Stanford University is one of the world’s leading universities, with a mission of contributing to humanity through its teaching, research and patient care. Join an extraordinary community of accomplished and innovative people, passionately dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and its application for the benefit of our wider world.

University Communications provides support and campus leadership in planning, coordinating and implementing strategic communications programs that support Stanford and its mission. University Communications is responsible for brand positioning and strategy; issues and reputation management; crisis communications; oversight of digital content and top-level web and social media platforms; media relations and news services; executive communications; major publications; and a campus video production service. University Communications coordinates with communications professionals across the university.

The Media Relations Officer is a fixed-term position for a duration of one year. The person in this position will engage with news media on behalf of Stanford University, both proactively and in response to incoming inquiries on institutional matters. Under the guidance of University Communications leadership and reporting to the Senior Director for Media Relations, the Media Relations Officer will serve as a spokesperson for the university, develop media relations outreach programs, and develop internal and external written communications and collateral materials in support of the university’s media relations activities.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES will include:

• Respond to institutional media inquiries. Research requested information and develop responses in coordination with campus units and subject matter experts.
• Identify and develop written communications in support of media relations activities, including fact sheets, talking points, press releases and similar materials.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with members of the news media and with key stakeholders within the university.
• Plan and execute media outreach and engagement activities to support university objectives, in coordination with departmental leadership.
• Coordinate with news media regarding their on-campus presence when relevant, in alignment with university policies.
• Serve as a project leader for media relations activities of moderate complexity.
• Participate in crisis communications response on behalf of the university.
• Track media relations activities for analytics purposes.
• Some after-hours work, sometimes with limited notice.
• Other duties may be assigned.

TO BE SUCCESSFUL in this position you will bring:

• Bachelor's degree and five years of relevant experience, or combination of education and relevant experience.
• Excellent writing supported by demonstrated skills in reporting, research, copyediting and incorporating feedback from diverse perspectives.
• Strong news judgment and experience working either in news media or with news media on behalf of an organization.
• Ability to articulate ideas and information clearly and accurately in conversation.
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal stakeholders across the university.
• Ability to synthesize materials and communicate information in a manner easily understood.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects at once and consistently meet tight deadlines.

Certifications and Licenses:

• None

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:

• Constantly perform desk-based computer tasks.
• Frequently stand/walk, sit, use a telephone, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, speaking.
• Occasionally grasp forcefully, writing by hand.
• Rarely sort/file paperwork.

* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Occasional work on evenings and weekends.
• On call and ability to respond 24/7.

WORK STANDARDS:

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, https://adminguide.stanford.edu.
• On call and ability to respond 24/7.

Additional Information

• Schedule: Full-time
• Job Code: 4263
• Employee Status: Fixed-Term
• Grade: I