The University of Tennessee Health Science Center

Job Description

The National Media Relations Specialist is a vital member of the News and Information team within the Office of Communications and Marketing (OCM) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. This role focuses on advancing the university’s reputation among national audiences through developing earned media strategies, media pitching and strategic storytelling. The specialist collaborates across OCM teams, university departments, and colleges to highlight UT’s achievements in academics, student success, research and innovation.

Responsibilities

National Media Strategy

• Directly support the director of news and information in planning, executing and evaluating national media strategies that elevate the reputation of the university.
• Lead collaboration across OCM departments and with key campus partners on stories, projects, and initiatives that advance UT’s reputation nationally.
• Generate ideas that align with UT’s national storytelling goals and participate in brainstorming sessions to uncover national pitching opportunities.
• Proactively seek innovative opportunities and new channels to elevate UT’s national reputation across both traditional and non-traditional media.
• Monitor and analyze national media trends to inform compelling pitches and ensure UT remains competitive in national coverage.

National Media Relations and Pitching

• Execute targeted outreach to national media by creating news releases and strategic pitches that highlight UT’s priorities, research and achievements.
• Develop and maintain relationships with national media contacts that support the university’s strategic communications plan.
• Elevate key research to national media in partnership with the director of research marketing and communications to earn placement in traditional, non-traditional and niche publications; regularly attend monthly research council meetings.
• Increase national recognition of faculty experts by working with the director of research marketing and communications and assistant director of news and information in elevating faculty expertise through the university’s membership with The Conversation.
• Create alignment with key campus communications partners to promote college/unit research expertise to trade publications and specialized media outlets.
• Actively promote and utilize UT’s Experts Guide to identify faculty and staff for national media interviews.
• Create high-level content supporting institutional goals, including news releases, repurposing select campus partner content, some of which will be featured in the university’s bi-annual magazine and across official university social platforms.

Evaluation of National Media Monitoring Efforts

• Collaborate with the Digital News Content Coordinator to assess pitch outcomes and coverage and regularly report back to leadership.
• Analyze factors influencing results and provide actionable insights for data-driven improvements.

Other Duties

• Build news posts and publish content on UT’s news page using best practices such as SEO optimization, concise headlines, and audience-specific copy (when needed in back-up capacity).
• Work with project managers to secure photography for assignments (as needed).
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

Education:

Bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, journalism, marketing or the humanities.

Experience:

At least 4 years of communications experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Knowledge:

• Demonstrated knowledge of effective media relations strategies for securing national media placements engaging diverse audiences.
• Working knowledge of traditional and emerging media platforms.
• Familiarity with university branding guidelines and standards.

Skills:

• Strong media pitching skills.
• Strong writing skills for creating clear, accurate, and compelling content and pitches tailored for national media contacts and various stakeholder groups.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
• Collaborative skills for working effectively with campus partners, office staff, and leadership teams.
• Analytical skills for evaluating media coverage and providing actionable insights.

Abilities:

• Commitment to representing the university positively and professionally in all interactions.
• Proficiency in utilizing OCM tools and platforms for maximum efficiency.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to team goals.
• Capacity to accept constructive feedback professionally while providing thoughtful input when needed.

Preferred

Education:

Master's degree in public relations, communications, journalism, marketing or the humanities.

Experience:

At least 4 years of communications experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified within the higher education industry.

Work Location

• Knoxville, TN
• This is an onsite position with some hybrid work schedule flexibility

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR10
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here

The university offers a highly competitive benefits package that includes health insurance and retirement plans through the State of Tennessee, generous annual and sick leave accruals, longevity pay, tuition waivers and discounts, and more. Find more information on UT Benefits here.

Application Instructions

For full consideration, applicants must apply electronically and submit a cover letter detailing experience in national media relations, resume highlighting relevant accomplishments, and the names, email addresses and phone numbers of three references. A minimum of two references should be current or previous supervisors. Applicants selected for further consideration will be asked to submit examples of successful national media placements or campaigns.

About The College/Department/Division

The Office of Communications and Marketing is dedicated to advancing the university’s reputation. Staff members support the institution’s mission and goals, promote its successes and achievements, inform and engage its stakeholders, and ensure the integrity of its brand. We craft audience-focused communications based on data, best-practices, and emerging trends.

The division comprises several cross-functional teams, employing professionals with expertise in design, development, video production, content strategy, feature writing, editing, marketing, media relations, internal communication, and special events.

About Us

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!

Read Full Description