📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Media Relations Specialist
🔹 Company: Cornell University
🔹 Location: Ithaca, NY (Main Campus)
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, On-Site
🔹 Category: Communications
🔹 Date Posted: April 7, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (No remote work out of the state or region)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Enhancing media coverage of Cornell University through strategic media relations
- Servicing media requests and arranging interviews
- Developing and pitching story ideas to journalists
- Organizing and hosting media events
- Fostering positive working relationships with diverse populations
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of the 24-hour news cycle and media markets, as well as excellent writing, editing, and verbal skills.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Scout, pitch, and place stories and commentaries in appropriate news media to maximize coverage and public understanding of Cornell University
✅ Service media requests, arrange interviews, and facilitate contacts between university faculty, administration, and students with journalists
✅ Provide advice on media strategies and conduct media training
✅ Plan and coordinate media events, including advance planning for interview locations, booking facilities, and arranging needed assets
ASSUMPTION: This role requires the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, manage confidential information, and plan, organize, and manage projects.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in journalism/communications or equivalent
Experience: 3-5 years of full-time work experience in journalism/communications and speaking with media
Required Skills:
- Excellent writing, editing, and verbal skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Understanding of the 24-hour news cycle and media markets
- Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information
- Ability to plan, organize, and manage projects
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with media relations in an academic or research institution
- Fluency in a second language
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, experience with media relations in an academic or research institution and fluency in a second language would be beneficial but not required for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $74,000 - $78,000/annual, based on skills and experience
Benefits:
- Comprehensive health care options
- Generous retirement contributions
- Access to wellness programs
- Employee discounts with local and national retail brands
- Tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program
- Tuition aid for external education
- Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program
Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on the job posting and is an estimate. The final salary offer will be determined based on the candidate's skills and experience.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Higher Education
Company Size: Large (Over 15,000 employees)
Founded: 1865
Company Description:
- Cornell University is an Ivy League research university located in Ithaca, NY
- It is known for its comprehensive curriculum and strong programs in agriculture, engineering, and the humanities
- The university is committed to diversity, inclusion, and fostering a supportive environment for all students, faculty, and staff
Company Specialties:
- Agriculture & Natural Resources
- 4-H Youth Development
- Human Ecology: Family, Nutrition, Health, & Housing
Company Website: https://www.cornell.edu/
ASSUMPTION: Cornell University is a large, well-established research university with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Director of Media Relations
Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time position located in Ithaca, NY
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential advancement to Senior Media Relations Specialist or Manager role
- Opportunities to work on high-profile projects and initiatives
- Access to professional development and training opportunities
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for career growth and professional development within the university's communications department.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-campus, university setting
Office Location(s): Ithaca, NY (Main Campus)
Geographic Context:
- Ithaca is a picturesque city located in the Finger Lakes region of New York
- It is home to two academic institutions, several state parks, waterfalls, and gorges
- The city offers a wide range of art galleries, theaters, eateries, wineries, and breweries
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, with flexibility for evening and weekend work as needed
ASSUMPTION: The work environment is fast-paced and may require flexibility for evening and weekend work, particularly when managing media events or crises.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- On-campus interview with the hiring manager and other department members
- Final decision and offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Writing and editing skills
- Verbal communication skills
- Media relations experience
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Cultural fit with the university and department
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills
- Provide specific examples of your media relations experience and accomplishments
- Demonstrate your understanding of the university and the role in your application materials
ATS Keywords: Media Relations, Communications, Journalism, Writing, Editing, Verbal Communication, News Cycle, Media Markets, Confidentiality, Project Management
ASSUMPTION: The application process may take several weeks, and it is important to follow up with the hiring manager if you have not heard back after the expected timeline.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Media databases (e.g., Muck Rack, Agility PR Solutions)
- Content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal)
- Social media platforms (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn)
- Microsoft Office Suite
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used may vary depending on the department and the role's requirements.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Diversity and inclusion
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Excellence in all endeavors
- Integrity and ethical conduct
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and flexible
- Results-driven and proactive
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have experience working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment?
- Are you comfortable working collaboratively and as part of a team?
- Do you have a results-driven and proactive work style?
ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong cultural fit with the university's values and work style.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing media requests and interviews during high-pressure situations
- Working with diverse stakeholders, including faculty, administration, and students
- Balancing multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Adapting to changes in the media landscape and university priorities
ASSUMPTION: These challenges require strong communication, organizational, and adaptability skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to a Media Relations Specialist or Communications Specialist role in an academic or research institution
- However, this role may have more responsibility for strategic planning and media training compared to similar roles in other industries
- Career progression may include advancement to Senior Media Relations Specialist or Manager roles within the university's communications department
ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique opportunities for career growth and professional development within the university's communications department.
📝 Sample Projects
- Managing media coverage of a high-profile research study or discovery
- Organizing and hosting a media event to announce a new initiative or program
- Developing and implementing a strategic media relations plan to enhance the university's reputation
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and initiatives that a Media Relations Specialist may work on within the university's communications department.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the most pressing media relations challenges facing the university currently?
- How does this role fit into the overall communications strategy for the university?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the department?
- How does the department support work-life balance for its employees?
- What is the typical career path for someone in this role?
ASSUMPTION: These questions demonstrate your interest in the role and the university, as well as your understanding of the responsibilities and opportunities associated with the position.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills, including specific examples of your media relations experience and accomplishments
- Prepare for your interview by researching the university and the role, and practicing your responses to common interview questions
- Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview to express your interest in the role and ask any remaining questions
- If you are offered the position, consider the salary range and benefits package, and negotiate as appropriate
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
