Communications and College Relations Specialist (Media Relations Specialist)
: Job Details :

Communications and College Relations Specialist (Media Relations Specialist)

POSITION DETAILS

At Baruch College we believe that student success is everyone's responsibility

Baruch College's Office of Communications, Marketing & Public Affairs (OCMPA) leads the charge in shaping the institution's brand identity and managing its internal and external communications, public and media relations, marketing and advertising efforts, multimedia productions, government and community relations, web content, and social media.

OCMPA is committed to highlighting the College's dedication to academic excellence, affordability, and outcomes. The office showcases Baruch's academic programs, faculty expertise and research, student achievements, and key institutional initiatives as we elevate the college's visibility and expand regional, national, and international recognition.

OCMPA is seeking a dynamic Media Relations Specialist. This role is crucial in securing ongoing positive media coverage for Baruch College, its senior leadership, and its three schools: the Marxe School of Public and International Affairs, the Weissman School of Arts and Sciences, and the Zicklin School of Business. We are looking for a skilled professional with a strong passion for storytelling, media and public relations, a proven track record of successful press placements, and an ability to find and craft newsworthy stories to garner media attention. This position reports to the Director of Public Relations in OCMPA.

Responsibilities include but will not be limited to the following:

+ Formulate and proactively pitch story ideas to secure media placements.

+ Assist Director of Public Relations in responding to media inquiries.

+ Research and write press releases and media alerts.

+ Support drafting of institutional statements and talking points.

+ Partner with OCMPA directors, senior leadership, and campus communications officers to develop and coordinate story ideas and pitches.

+ Monitor news to rapidly leverage opportunities to promote the College's visibility and reputation, such as pitching faculty expertise and generating second-day story ideas.

+ Capitalize on changing pitching techniques and media platforms, such as podcasts, Substack, and influencers.

+ Provide support for events involving media.

+ Develop analysis of media coverage including sentiment, audience reach, and engagement to monitor institutional reputation.

+ Periodically help transform content into multimedia storytelling for the College's numerous communications channels

Note: Until further notice, this position is hybrid with a 70% onsite presence.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree and four years' related experience required.

Other Qualifications:

+ Excellent writing, communications and interpersonal skills.

+ Collaborative and provide exceptional client services that align with the department's in-house agency model.

+ Ability to write quickly, persuasively, and clearly on various topics.

+ Editorial integrity and professional credibility to work discreetly on sensitive assignments, exercise sound judgement, and manage confidential information.

+ Work within a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment producing high-quality publicity and/or editorial content and helping repackage content for multiple distributions and for maximum impact.

+ Strong research and analytical skills with aptitude for understanding complex topics and issues and the ability to translate and simplify them for various audiences, plus attend carefully to factual details.

+ Experience working in a public relations agency a plus

CUNY TITLE OVERVIEW

Assists in establishing and maintaining relationships with external entities and communities, representing the College's positions and interests

* Serves as a liaison to one or more external organizations, representing the College and building working relationships with the leadership of these organizations

* Plans and implements communications campaigns, working with publications staff

* Develops an understanding of the concerns of external organizations and communicates these to appropriate College management

* Plans public activities and contributes to marketing of College activities and programs to external groups

* With College publications and editorial personnel, plans, writes, and produces publicity materials and other external communications

* May maintain relationships with media representatives

* Performs related duties as assigned.

Job Title Name: Communications and College Relations Specialist

CUNY TITLE

Higher Education Assistant

FLSA

Non-exempt

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Salary Range: $64,649 - $72,667; Salary commensurate with education and experience.

CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development. We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off. Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world.

HOW TO APPLY

Visit www.cuny.edu, access the employment page, log in or create a new user account, and search for this vacancy using the Job ID or Title. Select Apply Now and provide the requested information. Candidates must attach a resume and cover letter.

CLOSING DATE

December 18, 2024

JOB SEARCH CATEGORY

CUNY Job Posting: Managerial/Professional

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply. At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our protected groups. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.

Job ID

29349

Location

Baruch College