Job Description

Manager of Media Relations

Stevens Institute of Technology invites applications for the position of Manager of Media Relations to advance its reputation and impact through earned media. The successful candidate will be either an experienced media relations professional with a track record of excellence in media relations, as demonstrated through volume of secured placements and high-impact stories, or a journalist with an extensive network of contacts, a keen sense for compelling news and a portfolio of work that reflects comfort with a broad range of subject matter. Experience in higher education is a plus.

Reporting to the Director of Public and Media Relations, the Manager of Media Relations will work with faculty members, university leaders, communications professionals across campus, colleagues from the Division of University Relations and agency partners to advance Stevens’ reputation through high-profile media placements. This role maintains regular contact with national, local and trade media to place stories about the university, students’ experiences and outcomes, research innovations and faculty thought leadership, including in the areas of artificial intelligence, business and finance, energy and sustainability, health and medicine, quantum science and engineering, urban and coastal resilience and the value of a technology-infused education.

Responsibilities:

• Maintain and enhance relationships with members of national, regional and higher education media to pitch stories and to arrange interviews with experts


• Develop and maintain media lists and target journalists for particular topics


• Manage multiple ongoing media requests and respond quickly to incoming inquiries from reporters; liaise with faculty members to coordinate interviews and confirm quote accuracy


• Draft media materials including press releases, key messages, talking points, media advisories, Q&As and fact sheets


• Cultivate and nurture relationships with faculty and university leaders to develop awareness of these individuals’ strengths and areas of interest


• Collaborate closely with content managers, social media managers, visual storytellers and other key stakeholders across campus to identify experts who can address emerging issues in the news


• Proactively mine for original content to uncover compelling and differentiating stories within the university, pitch new topics weekly, monitor agency pitching efforts and maintain a database of pitching activity


• Respond to developing news stories and proactively conduct outreach and serve as the primary contact at Stevens for journalists, news outlets and digital media resources


• Stay ahead of current events, higher education news and trends to identify potential media opportunities


• Fully leverage Meltwater to target media outlets, issue releases, track press coverage and facilitate analytics and reporting


• Update the university’s online news pages and events through the content management system Contentful


• Assist in crisis situations that may require communications support


• Demonstrate the highest level of integrity and professionalism

Competencies:

• Excellent news judgment


• Excellent interpersonal communication skills


• Excellent writing, research and editing skills, with proficient knowledge of Associated Press style


• Team player; ability to move quickly, take initiative, multi-task and work cross-functionally


• Thrives in a fast-paced environment.


• Strong leadership skills, and comfort working with experts with a range of subject matter expertise and across seniority levels


• Excellent creative and critical thinking skills


• Excellent attention to detail


• Demonstrates professional courtesy and deference while elevating subject matter expertise

Requirements

• At least five years of experience in media relations and/or journalism


• Degree in a related major, including journalism, communications, English, marketing


• Experience with technology, science and research topics is highly desirable


• Extensive experience working with media in print, broadcast and other platforms, particularly outlets with a national reach


• Experience in higher education is strongly preferred; experience in science and technology media relations in an agency, government, consumer, B2B (technology) or non-profit sectors is a plus


• Strong network of media contacts including regional and national reporters


• Familiarity with media monitoring software such as Meltwater


• Submission of writing samples and portfolio of media placements or bylines


• Ability to maintain a hybrid work schedule; with additional in-office days as required for events and media activities


• Occasional availability for events and programming outside of regular working hours

Department

General Submission Guidelines: 

Please submit an online application to be considered a candidate for any job at Stevens. Please attach a cover letter and resume with each application. Other requirements for consideration may depend on the job. 

Still Have Questions? 

If you have any questions regarding your application, please contact Jobs@Stevens.edu. 

EEO Statement:

Stevens Institute of Technology is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Accordingly, Stevens adheres to an employment policy that prohibits discriminatory practices or harassment against candidates or employees based on legally impermissible factor(s) including, but not necessarily limited to, race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, nationality, citizenship status, age, ancestry, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy-related medical conditions, disability, or any protected military or veteran status. 

Stevens is building a diverse faculty, staff, and student body and strongly encourages applications from people of all backgrounds. Stevens is a federal contractor under the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as well as other federal statutes. 

NSF ADVANCE Institution Stevens values diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a welcoming and inclusive environment for students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds. We are an NSF ADVANCE institution committed to equitable practices and policies and strongly encourage applications from women, racial and ethnic minority candidates, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. 

Jeanne Clery Disclosure: 

In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), the Department of Public Safety is required to publish an annual security report which includes statistics mandated by the Clery Act. Click here for a copy of this report.