Storytelling and Media Relations Specialist

Job Title:

Full or Part Time:

Hours:

Exempt:

Supervisory Org:

Job Description:

JOB SUMMARY:  The Storytelling and Media Relations Specialist is a multifaceted role that combines the discovery and development of compelling stories with robust media relations responsibilities. The specialist will identify and craft narratives that highlight the positive experiences of our alumni, faculty, staff, and students, thereby enhancing the university’s brand and supporting recruitment and engagement efforts. Additionally, the role involves maintaining effective working relationships with media professionals and providing counsel on media relations, ensuring that all communication objectives are met. This role requires strong writing, communication, and interpersonal skills, along with an understanding of media trends and audience engagement.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Identify and source impactful stories by engaging with alumni, faculty, staff, and students. 
• Conduct interviews and in-depth research to gather authentic narratives that highlight positive outcomes and experiences. 
• Write, edit, and format stories for multiple platforms, including social media, news releases, video scripts, websites, printed publications, and direct marketing materials. 
• Develop and maintain a dynamic reservoir of stories, tagging and archiving content for easy retrieval by team members. 
• Provide advice and guidance to key members of the University community on strategies for effective media relations and storytelling. 

• Serve in an editorial capacity for SVSU’s alumni magazine, including involvement in production, story development, and content writing. 

• Remain in regular contact with members of the news media and internal stakeholders to ensure that significant University developments are communicated effectively. 
• Serve as the primary liaison with the news media, cultivating and maintaining effective working relationships. 
• Write and/or approve University news releases and media advisories. 
• Respond to media inquiries in a timely and professional manner, ensuring the accuracy of information about the University. 

• Develop and oversee a system to track media coverage of the University, establishing procedures to inform designated members of the University community about the coverage received. 
• Stay informed about current events, industry trends, and audience preferences. 
• Supervise and train student employees and temporary staff involved in media relations tasks. 

• Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

General supervision is received from the Vice President of Communications.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

N/A

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a closely related field. 
• Minimum five years' experience in public relations, storytelling, or content development. 
• Proven track record in crafting engaging narratives across multiple media platforms and managing media relations functions. 
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with strong interviewing and research abilities. 
• Experience and knowledge with A.P. writing style. 
• Proficiency in digital content management, including tagging and archiving processes. 
• Ability to build and maintain professional relationships with media professionals and internal stakeholders. 
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the capability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. 

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn new software quickly.

• Experience and ability to positively interact with all members of the campus community.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodations.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in higher education is preferred. 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Duties are generally performed inside and not exposed to adverse conditions.
• Occasional travel and event attendance may be required.
• All work associated with this role must be performed within the state of Michigan.

The above reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the essential functions of the job. It shall not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements that may be inherent in the job.  It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision.  The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

About SVSU:

Saginaw Valley State University is a comprehensive university with more than 100 programs of study for its roughly 7,000 students. Located on a suburban campus in Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay Region, SVSU is committed to a supportive and empowering environment for students, faculty and staff. SVSU was recognized as a “Great College to Work For” for 9 consecutive years (2016-2024).
SVSU emphasizes undergraduate teaching and learning, and community-based research. SVSU earned the Community Engagement classification from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, a distinction achieved by only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities. By their senior year, 84 percent of students have engaged with community employers and agencies in internships, field placements or some other component of their academic preparation.
SVSU is establishing itself as a leader in STEAM education for the Great Lakes Bay Region, partnering with businesses, foundations and school districts to improve students’ performance in math, science and the arts at the middle school, high school and university levels.  SVSU is constructing the first university research facility on Lake Huron to improve public health and the economy in the Saginaw Bay watershed.
 
More than 70 percent of SVSU freshmen live on campus in student housing that has been rated No. 1 among public universities in the U.S. (2018-2025). SVSU fields 20 varsity sports at the NCAA Division II level. The average class size is 23 students. For more information, please visit our website, http://www.svsu.edu.