Senior Media Relations Specialist

About FIU

Florida International University is a Top 50, preeminent public research university with 55,000 students from all 50 states and more than 140 countries, as well as an alumni network of more than 340,000. Located in the global city of Miami, the university offers more than 200 degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate and professional levels, including medicine and law. FIU faculty are leaders in their fields and include National Academy members, Fulbright Scholars and MacArthur Genius Fellows. A Carnegie R1 institution, FIU drives impactful research in environmental resilience, health and technology and innovation. Home to the Wall of Wind and Institute of Environment, FIU stands at the forefront of discovery and innovation. With a focus on student success, economic mobility and community engagement, FIU is redefining what it means to be a public research university.

Job Summary

The Sr. Media Relations Specialist works with unit account managers to coordinate, edit and approve press releases and develop placement strategies in accordance with the university's mission and goals. Works with videographers, photographers, and others to augment the visual impact of a story.

• Writes press releases, including cross unit news and stories of strategic significance for the university. Edits others content. Works with account managers and other colleagues on media placement strategies in accordance with division and university goals. Develops and maintains relationships with members of the news media, with an emphasis on specialty national media as part of the effort to disseminate FIU research news to a national audience.
• Supervises members of the Media Relations team, including interns, in the development and drafting of press releases and other content.
• Maintains frequent contact with academic and administrative offices throughout the university. Displays flexibility and sensitivity to establish and maintain necessary rapport with all levels of personnel and external constituencies.
• Handles confidential matters concerning the assigned unit, the untimely disclosure of which would be detrimental.
• Participates and contributes to the content and strategy of the university's emergency communication plan and may be expected to report to work after hours or when the university is closed.
• Works with the Marketing and News and Communications team on production of multimedia content.
• Leads the Media Relations team social media strategy, with the guidance of the Sr. Director for Media Relations, and coordinates messaging with digital and social media managers.
• Leads in the drafting of social media content related to research, including Conversation pieces.
• Performs essential duties in any emergencies such as hurricanes, public health emergencies, and/or any other university emergency closing. The employee is expected to be available to report to work as needed during university emergency closing with appropriate notification of a department administrator.
• Works with local, national, and international media relation outlets.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and five (5) years of experience in Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field.

Desired Qualifications

• Position requires strong writing skills, attention to detail, the ability to work well under deadline pressure and knowledge of AP style.
• Previous experience working in media relations or communications for a large university, healthcare system, or similarly complex organization.
• Demonstrated experience working directly with videographers, photographers, and creative teams to augment the visual and multimedia impact of a story.
• Spanish language skills (writing and editing).
• Experience working well under pressure and managing multiple competing deadlines effectively.

Job Category

Administrative

Advertised Salary

$60,000 - $70,000

Work Schedule

Begin time: 8:30 AM

End time: 5:00 PM

Pre-Employment Requirements

Criminal Background Check

Other Information

• Ability to work flexible hours as needed.
• Ability to work occasional evenings, weekends and at locations outside of the University

How To Apply

Current Employee

As a current employee, you must log into Employee Self Service (ESS) to apply for this and any other internal career opportunity of interest. In this account, you are able to track your applicant status in "My Applications".

To be considered eligible for the position as an internal candidate, departmental staff must meet minimum requirements of the position and be in good performance standing.

Before you begin the process, we recommend that you are prepared to attach electronic copies of your resume/ curriculum vitae, cover letter or any other documents within the application process. It is recommended that you combine your cover letter and resume into one attachment. Attached documents should be in Microsoft Word or PDF format.

• This posting will close at 12:00 am of the close date.

How To Apply

Prospective Employee

If you have not created a registered account, you will be asked to create a username and password for use of the system. It is recommended that you provide an active/valid e-mail account as that will be the main source of communication regarding your status within the process. In this account, you are able to track your applicant status in "My Applications".

To be considered eligible for the position as an internal candidate, departmental staff must meet minimum requirements of the position and be in good performance standing.

Before you begin the process, we recommend that you are prepared to attach electronic copies of your resume, cover letter or any other documents within the application process. It is recommended that you combine your cover letter and resume/curriculum vitae into one attachment. Attached documents should be in Microsoft Word or PDF format. All applicants are required to complete the online application including work history and educational details (if applicable), even when attaching a resume.

• This posting will close at 12:00 am of the close date.

Disclosures

Clery Notice

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act, the University Police department at Florida International University provides information on crimes statistics, crime prevention, law enforcement, crime reporting, and other related issues for the past three (3) calendar years. The FIU Annual Security report is available online at:

To obtain a paper copy of the report, please visit the FIU Police Department located at 885 SW 109th Avenue, Miami, FL, PG5 Market Station).

Pay Transparency

Florida International University 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.

FIU is a State University System of Florida member, Equal Opportunity, Equal Access, and Affirmative Action Employer for individuals with disabilities and veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination, contact FIU's Office of Civil Rights Compliance and Accessibility at or email