Job Summary

The Assistant Director works as part of a team of news managers that reports to the Executive Director of News & Media Relations and supports the team’s efforts to generate a high level of media coverage and increasing awareness of the University’s mission, programs, and initiatives and general image to external audiences via coverage in local, regional and national print, broadcast and online media. Assistant Director is responsible for spotting news trends and coordinating media outreach related to newsworthy happenings within (but not limited to) Drexel’s Kline School of Law, School of Education, Goodwin College of Professional Studies, Pennoni Honors College, Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, the College of Arts and Sciences and Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design.

The Assistant Director assists the Executive Director of News & Media Relations in spotting news trends and identifying and researching story ideas. Assistant Director leverages both traditional and social media channels, cultivates relationships with key journalists and media outlets, pitches stories, cultivates and promotes faculty experts and responds effectively to media requests. The Assistant Director also generates and publishes a high-volume of content for a central news website, a news blog and other online and print promotional material, as it pertains to media relations, and assists in keeping track of Drexel media placements.

The Assistant Director will support crisis communications as needed when it relates to areas within the assigned beats and may be required to assist with issues in other areas when appropriate. This is a hybrid position, working primarily on-campus.

Under the newly minted Division of University Marketing & Communications, the Office of Strategic Communications ensures an integrated pipeline of brand journalism, internal communications and media outreach content that collectively lays the foundation for the University’s overall marketing and branding strategies. The Office of Strategic Communications is also responsible for leading the University’s crisis communications response. The group comprises three collaborative teams: Internal Communications and Publications, News and Media Relations, and Executive Communications.

The Internal Communications and Publications team deploys owned media in both traditional and digital channels and a data-driven understanding of Drexel’s audiences to create cohesive storytelling that highlights Drexel’s academic strengths and research, while emphasizing the value and potential of the experiential education model. The News and Media Relations team elevates brand and reputational awareness of Drexel University by highlighting faculty expertise and promoting newsworthy stories to mainstream news media. The team works with deans and other senior University leaders to translate and communicate academic, research, service accomplishments and faculty expertise shared with the University community to the general public via news media. Executive Communications positions key administrators as thought leaders through opinion pieces, raises the University’s profile through presidential speaking engagements and appearances, and ensures a timely and responsive voice of leadership.

Collectively, the Office of University Marketing & Communications employs a collaborative group of 70+ professionals who handle media relations, social media, internal and alumni communications, graphic and web design, and marketing.

Essential Functions

• Work effectively, both as member of dynamic and diverse team, as well as individually, on time-sensitive projects that require collaboration with stakeholders throughout the university.
• Build and maintain relationships across the campus community with key communications staff and faculty experts.
• Identify news trends and research story ideas, identify and pitch stories to appropriate journalists and media outlets. 
• Prepare media relations materials, including press releases, media advisories, blog posts and social media content, for online outreach to media and external audiences through Drexel's news website, news blog and social media channels.
• Modify and share media relations content for use in Drexel’s online and print marketing and promotional materials, including an alumni magazine, a research magazine and various e-newsletters.
• Build and maintain relationships with journalists and producers
• Assist in monitoring and moderating Drexel News X account.
• Assist with the production and editing of a summary of media placements for e-newsletter to senior administrators and trustees highlighting news in higher education and Drexel media placements.
• Pitch faculty experts to reporters for commentary and expertise on current events.
• Help with media training for faculty experts and university representatives, and provide assistance with interview preparation as needed. 
• Contribute to creating and maintaining media profiles for faculty that are available online for reporters to view a history of media commentary by faculty and stories/news releases about their research.
• Respond to media requests on a tight deadline.
• Help maintain a record of media placements and produce media coverage reports as part of Office’s regular reporting to college/school deans.
• Check messages for urgent media requests submitted on evenings and weekends.
• Work nights and weekends when appropriate for events promoted, crisis communications support or urgent media requests.
• Other duties as assigned. 

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of Bachelor's Degree in journalism, public relations or communications or the equivalent combination of education and work experience. Please review the Equivalency Chart for additional information.
• Minimum of 4 years of full-time experience working in media relations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent listening, editing, news-gathering and interpersonal skills.
• Possess subject matter expertise, including thorough knowledge of media practices.
• Proven ability to pitch stories to journalists.
• Ability to manage multiple projects at once and perform under pressure.
• Ability to manage challenging situations, working toward a solution, while maintaining a positive attitude and confidentiality.
• Strong relationship management skills.
• Ability to work some evenings and weekends as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Understanding of best practices in social media as they relate to media relations.
• Experience in planning media events.

Location

• University City - Philadelphia, PA

Additional Information
This position is classified as Exempt, grade L. Compensation for this grade ranges from $62,630 - $93,950per year. Please note that the offered rate for this position typically aligns with the minimum to midrange of this grade, but it can vary based on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience, department budget, and an internal equity review.

Applicants are encouraged to explore the Professional Staff salary structure and Compensation Guidelines & Policies for more details on Drexel’s compensation framework. For information about benefits, please review Drexel’s Benefits Brochure.

Special Instructions to the Applicant
Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.

A review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.