About the role
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Position Details
The Media Relations Coordinator supports the University of Tampa’s external visibility and reputation by serving as the day-to-day point of contact for media relations. The coordinator works proactively and responsively with journalists, faculty, staff and University leaders to identify and develop media opportunities, connect reporters with University experts, and help position UTampa faculty and programs as authoritative sources on issues of public interest.
Reporting to the Director of Institutional Marketing and Content Strategy, the coordinator also works closely with the University’s external public relations agency and colleagues across Marketing and Communications to advance institutional priorities, faculty thought leadership and the University’s broader reputation.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Serve as a primary day-to-day contact for journalists and media inquiries, coordinating timely responses and connecting reporters with appropriate University experts and spokespeople.
- Develop and maintain productive relationships with local, regional and national journalists, editors, producers and other media contacts.
- Proactively identify, develop and pitch stories that showcase UTampa faculty expertise, academic programs, research, student experiences and institutional priorities.
- Work directly with faculty and staff to identify areas of expertise and develop opportunities for media commentary, interviews, contributed content and thought leadership.
- Monitor news cycles and emerging issues to identify timely opportunities for University experts to contribute perspective and analysis.
- Prepare faculty, staff and University leaders for media interviews, including background information, key messages, anticipated questions and interview guidance.
- Draft and edit media materials including pitches, media advisories, press releases, statements, talking points, briefing materials and other external communications.
- Coordinate the day-to-day relationship with the University’s external public relations agency, including sharing priorities, identifying opportunities, facilitating access to faculty and institutional experts, and supporting execution of media initiatives. Strategic direction, priorities and agency accountability remain with the director.
- Track earned media activity, placements, journalist engagement and other media relations outcomes and contribute to regular reporting and analysis.
- Monitor media coverage involving the University, its leadership, faculty, programs and issues affecting higher education and the Tampa Bay region.
- Support communications related to emerging or sensitive issues by gathering information, coordinating media inquiries and assisting with messaging and response materials under the direction of senior leadership.
- Support major institutional announcements, awards, recognitions and other select public relations initiatives that strengthen University visibility and reputation.
- Collaborate with writers, content strategists, social media, creative and digital colleagues to extend earned media opportunities across University-owned channels when appropriate.
- Maintain media lists, faculty expert information and other media relations resources.
- Perform other duties related to media relations, reputation and external communications as assigned.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing or a related field.
- Three to five years of professional experience in media relations, public relations, journalism, communications or a closely related field.
- Demonstrated experience working with journalists and responding to media inquiries.
- Strong writing, editing and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to identify compelling stories and translate complex or specialized information into clear, accessible narratives.
- Experience developing media pitches, press releases, briefing materials or similar communications.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-moving environment.
- Sound judgment, professionalism and discretion when working with sensitive or time-sensitive information.
- Ability to build productive relationships with faculty, staff, journalists and external partners.
Preferred
- Experience in higher education, a complex organization, agency public relations, journalism or a related environment.
- Experience supporting faculty experts, executives or other subject-matter experts in media interviews.
- Familiarity with media monitoring, media databases and earned media measurement tools.
- Experience supporting thought leadership or proactive reputation-building campaigns.
Work Schedule
Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Summer: Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The University of Tampa offers great benefits, including:
- Free Tuition
- Generous paid leave
- Wellness initiatives
- 100% Employer-Funded Health Reimbursement Account
- 100% Employer-Paid Short & Long Term Disability Insurance
- 100% Employer-Funded Employee Assistance Program
- Discounted On-Campus Dining Meal Plans
- Free On-Campus Parking
- Access to Campus Amenities (pool, library, campus events, and more)
- Fitness Center
- Pet Insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- And more
Submission Guidelines
To receive full consideration for employment with The University of Tampa, please be sure to submit/upload required documents for this position at time of application submission. Required documents should be submitted in the attachment box at the bottom of the "My Experience" page of the application before continuing through the application.
Background Check Requirements
Finalists may be required to submit to a criminal background check. Some positions may also require a motor vehicle report and/or a credit report.
Additional Information
This description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not to determine specific duties and responsibilities for any particular position. Essential functions and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific task assigned to the position.