The Media Relations & Editorial Strategy Lead serves as the primary media relations professional, lead storyteller, and editorial strategist for the College of Science and Engineering (CSE). This position is responsible for elevating the college's reputation through proactive media engagement, strategic storytelling, and the development of compelling content that showcases research excellence, innovation, student success, and institutional impact.

Working closely with faculty, researchers, college leadership, and University Marketing and Communications (UMC), this position identifies newsworthy opportunities, develops media strategies, manages journalist relationships, and produces high-quality editorial content for a wide variety of audiences. Success in this role requires exceptional writing and editing skills, strong news judgment, media relations expertise, scientific curiosity, and the ability to translate complex technical information into accessible and engaging narratives.

Location and Work Environment
Location: Twin Cities Campus, University of Minnesota
Work Environment: Hybrid

Expected Work Schedule

• Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Minimum of three days per week in the office - Monday and Wednesday expected as on-campus collaboration days
• Up to two days per week remote, consistent with department and University policies
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support campaign launches, reporting deadlines, college initiatives, or time-sensitive matters

Primary Responsibilities

• 40% Lead Media Relations and University Communications Partnerships
  • Serve as the primary media relations contact for the College of Science and Engineering.
  • Identify, develop, and pitch newsworthy stories, research discoveries, faculty achievements, and institutional milestones to University Marketing and Communications and external media outlets.
  • Build and maintain productive relationships with local, regional, national, trade, and higher education journalists.
  • Manage media interviews, press inquiries, and reporter requests involving faculty, researchers, students, and college leadership.
  • Collaborate with University Marketing Communications on institutional announcements, major research stories, and reputation-building initiatives.
  • Create and distribute media materials including press releases, media advisories, backgrounders, talking points, and briefing documents.
  • Develop communications planning and execution during sensitive, high-profile, or crisis-related situations in coordination with college and University leadership.
• 35% Create Editorial Content and Strategic Storytelling
  • Research, interview, write, and edit feature stories, news articles, profiles, and long-form content that highlight the college's research, teaching, innovation, and community impact.
  • Produce editorial content for print and digital publications, websites, magazines, fundraising materials, newsletters, and strategic communications initiatives.
  • Translate complex scientific, engineering, and technical concepts into compelling narratives for non-technical audiences.
  • Lead editorial development for flagship college publications and strategic storytelling projects.
  • Maintain editorial quality and consistency through rigorous fact-checking, proofreading, copy editing, and adherence to Associated Press style standards.
  • Collaborate with photographers, videographers, designers, and digital communicators to create integrated storytelling experiences.
• 15% Cultivate Research Visibility and Faculty Engagement
  • Monitor research activity, grant announcements, publications, awards, and emerging developments across the college to identify communications opportunities.
  • Build relationships with faculty, department leaders, and research centers to proactively surface stories and thought leadership opportunities.
  • Prepare faculty and subject matter experts for media interviews through coaching, messaging guidance, and interview preparation.
  • Develop strategic communications initiatives related to research visibility, thought leadership, rankings, and reputation enhancement.
  • Foster a partnership with Advancement and Development colleagues to create donor-focused stories, profiles, and fundraising communications.
• 10% Measure Media Impact and Communications Effectiveness
  • Manage media monitoring, listening, and reporting platforms to track earned media coverage and institutional visibility.
  • Analyze media performance, audience reach, engagement metrics, and coverage trends.
  • Develop and maintain reports and dashboards that evaluate communications effectiveness and support strategic decision-making.
  • Monitor emerging issues, industry trends, and competitor activity to identify opportunities and risks.
  • Recommend adjustments to media and storytelling strategies based on performance data and organizational priorities.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, English, Science Communication, or a related field.
• Six (6) years of professional experience in media relations, journalism, editorial communications, public relations, or a related field.
• Experience developing media pitches and securing earned media coverage.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience researching, writing, and editing professional communications materials.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong interviewing, storytelling, and editorial skills.
• Advanced knowledge of Associated Press (AP) style and editorial best practices.
• Experience working within a research-intensive university, scientific organization, healthcare institution, or technology-focused environment.
• Experience translating scientific, engineering, medical, or technical research into public-facing communications.
• Experience partnering with centralized communications, public affairs, or media relations teams.
• Established relationships with journalists covering science, technology, higher education, business, or public policy.
• Experience with media monitoring and analytics platforms such as Meltwater, Cision, or similar tools.
• Experience supporting executive communications, reputation management, or crisis communications activities.
• Familiarity with project management systems, content management systems, and collaborative editorial workflows.
• Experience managing multiple projects and deadlines.

About the Department

The College of Science and Engineering (CSE) is ranked among the top engineering and science academic programs in the country. The college includes 12 academic departments offering a wide range of degree programs at the baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral levels. For more information about the College of Science and Engineering Office of the Dean, visit https://cse.umn.edu /.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $90,500 per year- $115,000 per year ; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

This position will remain open until filled. Priority consideration will be given to applications received by July 17th.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [email protected] or call (612) 624-8647.