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University of Tennessee, Knoxville · 2 months ago

National Media Relations Specialist - Office of Communications and Marketing - UTK

Knoxville, TN

Full-time

Hybrid

Mid Level

4+ years exp

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is seeking a National Media Relations Specialist who will play a crucial role in the News and Information team within the Office of Communications and Marketing. This position focuses on enhancing the university's national reputation through strategic media relations, storytelling, and collaboration with various departments.

Higher Education

H1B Sponsor Likely

Responsibilities

Directly support the director of news and information in planning, executing and evaluating national media strategies that elevate the reputation of the university

Lead collaboration across OCM departments and with key campus partners on stories, projects, and initiatives that advance UT’s reputation nationally

Generate ideas that align with UT’s national storytelling goals and participate in brainstorming sessions to uncover national pitching opportunities

Proactively seek innovative opportunities and new channels to elevate UT’s national reputation across both traditional and non-traditional media

Monitor and analyze national media trends to inform compelling pitches and ensure UT remains competitive in national coverage

Execute targeted outreach to national media by creating news releases and strategic pitches that highlight UT’s priorities, research and achievements

Develop and maintain relationships with national media contacts that support the university’s strategic communications plan

Elevate key research to national media in partnership with the director of research marketing and communications to earn placement in traditional, non-traditional and niche publications; regularly attend monthly research council meetings

Increase national recognition of faculty experts by working with the director of research marketing and communications and assistant director of news and information in elevating faculty expertise through the university’s membership with The Conversation

Create alignment with key campus communications partners to promote college/unit research expertise to trade publications and specialized media outlets

Actively promote and utilize UT’s Experts Guide to identify faculty and staff for national media interviews

Create high-level content supporting institutional goals, including news releases, repurposing select campus partner content, some of which will be featured in the university’s bi-annual magazine and across official university social platforms

Collaborate with the Digital News Content Coordinator to assess pitch outcomes and coverage and regularly report back to leadership

Analyze factors influencing results and provide actionable insights for data-driven improvements

Build news posts and publish content on UT’s news page using best practices such as SEO optimization, concise headlines, and audience-specific copy (when needed in back-up capacity)

Work with project managers to secure photography for assignments (as needed)

Other duties as assigned

Qualification

Media relations strategiesMedia pitchingWriting skillsAnalytical skillsProject managementIndependenceUtilizing OCM toolsCollaborative skillsCommunication skillsFeedback acceptance

Required

Bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, journalism, marketing or the humanities

At least 4 years of communications experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified

Demonstrated knowledge of effective media relations strategies for securing national media placements engaging diverse audiences

Working knowledge of traditional and emerging media platforms

Familiarity with university branding guidelines and standards

Strong media pitching skills

Strong writing skills for creating clear, accurate, and compelling content and pitches tailored for national media contacts and various stakeholder groups

Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines

Collaborative skills for working effectively with campus partners, office staff, and leadership teams

Analytical skills for evaluating media coverage and providing actionable insights

Commitment to representing the university positively and professionally in all interactions

Proficiency in utilizing OCM tools and platforms for maximum efficiency

Ability to work independently while contributing to team goals

Capacity to accept constructive feedback professionally while providing thoughtful input when needed

Preferred

Master's degree in public relations, communications, journalism, marketing or the humanities

At least 4 years of communications experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified within the higher education industry

Benefits

Health insurance

Retirement plans through the State of Tennessee

Generous annual and sick leave accruals

Longevity pay

Tuition waivers and discounts

Company

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Glassdoor4.3

As the state’s land grant, research-intensive institution, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is a university that leads.

Founded in 1794

Knoxville, TN, US

10001+ employees

https://www.utk.edu

H1B Sponsorship

University of Tennessee, Knoxville has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)

Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship

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Trends of Total Sponsorships

2025 (143)

2024 (100)

2023 (100)

2022 (83)

2021 (77)

2020 (108)