Media Relations Specialist

Posting Details

Applications will be accepted until midnight (Eastern Time Zone) on the ‘Posting End Date’ shown below.

Position Information

Business Title Media Relations Specialist

Applications Accepted From Public: Open to the Public

Special Instructions to Applicants To apply, please complete and submit the online application and be prepared to attach 3 separate documents: current resume, cover Letter, and a list of 3 professional references with current contact information, including email addresses. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For full consideration, please apply by 11:59 p.m. EST on the close date.

This position is eligible for the following benefits:

medical, vision, dental, basic and supplemental life, winter break closure, paid holidays, educational benefits for you and eligible dependents, sick leave, vacation, and retirement.

Posting Number 2016516T

Job Description Summary

Department Summary University Communications and Marketing is seeking a knowledgeable, organized and disciplined individual who is equipped to contribute to OHIO’s growing storytelling and content marketing focuses, refine existing media engagement tactics and help explore and initiate new communications opportunities.

Under the supervision of University Communications and Marketing’s Media Relations Manager, the Media Relations Specialist will collaborate with a talented team to implement internal and external communications initiatives that align with and support Ohio University’s mission, vision and goals. The successful candidate will work to raise the national profile of the University through targeted media relations that are geared toward enhancing the national prominence of the University and promoting the far-ranging achievements of our students, faculty and staff, OHIO’s academic excellence and more.

The position will also regularly track and report on the success of their team’s outreach efforts via the use of numerous PR reporting and tracking tools like Muck Rack, TVEyes and Google Analytics. They will also utilize this data to assess and communicate opportunities to introduce new or enhance existing external communications strategies. This position also serves as the team leader for OHIO’s Calendar of University Events and will train faculty and staff on the Localist platform as needed. Additionally, this role is part of the UCM Communications team’s after-hours on-call rotation for media-related assistance.

Position Profile Develops and manages communications strategies to effectively convey the University’s vision to students, employees, alumni, and the public. Provides university information and news to the general public and key campus audiences.

Level Summary Manages and resolves complex and ambiguous issues. Works on both strategic and operational challenges, addressing problems that require advanced knowledge and experience. Often takes on leadership roles in projects or initiatives.

Supervisory Responsibilities Provides mentorship and guidance to team. Infrequently has a limited number of direct reports.

Fiscal Responsibilities May have budgetary responsibility for small-scale projects or initiatives.

Problem Solving Solves complex problems, often with limited guidance.

Independence of Action Works independently; seeks guidance for unusual situations.

Communication and Collaboration Collaborates with team members and external departments. May represent the team in meetings with internal and external stakeholders.

Physical Requirements This role is primarily desk-based and involves extensive use of desktop computers. Occasionally, the job may require travel to attend meetings and programs.

Minimum Qualifications Requires a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and 5 or more years of related professional experience, or equivalent education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications Previous experience in a higher education setting and existing knowledge of established media monitoring platforms and best practices.

Department University Communications and Marketing

Pay Rate The target salary range is $43,888 to $51,377 commensurate with the selected candidate’s education and experience while considering internal equity.

Ohio University is proud to offer a robust healthcare plan that includes maternity care, counseling and mental healthcare, prescription coverage, vision, dental, orthodontia care, and more. Our robust benefits package also includes paid holidays, sick time, personal time, a tuition waiver up to 100% for self and dependents, an excellent retirement plan with up to a 14% employer contribution, a 12-week parental leave program, adoption reimbursement, flextime and flexplace policies, an employee assistance program, access to professional development programs, and additional employee resources. Additional information is available at https://www.ohio.edu/hr/benefits.

Total Compensation Estimator (For Full-Time Benefits Eligible Employees)

Discover the full value of joining Ohio University by clicking this link:

https://www.ohio.edu/hr/compensation/total-compensation-estimator

Our Total Compensation Estimator shows your offer package in dollars: salary plus university paid benefits including health coverage, retirement contributions, paid time off, tuition benefits, and more.

See details on what we offer in one place and compare different options for retirement and insurance.

Estimates are informational only; exact coverage is determined by eligibility policies and official plan documents.

Pay Grade 15

Pay Range $43,888.00-$62,459.00

FLSA Status Exempt

Job Category Administrative at-will appointment

Employment Type full-time regular

Job Family Communications & Marketing

Job Sub Family Public Relations

Job Level IC3

Job Open Date 09/22/2026

Posting End Date 11/01/2026

Planning Unit University Communications and Marketing

Work Schedule Mon-Fri 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Some evening and weekend hours may be required as needed This role will be part of UCM’s monthly on-call/after-hours media relations schedule

Months 12 month

Campus Athens, Ohio

Expected hours worked per week 40

Expected duration of assignment Indefinite

Applicants may contact this person if they have questions about this position. Dan Pittman, pittmand@ohio.edu

Non-Discrimination Statement Ohio university is proud of its rich history and as part of our ongoing efforts to provide and support a transformative learning experience, we affirm our commitment to fostering a welcoming and respectful workforce and community. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration free from discrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military service or veteran status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, status as a parent or foster parent, or any other bases under the law. Ohio university is an equal access/equal opportunity employer.

Clery Act Crime Statistics

Clery Act Statistics To view the Clery Act Annual Safety and Fire Report Click Here!