level of education attained?
GED
High School Diploma
Associate's Degree
Bachelor's Degree
Master's Degree
PhD or equivalent
*How much experience do you have in leading and managing public relations or communications teams?
None/less than 2 years
2/less than 3 years
3/less than 5 years
5 years or more
*How many years of supervisory experience do you have?
None/less than 2 years
3 to 4 years
4 to 5 years
6 or more years
*How many years of experience do you have working in higher education?
None/less than 1 year
2 to 3 years
4 to 5 years
6 years or more
Documents Needed To Apply
Required Documents
Resume or CV
Cover/Interest Letter
Optional Documents
Portfolio or Work Samples
Work Samples
Publications
Writing Sample