National Media Relations Specialist - Office of Communications and Marketing - UTK

National Media Relations Specialist – Office of Communications and Marketing – UTK

Join the University of Tennessee, Knoxville as a National Media Relations Specialist in the Office of Communications and Marketing (OCM). This role focuses on advancing the university’s reputation among national audiences through earned media strategies, media pitching, and storytelling.

• Support the director of news and information in planning, executing and evaluating national media strategies.
• Lead collaboration across OCM departments and campus partners on stories, projects and initiatives that advance UT’s reputation nationally.
• Generate ideas aligned with UT’s national storytelling goals; participate in brainstorming sessions.
• Seek innovative opportunities and new channels to elevate UT’s national reputation across traditional and non‑traditional media.
• Monitor and analyze national media trends to inform compelling pitches and maintain competitive coverage.

• Execute targeted outreach to national media by creating news releases and strategic pitches.
• 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; attend monthly research council meetings.
• Increase national recognition of faculty experts by collaborating with the director of research marketing and communications and the assistant director of news and information.
• 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, repurposed campus partner content, and content for the university’s bi‑annual magazine and official social platforms.

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

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

• Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, journalism, marketing or the humanities.
• At least 4 years of communications experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

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

• Strong media pitching skills.
• Strong writing skills for clear, accurate, 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.

• Commitment to representing the university positively and professionally.
• 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.

• Master’s degree in public relations, communications, journalism, marketing or the humanities.
• At least 4 years of communications experience in higher education.

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

• UT market range: MR10.
• Health insurance, retirement plans, generous annual and sick leave, longevity pay, tuition waivers and discounts, and more.

Applicants must apply electronically and submit a cover letter detailing experience in national media relations, a résumé highlighting relevant accomplishments, and the names, email addresses, and phone numbers of three references (at least two current or former supervisors). Selected candidates may be asked to provide examples of successful national media placements or campaigns.