Title: Media Relations Specialist

Department Org: University Marketing - 104840

Employee Classification: U1 - Unclassified PSA FT

Bargaining Unit: Professional Staff Association

Primary Location: MC AD

Shift:  1

Start Time:  8:15 am   End Time:  5:00 pm

Posted Salary: $43,888-$50,000

Float: False

Rotate: False

On Call: False

Travel: False

Weekend/Holiday: False

The University of Toledo is seeking a Media Relations Specialist to tell the story of The University of Toledo and UToledo Health. This communications professional will engage with local, regional and national media to highlight news and initiatives from UToledo Health’s healthcare services provided at the University of Toledo Medical Center and auxiliary clinics and UToledo’s health professions academic programs in the College of Medicine and Life Sciences, College of Health and Human Services and College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. This position requires strong reporting, writing and verbal communication skills to speak on behalf of the institution

Job Description:

The media relations specialist is critical to the University’s ability to tell its story and to improve and protect the institution’s reputation. The position impacts the University’s ability to attract and retain students and patients as well as faculty, staff and administrators, supports research and philanthropic efforts, and contributes positively to campus culture by communicating important information that stakeholders need to know.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education/experience:
• A bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, English, political science, business, philosophy or a related field.
• Minimum of three (3) years of previous experience as a reporter, public relations officer,
communications specialist or related career.
• Proficient computer skills in the Microsoft Office suite and website, email campaign and blog software required.

Communication and other skills:
• Strong writing, storytelling, editing and proofreading skills, including knowledge of and ability to adhere to Associated Press and University style guidelines.
• Strong verbal communication skills and the ability to speak on behalf of the institution.
• A high degree of professionalism, strong work ethic and ability to handle confidential and
sensitive materials are required.
• High proficiency in project management, attention to detail, prioritization of work and
organizational skills required.
• Experience working in a large complex organization is preferred.
• Ability to work under minimal supervision, tight time constraints and periodic high-volume circumstances.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse range of individuals and as part of a team.
• Must be flexible and available outside of normal business hours as required to respond to urgent matters at all times of the day and/or on scheduled days off.

Working Conditions

Works in an open, professional office environment with face-to-face meetings with University leaders and news sources, requiring a professional appearance and demeanor. The environment has possible high stress levels and there may be need for some heavy lifting, albeit rare, for special events. While working hours are typically standard business hours, employees should be prepared to work some evenings and/or weekends as required for special events. The above list of duties is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties performed by the people so classified, nor is it intended to limit or modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct and control the work of employees under his/her supervision.

Conditions of Employment:

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The University of Toledo is an equal opportunity employer. The University of Toledo does not discriminate in employment, educational programs, or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, military or veteran status, disability, familial status, or political affiliation. 

The University is dedicated to attracting and retaining the best and brightest talent and fostering a culture of respect.

The University of Toledo provides reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you require accommodation to complete this application, or for testing or interviewing, please contact HR Compliance at hrcompliance@utoledo.edu or 419-530-4747 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. or apply online for an accommodation request. 

Computer access is available at most public libraries and at the Office of Human Resources located in the Center for Administrative Support on the UToledo Main Campus.