A Communications or Public Relations Specialist coordinates internal and external communications for a company or organization. Provides information to employees on company activities, such as the launch of a new product or a community service initiative. Writes and edits public communications; develops media contacts and prepares material for press and media distribution; monitors media coverage. May assist with events planning.
(STW) Staff Full-time Bachelor's degree Campus OSU-Stillwater Contact Name & Email Mack Burke, mack.burke_iv@okstate.edu Work Schedule Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with occasional evenings and weekends. Appointment Length Regular Continuous/Until Further Notice Hiring Range $54,000 - $73,000 Salary Special Instructions to Applicants For full consideration, please include a resume, cover letter and contact information for three professional references. About this Position The Communications and Media Relations Coordinator supports the execution of Oklahoma State University's earned media and strategic communications efforts through media relations coordination, media monitoring, writing, editing and content development. Working within the Department of Brand Management, this position helps advance the university's reputation and visibility through proactive storytelling, strategic messaging and coordinated communications support. This role is responsible for monitoring news coverage and emerging issues, assisting with media pitching, media distribution and outreach, writing and editing news releases and occasional feature stories, coordinating content development to support the execution of OSU's brand strategy and institutional priorities. The position also assists with crisis communications, leadership messaging and reputation management. The Communications and Media Relations Coordinator collaborates closely with Brand Management colleagues, university communicators and campus partners to identify and promote compelling stories that advance OSU's strategic communications goals. The successful candidate should demonstrate strong editing and writing skills, sound news judgment, attention to detail, creativity, initiative and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a positive, collaborative and solution-oriented working environment.
Key Duties Include:
Supporting earned media strategy execution through media monitoring, media distribution, research, pitching and outreach. Supporting communications planning tied to the university's strategic priorities. Monitoring media coverage, tracking trends and identifying opportunities to elevate university expertise and achievements. Writing and editing news releases, feature stories, talking points, leadership messaging, web content and other strategic communications materials in AP style. Coordinating inter-departmental content development and execution Assisting with crisis communications, reputation management and rapid-response messaging efforts as needed. Completing special projects and contributing communications expertise to university-wide initiatives as assigned.
About our team:
The Department of Brand Management oversees all representations of the Oklahoma State University brand. Our areas of expertise include media relations, crisis communications, internal/external messaging, branding, advertising, recruitment communications, visual media, digital strategy and more. This department aims to advance OSU's land-grant mission and demonstrate its global impact through creative communications that support student success, elevate brand reputation, engage the Cowboy family, and serve the state of Oklahoma and beyond. Required Qualifications Bachelor's Journalism, communications, PR, public affairs, political science, marketing, creative writing or related. (degree must be conferred on or before agreed upon start date) Three years of related professional experience in media relations, journalism, public relations, strategic communications or content development. Demonstrated experience writing, editing and coordinating compelling communications on behalf of an organization, media outlet or publication. Additional post-secondary education beyond requirements may substitute for years of required experience. Skills, Proficiencies, and/or
Knowledge:
Must demonstrate strong writing, editing and public relations skills, such as experience developing press releases, feature stories, media materials, web content, internal communications and media pitches Must possess strong organizational and project coordination skills with the ability to manage multiple assignments, deadlines and stakeholder relationships in a fast-paced environment. Must demonstrate knowledge of media relations principles, earned media strategy, media monitoring practices, media distribution and reputation management communications. Must have the ability to collaborate effectively with university leadership, campus communicators, Brand Management colleagues and external stakeholders to support coordinated communications efforts. Must demonstrate sound news judgment, attention to detail, creativity, initiative and the ability to analyze complex information to develop clear and effective messaging. Preferred Qualifications Master's Journalism, communications, PR, public affairs, political science, marketing, creative writing or related. Five or more years of experience. Demonstrated experience in writing in AP style. Experience with media pitching, media monitoring and earned media strategy support preferred.
