SUNY New Paltz Vacancy
External Posting (Professional)
Applications are invited for consideration for appointment to the following position:
Department: Office of Communication & Marketing
Budget Title: Staff Associate
Local Title: Director of Media Relations
Posting Date: December 11, 2023
Classification: SL-4
Duties: The State University of New York (SUNY) at New Paltz, the leading regional public university in New York’s beautiful Hudson Valley seeks candidates for the position of Director of Media Relations in the award-winning Office of Communication & Marketing. Reporting to the Chief of Staff/Vice President for Communication & Marketing in the Office of the President, this is a unique opportunity for a savvy, creative and experienced individual to develop and execute the University’s media relations strategy and promote local, regional and national awareness of our highly regarded public university.
The Director of Media Relations works to enhance the University’s reputation and build relationships with journalists through media relations (both in responding to media and proactively pitching stories to media outlets) within the Office of Communication & Marketing and as the primary University Spokesperson. The ideal candidate will be an articulate and persuasive writer, well-organized and detail-oriented, and have an in-depth knowledge of ethical media relations best practices and working knowledge of the latest media-related technology. They will have experience working with and placing stories with media outlets in traditional and new formats and will also be a skilled storyteller across multiple media in an ever-evolving media landscape.
This position may have an opportunity for telecommuting under the terms and expectations of the currently approved telecommuting program. Telecommuting is not a term and condition of this position and is at the discretion of the University.
Duties for this role include but are not limited to:
• Help design and execute the media relations and crisis communications strategy, including proactive pitching of stories consistent with overall campus messaging and positioning goals and the University’s mission.
• Serve as the University’s spokesperson handling media inquiries.
• Serve as resource for the campus community for guidance regarding media relations, including by conducting media training for administrators and other campus faculty and staff.
• Actively seek out fresh and relevant story leads from within our extended campus community through collaboration with campus and external stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, business partners, donors, elected officials, government agencies and others.
• Assist in developing and executing strategies for maximizing exposure of our multimedia storytelling assets across channels including social media, email and print.
• Write, edit and distribute news releases, media advisories, media statements, talking points and other communications promoting SUNY New Paltz news, activities and events.
• Maintain a database of earned media mentions and produce summary reports for senior leadership, university schools and academic departments, and manage the electronic distribution of daily news clips, including stories about SUNY New Paltz, and issues that impact SUNY New Paltz and SUNY System Administration, to key constituents on and off campus, including SUNY System Administration.
• Serve as the contact for after-hours media calls and work after-hours events for media coverage when needed.
• Apprise senior leadership of new developments or potentially controversial subject matter in the media that might impact the University.
Qualifications: Required:
• A minimum of five years’ progressive experience in public relations, media relations, corporate communications, and/or journalism, preferably in a higher education setting, and a demonstrated understanding of how to collaborate with and support the needs of reporters and other members of the media.
• Fluency in social media content standards, trends and audience expectations across platforms (especially TikTok and Instagram and social news aggregation and discussion sites such as Reddit).
• Exceptional grammar and writing skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build consensus and goodwill among colleagues and external partners with diverse viewpoints and priorities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Creative Suite and media monitoring tools such as Meltwater or Cision.
• A demonstrated cultural sensitivity and competency around diversity and access, and experience working with and serving diverse populations.
• Valid NYS driver’s license and ability/willingness to travel for work
• Availability/willingness to work evenings and weekends as assigned
Preferred:
• Established network of media contacts.
• Experience with one or more digital Content Management Systems and related web publishing tools.
• Experience and familiarity with the unique communication needs of an institution of higher education.
Contact Information: Electronic submissions required. Individuals with disabilities who need assistance with the application process should call (845) 257-3628.
Candidates will be required to electronically submit:
• cover letter
• resume
• samples of successful story placements
• published media/crisis responses
• contact information for three professional references
Please apply by visiting https://jobs.newpaltz.edu/postings/2313
Deadline: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled
Other important information about this vacancy: This position offers full New York State benefits which are among the most comprehensive in the country; see them here: https://www.suny.edu/benefits/benefit-summaries/. The State University of New York at New Paltz is a highly selective, public college that is recognized regionally for the strength of its academic programs. It is located in the beautiful Hudson River Valley with easy access to New York City and other nearby recreational and cultural amenities.
SUNY New Paltz recognizes the unique skills, perspective, talents and passion that each employee contributes to its learning community. To work here is to accept an invitation to participate in the growth and development of all campus members—students, faculty and staff. The College’s commitment to inclusive excellence is an important part of our mission of public education and our culture. New Paltz continues to work on building a community that supports freedom, mutual respect, and civility. We seek others who support these values of diversity and inclusiveness and candidates of all diverse backgrounds who wish to participate in our cultural aspirations are welcome and encouraged to apply. All people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
The State University of New York at New Paltz is an AA/EOE/ADA employer.
Federal law and regulations require notice to all prospective employees regarding crimes that have occurred on campus in the current three year period. Please refer to the University Police Web site for the complete Annual Security Report (Clery Report) at https://www.newpaltz.edu/police/clery-compliance/annual-security-and-fire-safety-reports/
Web Site: https://jobs.newpaltz.edu/postings/2313
