Media Relations Specialist I

Job Posting Title:

Media Relations Specialist I

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Hiring Department:

University Marketing and Communications

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

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FLSA Status:

Exempt from FLSA

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Earliest Start Date:

Immediately

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue Until Aug 31, 2030

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Location:

UT MAIN CAMPUS

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Job Details:

Purpose

The Media Relations Specialist I supports the University's media relations team by assisting with media outreach, monitoring news coverage, maintaining media databases, and preparing communications materials. This entry-level position provides an opportunity to develop professional experience in media relations, public affairs, content development, and communications at one of the nation's leading public research universities. Working under the guidance of senior communications professionals, the Media Relations Specialist I helps ensure timely, accurate, and effective communication with media and campus partners.

General Notes: Must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis for any employer without sponsorship.

Responsibilities

1. Media Relations Support: Respond to and route incoming media inquiries to appropriate team members. Assist with the preparation and distribution of press releases, media advisories, and other communications. Maintain media contact lists and update media databases. Upload news releases and related content into the university's content management system. Assist with media event logistics and other administrative support for media relations activities.

2. Media Monitoring and Reporting: Monitor daily news coverage related to the university. Compile and distribute daily media clips to university leadership. Assist in preparing monthly media coverage reports and basic media metrics. Help maintain records and reporting related to media outreach activities.

3. Content Development: Draft and edit news releases, media advisories, story summaries, and other communications under the guidance of senior staff. Proofread communications materials for grammar, style, and accuracy. Assist with formatting and distributing email communications using approved templates.

4. Team Coordination: Schedule meetings, maintain team calendars, and prepare meeting notes. Organize files and maintain shared team resources. Coordinate with campus partners to gather information needed for media requests and communications projects.

5. Other related functions as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, public relations, public affairs, English, or a related field.
• Two years of relevant professional experience in communications, journalism, public relations, media relations, or a related field. Relevant internships, fellowships, student employment, or comparable experience may count toward this requirement.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work collaboratively and interact professionally with faculty, staff, students, media representatives, and the public.

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience through internships, fellowships, or professional employment in journalism, public relations, or media relations.
• Experience using a content management system such as WordPress.
• Familiarity with media databases or media monitoring tools.
• Experience using email marketing platforms such as Emma, Mailchimp, or Constant Contact.
• Experience with project management or collaboration software.
• Basic understanding of AP Style.

Salary Range

$50,000 - $63,000 depending on qualifications.

Working Conditions

• May work around standard office conditions.
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.
• Occasional overtime during peak periods.
• This position is based in Austin, TX and is required to work on campus.

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• Three work references with contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor.
• Letter of interest

Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new resume for subsequent applications. Any additional required materials must be uploaded in the Application Questions section. Before submitting your online application, ensure that all required materials have been uploaded. Once submitted, changes cannot be made.

Important for current university employees and contingent workers: Current employees and contingent workers must apply through Workday by searching Find UT Jobs. Before applying, update your Professional Profile within Workday. Additional required materials must be uploaded through the application questions.

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Employment Eligibility:

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

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Retirement Plan Eligibility:

The 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.

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Background Checks:

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

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Equal Opportunity Employer:

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

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Pay Transparency:

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

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Employment Eligibility Verification:

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form.  You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States.  Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment.  Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

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E-Verify:

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:

• E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

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Compliance:

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.

The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.