Media Relations Specialist Jobs in Missouri

Hiring Department

Executive Comm & Marketing

Job Description

The Mizzou Division of Marketing and Communications seeks a dynamic, experienced communications leader to serve as director of media relations and public affairs. The successful candidate will have a proven track record of fostering proactive media coverage and will demonstrate skill in managing issues for a large, complex organization. This director reports to one of the division’s senior directors, is a member of the central marketing and communications leadership team and works closely with Mizzou and UM System leaders.

The director of media relations and public affairs is the primary university spokesperson and main contact for local, state and national media. The director is responsible for managing and mentoring two direct reports, developing and leading the university’s issues management infrastructure and staying abreast of local and national issues and trends in higher education.

The director will also work closely with the university police department (MUPD), emergency management and other partners across the university and across UM System to create and execute a comprehensive safety communications strategy. The public information officer for MUPD reports to the director.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Works with the university’s chief marketing and communications officer and senior director of marketing and communications to develop comprehensive strategies and messaging to effectively protect and promote the image, brand and reputation of the university.
• Serves as the primary spokesperson for Mizzou and UM System, responding promptly to media inquiries and sharing information proactively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Provides strategic counsel to Mizzou and UM System leaders, and colleagues from across the division and campus.
• Establishes and maintains strong working relationships with local, state and national media, and leverages those connections to ensure accurate coverage and high-profile placements for the university in line with its strategic priorities.
• Monitors media coverage and anticipates emerging issues.
• Develops and maintains a communications strategy and plan to effectively communicate important safety messages to the university community.
• Works closely with the MUPD chief and members of the Emergency Management team.
• Prepares for and manages Mizzou and UM System press conferences.
• Manages and leads training in the university’s crisis communications plan.
• Manages MU Alert and media inquiries in the event of a crisis.
• Manages and tracks media coverage of the university and UM System in coordination with the managing editor of Show Me Mizzou.
• Manages the three-person Media Relations and Public Affairs team and the related on-call schedule.
• Develops and monitors an annual budget related to the goals and operational needs of the Media Relations and Public Affairs team.
• Assumes other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Shift

This is an exempt position expected to fulfill job responsibilities as required to meet business needs, rather than a set hourly schedule. While the role typically operates during standard business hours, the incumbent must maintain flexibility and be available outside those hours, including evenings and weekends, to address urgent or time-sensitive matters. This includes being reachable and responsive during crisis situations, such as media inquiries, where immediate coordination and action are required.

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 6 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• A minimum of 10 years of leading and managing communications, preferably in the higher education sector.
• A bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing or a related field, or its equivalent.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as excellent editing skills.
• Experience and confidence in public speaking and on-camera interviews.
• Experience in crisis communications and working under pressure in crisis situations. Ability to horizon scan and proactively advise university leaders on emerging issues and develop appropriate risk mitigation strategies, including holding statements.
• Experience writing communications that represent organizations and organizational leaders.
• Experience supervising a team of employees to accomplish strategic objectives.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks or projects in a fast-moving environment while meeting assigned deadlines.
• Possess a high level of discretion, integrity, accuracy and decision-making ability.
• Experience collaborating in a large organization.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills, and the ability to take initiative.
• Excellent interpersonal, teamwork, problem-solving, time management, project management and presentation skills.

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary Range: $120,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year

Grade: GGS 013

University Title: Director I Strategic Communications

Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Application Materials

University application with a resume, cover letter and three writing samples materials

Community Information

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours’ drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County’s largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.