Media Communications Specialist 3 - 131759

Under minimal supervision of the Director of Communications, the Media Communications Specialist helps highlight the work of the Jacobs School of Engineering. This role involves working with a variety of people both on and off campus to showcase the achievements of faculty, students, and research centers. Key responsibilities include creating content that features faculty and student research, innovative projects, technology successes, and the school's impact locally and nationally. The specialist also focuses on school events, rankings, and important alumni and fundraising stories.

The job is mainly writing-focused, requiring the incumbent to produce engaging social media content and media pitches on a regular basis. This includes meeting tight deadlines and managing a high volume of work. The specialist will need to build relationships with key individuals on campus and develop stories that reflect the school's main priorities.

Additionally, the incumbent will create and update various marketing materials, including website content, PowerPoint presentations, brochures, flyers, posters, and videos. These materials will be used to promote the school's research and initiatives to industry, media, donors, and the public. Collaboration with the Director of Communications, Sr. Artist, and external vendors is key to turning ideas into finished products. Keeping up with current issues and trends in engineering research and media coverage is essential for crafting relevant and compelling stories for press releases and social media.

~ Position supports a fully remote and/or hybrid remote work schedule.

~Cover letter required for a complete application.

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.

• Thorough knowledge of the concepts and principles of news, media communications and media relations. Experience writing compelling copy that is targeted to specific audiences via a variety of outlets including social media, websites, email marketing, video, printed brochures and publications, websites, emails, talking points, alumni communications, advertisements, articles and reports.

• Thorough skills in understanding and effectively utilizing all news / media mediums including broadcast news, the internet, social media and other emerging technologies.

• Thorough knowledge of the location, its achievements, mission, vision, goals, objectives, programs and infrastructure.

• May require knowledge of specialty areas such as broadcast news including TV / radio, internet and other emerging technologies. Experience interviewing subjects on camera. Experience shooting video and using modern video editing equipment to select video clips and b-roll to be incorporated into polished video pieces.

• Thorough written, verbal and interpersonal communications skills, including a strong sense of a good story and understanding of the topics that may be of interest to various publics and will incorporate key location messages.

• Good judgment, political acumen, and thorough organizational skills.

• Skill to maintain confidentiality.

• Demonstrated skill to complete projects that require a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. Ability to work both independently and in cooperation with staff teams.

• Knowledge of journalistic best practices and AP style. Ability to turn copy around quickly.

• Proofing and editing experience sufficient to rewrite ambiguous, unorganized or overly technical copy provided by others.

• Basic competence using Photoshop, Lightroom or similar graphics software for image manipulation.

• Experience using PowerPoint to create slides that can be used by others to highlight and promote Jacobs School of Engineering programs, initiatives, events, etc.

• Position supports a fully remote and/or hybrid remote work schedule.

• Background check required.

• Occasional overtime required to meet deadlines.

• Required to attend occasional evening and weekend events.

• Cover letter required for a complete application.

• This is a 100% Contract position for 6 months with the possibility of extension or conversion to career status.

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