Media Relations Specialist

Job Title Senior Media Relations Specialist Agency East Texas A&M University Department Marketing Communications Proposed Minimum Salary Commensurate Job Location Commerce, Texas Job Type Staff Job Description A Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, imposes a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Please be advised that Texas A&M University will NOT pay this fee. Therefore, if you need immigration sponsorship for your employment, we recommend that you consult with your private immigration counsel at your own expense to ascertain whether your current immigration status would make a potential offer of employment from Texas A&M University subject to this fee. In addition, on January 27, 2026, Texas Governor Abbot issued a moratorium on the filing of any new H-1B unless approved by the Texas Workforce Commission. Accordingly, if you will now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status this moratorium may affect our ability to employ you should you be selected as the final candidate. SUMMARY: The Senior Media Relations Specialist, under general supervision, performs advanced media relations activities that increase the awareness, visibility, and public credibility of East Texas A&M University. This position establishes and maintains relationships with local, metro, regional, statewide, and selected national media; develops and promotes faculty expert placements; coordinates responses to media inquiries; and writes and distributes media materials that reflect the university’s mission, strategic priorities, and public voice. Working in coordination with the Communications and Editorial Manager, this position helps advance earned media opportunities, strengthen the university’s reputation, and support public information needs during emergencies and other sensitive situations. As a proud member of the third-largest institution in The Texas A&M University System, ETAMU fosters a strong professional environment that supports career growth and academic excellence. ETAMU is a fast-growing public university with a strong reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and student success. With over 140+ degree programs, a 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and nationally ranked online and graduate programs, ETAMU is committed to transforming lives through quality education. Our employees benefit from a collaborative community, cutting-edge research opportunities, and outstanding resources. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: Establish and maintain relationships with East Texas local media, Dallas-Fort Worth metro media, regional outlets, statewide media, and selected national and trade outlets. Develop, write, and pitch stories that promote student success, faculty achievement, research impact, institutional progress, and community contributions. Develop and maintain faculty expert placements in regional, state, and national media. Field, assess, coordinate, and respond to media inquiries in a timely, accurate, and strategic manner. Write, edit, and distribute media advisories, press releases, statements, talking points, briefing materials, and other earned media communications. Write short news stories, briefs, feature items, and related public-facing content for university channels. Coordinate with the Communications and Editorial Manager on story development, editorial standards, and message alignment. Coordinate with Texas A&M System communications colleagues as appropriate on systemwide initiatives and media opportunities. Assist with press conferences, media availabilities, interview logistics, executive media preparation, and emergency/public information support as assigned. Perform other duties as assigned. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Education: Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, communications, marketing, English, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience / Knowledge / Skills: Four years of related experience in media relations, journalism, public relations, strategic communications, or a related field. Strong writing, editing, verbal communication, and proofreading skills. Knowledge of media relations practices and the evolving media landscape. Strong interpersonal, planning, and organizational skills. Ability to: Ability to write clearly for journalists and the public. Ability to work independently, manage multiple deadlines, and exercise sound judgment in sensitive situations. Licensing/Professional Certifications: None Physical Requirements: None Other Requirements: None PREFERRED EDUCATION/SKILLS/EXPERIENCE: Experience in higher education or another mission-driven organization. Experience securing earned media placements and building reporter relationships. Experience writing in Associated Press style. Experience supporting crisis communication, public information, or emergency communications. SUPERVISION OF OTHERS: NA WHY WORK AT EAST TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY? Competitive Benefits & Work-Life Balance: Employee tuition assistance for master’s and doctoral programs. Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance. ETAMU contributes to employee health and basic life insurance premiums. 12-15 days of annual paid holidays , plus up to eight hours of paid sick leave and vacation each month. Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) , with optional additional retirement plans (ORP). Physical wellness program and wellness release time for eligible employees. Career Growth & Development: Access to cutting-edge research opportunities at a designated R2 Research Institution . Academic Excellence: ETAMU is ranked among the top 30% in five online degree programs and offers national recognized academic programs. Over 140 degree programs , including nationally ranked online and graduate options. First accredited institution to offer a competency-based bachelor’s degree in criminal justice . Distance education offerings in Corsicana, Dallas, Frisco, McKinney, Mesquite, Bryan, and online. State-of-the-Art Facilities: Work in advanced facilities such as the 113,470-square-foot Nursing and Health Sciences Building , featuring a state-of-the-art simulation hospital and a 1,300-acre agricultural research farm . Vibrant Campus Life: Engage with over 95 student organizations and 14 NCAA Division I athletic teams , contributing to a thriving campus community. Prime Location & Growth: Enjoy the benefits of working in rapidly growing regions, with abundant career opportunities at six locations across Dallas and Northeast Texas. Visit us on our social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and ETAMU News All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check. Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr