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The University of Texas System · 1 day ago

Executive Director of Media Relations

Austin, TX

Full-time

Onsite

Director/Executive

10+ years exp

The University of Texas System has been enhancing lives through education, health care, and research for over 140 years. They are seeking an Executive Director of Media Relations who will be responsible for developing and executing strategic media activities and managing media-related communications to support the mission of the UT System.

EducationHigher EducationUniversities

Responsibilities

Demonstrate excellent knowledge and awareness of issues, opportunities and challenges, and develop proactive, sound, timely, and accurate communications, including responses to a steady stream of media inquiries

Proactively generate and develop content on relevant topics on a consistent basis to inform state, national and trade media

Author a variety of written content pieces, including official statements, news releases, reports, briefings, op-eds, and media pitches and manage communications vetting processes

Ensure strong oversight of communications and coordination with social media manager on multi-channel delivery of information

Work with communications professionals across the UT institutions to keep them informed on issues of importance on a timely basis

Create media briefings, including logistics, talking points and reference materials – as appropriate – to prepare principals for media engagement

Propose, write and pitch columns and op eds on key issues for UT System principals

Provide media relations coverage for board meetings of the UT System Board of Regents and the University of Texas/Texas A&M Investment Management Company (UTIMCO)

Serve as a media relations liaison to the UT System departments and UT institutions

Support UT System events with media opportunities

Consistently evaluate and update media lists based on proactive outreach and evolving press opportunities

Other duties as assigned

Qualification

Media relations experienceStrategic communicationDigital media toolsLeadership skillsEthicsTeam collaborationMentoring skillsIntegrity

Required

Bachelor's degree

10+ years of senior professional experience in a public relations agency providing media counsel and services to higher education, or ten years in a senior-level corporate communications post, journalism or related field

Preferred

Prior senior professional/media relations higher education, health or nonprofit sector

Master's degree in related field

Benefits

The standard retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

However, the incumbent of this position may elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Participation in either TRS or ORP is mandatory.