Media Relations Specialist III (Molecular Microbiology and Immunology)

We are seeking a  Media Relations Specialist III  who employs strong writing, news and communications skills to lead public information efforts for Johns Hopkins University and/or one of its constituent schools. This position serves as a member of the leadership team and works closely with communications professionals across the institution.

The Media Relations Specialist III serves as the strategic communications lead, and handles press releases, community messages, media queries, public events, and social media. This role has direct and intentional collaboration with members of the University’s Office of Communications to ensure widespread, consistent, and effective external communication efforts.

The Media Relations Specialist III communicates externally and internally on various topics and develops an effective communications strategy for both breaking news and proactive media outreach. The position is responsible for enhancing the institution’s reputation and external communications presence. Will effectively build credibility and relationships at all levels of the institution and externally.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

- Lead internal and external media relations efforts ensuring clear, timely messaging for members of the Johns Hopkins community as well as journalists and external stakeholders using a variety of appropriate methodologies.
- Work with local, regional and national media outlets proactively and in breaking news scenarios.
- Draft press releases and other written communications materials.
- Develop internal communications strategies to ensure members of the Johns Hopkins community are informed about various initiatives, policies, and priorities.
- Develop media strategies to ensure institutional messaging reaches key external stakeholders in a timely and effective manner.
- Facilitate outreach to local, regional and national media outlets through press releases, press conferences, events, social media and other communications mediums.
- Develop and execute strategies for proactive media outreach to build relationships with journalists.
- Serve as an institutional spokesperson during events if required, including crisis communications events.
- Develop effective, nimble strategies for communicating messages and effectively meeting internal stakeholder and journalist information needs during breaking news situations.
- Handle media queries with speed, professionalism and accuracy, collaborating with communications staff institution-wide, a role that may include night and weekend duties.
- Guide and support leadership with internal and external communications and media strategies and matters related to issues response, programming, public events, etc.
- Monitor, measure, and gauge the most effective communication channels for internal communications and media messaging.
- Incorporate leading-edge communication strategies, leveraging technology to engage consumers of content.
- Continually seek information on trends and techniques in internal and external communication, and best practices.
- Manage the online presence of the assigned area, including website content and social media accounts.
- Other duties as assigned.

In addition to the duties described above

- External strategic communications for impact.
- Editorial calendar.
- Frontline reporting.
- Media preparations.

Minimum Qualifications

- Bachelor’s Degree in related field.
- Eight years of related experience in journalism, media relations or communications, with demonstrated success in media placement.
- Proficiency with Meltwater or other media relations management software.
- Additional education may substitute for required experience and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

Preferred Qualifications

- Master’s Degree in related field.
- Strategic communications with international connections.

Technical Skills & Levels of Proficiency

- Crisis Communication - Advanced
- Media Event Planning - Advanced
- Media Monitoring and Analysis - Advanced
- Media Planning - Advanced
- Media Relations - Advanced
- Media Strategy - Advanced
- Project Planning - Advanced
- Writing - Advanced

The core technical skills listed are most essential; additional technical skills may be required based on specific division or department needs.

Classified Title: Media Relations Specialist III   
Role/Level/Range: ATP/04/PE  
Starting Salary Range: $75,135 - $131,510 Annually (Commensurate w/exp.) 
Employee group: Full Time 
Schedule: Monday to Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm 
FLSA Status: Exempt 
Location: Hybrid/School of Public Health  
Department name: W Harry Feinstone Dpt Molec Mblgy Imlgy   
Personnel area: School of Public Health