Senior Communication Specialist

Position Overview:

The senior communication specialist is a key member of the university communication team. This individual assists in implementing communication strategies focused on key strategic priorities of the university and general image/reputation building, with a special emphasis on media relations.

1. Develop positive relationships with members of the media and the university community in order to successfully find and “pitch” stories to the media that reinforce and elevate the university’s academic reputation and other strategic priorities.

2. Work closely with other staff members in the development of overall communication plans, the researching of story ideas and the writing of both print and online materials.

3. Work with members of the communication team to further develop and implement a media relations strategy that supports the university’s overall marketing/communication priorities, including enrollment, fundraising and academic reputation.

4. Serve as primary liaison for a college beat as assigned, providing counsel and assistance for marketing and communication initiatives. Maintain regular beat contacts with members of the university community to identify newsworthy programs, activities and other developments.

5. Develop and maintain positive relationships with members of the local, national and trade media.

6. Identify, develop, pitch and place university stories and events with local, regional, national and trade media.

7. Research and write news releases to disseminate news of university programs and activities to local, regional, national and trade media.

8. Participate in the communication team’s on-call, 24/7 rotation schedule for issues/emergencies and responding to media queries.

9. Based on information developed on beats, write items for the Web, magazine and other communication vehicles as appropriate.

10. Provide communication counsel to university offices and departments, including assisting in the development of communication plans for major initiatives.

11. Edit and/or proofread the work of other members of the communication team.

12. Assist with major news events on campus, including news conferences, major events and the launching of new initiatives.

13. Perform other duties and responsibilities as required, assigned, or requested.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in communication, marketing, journalism or other similar background.
• Three to five years of substantive public relations and/or media experience
• Knowledge of local and national print and broadcast media.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to translate the needs of university partners into multiple communication formats, including print, broadcast and interactive vehicles.
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Experience working with broadcast media and familiarity with Catholic and higher education media desirable.
• Strong working knowledge of AP style.
• Social media management skills.
• HTML skills.
• Knowledge of web platforms such as WordPress, Contribute and DreamWeaver.

Marquette University offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 403(b), paid vacation and sick time, and tuition remission.