Assistant Director for News and Media Relations

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Assistant Director for News and Media Relations.

Position Details

Location Hattiesburg

118 College Drive

Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001

United States

Division University Communications

Position Type Staff

Employment Status Full Time

Grant Funded No

Salary Range 55,000.00 - 60,000.00

Pay Grade

E10

Posting Close Date Open until filled

Job Summary:

The Assistant Director for News and Media Relations is responsible for creating and executing a media strategy for The University of Southern Mississippi in collaboration with all units of the Office of University Communications and communication partners across campus units and divisions. Additionally, the Assistant Director for News and Media Relations will support the Chief Communications Officer in matters of public relations. The person in this position works collaboratively across the University and within University Communications and supervises a team. This role is based on the Hattiesburg campus, requires occasional day travel between campuses and locations, and reports to the Chief Communication Officer / Director of University Communications.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Develops and manages the University’s media strategy to ensure the timely and impactful distribution of news items, including the identification of relevant topics, points of contact and distribution to media outlets.

• Produces written content for distribution to media, including feature stories and column/editorial content. Serves as the official proofreader and content manager for articles written by the news and media team.

• Serves as the primary point of contact for media relations and ensures University news appears in print, broadcast and electronic media through production of written content. This includes assigning and approving story ideals; editing news/information pieces distributed by the University; offering counsel on news/information to faculty through leaders and experts; and maintaining working relationships with local, statewide and regional media sources. Responsible for maintaining excellent relationships with media professionals and outlets.

• Assists in the coordination of public relations efforts across the University and serves as the primary coordinator of on-campus media interviews between media outlets and Southern Miss subjects.

• Serves as counsel to University faculty, staff and students on media relations, preparing talking points as needed, and serving as the back-up University spokesperson in the event the Chief Communication Officer is unavailable.

• Maintains active knowledge of developments in field, seeks learning opportunities and completes other duties as assigned.

  Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in journalism, public relations, mass communication, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university, and five years of media relations and/or public relations experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):

• Excellent writing and editing skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills

• Ability to write effective press releases, feature stories, web content and informational copy

• Ability to work effectively under deadlines

• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to faculty and staf

• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusion

• Ability to read and comprehend instruction and written correspondence

• Ability to pay close attention to detail

• Ability to work with diverse teams to accomplish goals

  Preferred Qualifications:

Demonstrated writing experience within the field of journalism or public relations. Experience in traditional and/or digital media industry

About The University of Southern Mississippi

Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.

As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.