Public Relations Specialist

Are you ready to join a community leading in innovative teaching and learning? Kennesaw State University is one of the 50 largest public institutions in the country. With our growing enrollment and global reach, we are enjoying increased prominence among Georgia's colleges. We offer more than 150 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to over 43,000 students. Our entrepreneurial spirit, high-impact research, and Division I athletics also draw students from throughout the region and from 92 countries across the globe. Our university's vibrant culture, career opportunities, mission and values and rich benefits make us an employer of choice. We are part of the University System of Georgia .  Kennesaw State will exemplify the power and promise of a student-centered, research-driven university. Our institutional values are student-inspired, promise-fulfilling, true to ourselves, elevational, open and impact-generating. In addition, we support the University System of Georgia core values of accountability, excellence, integrity and respect.  We are searching for talented people to join Kennesaw State University. Come to KSU and find your passion.   

Our Kennesaw campus is located at 1000 Chastain Road NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144. 

Provides strategic council and works collaboratively with dean(s) and department head(s) on media and public relations activities that enhance the reputation of college(s) and/or department(s). Works collaboratively with university marketing on projects (e.g. providing earned media support for campaigns, etc.). Responsible for writing for a variety of media, both print and electronic, which may include: news and feature stories for the Kennesaw State University Magazine, writing for internal and external communication platforms, press releases, stories for the web, and other projects as assigned.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Develops written content, including feature stories, news releases and media advisories, but may also include blog posts, social media content, marketing copy, talking points and other forms of communication to help promote the assigned college/departments and university
2. Proactively identifies and develops story ideas (student, faculty and alumni successes, college/university initiatives, research, etc.) by building relationships with colleagues from the various academic and administrative units
3. Leads media relations efforts for assigned college and/or departments
4. Provides strategic public relations counsel and serves as liaison between the assigned college(s) and central communications office
5. Assists in the development and enhancement of the annual communications strategic plan
6. Develops and maintains relationships with reporters, producers and other stakeholders
7. Works collaboratively with college and University partners

Educational Requirements
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education in a related field
Required Experience
Four (4) years of experience in Journalism, Public Relations or related field

Applicants should submit three published writing samples. Writing samples should reflect journalistic writing, including interviews with sources.

ABILITIES
Ability to work independently, make decisions and multi-task to balance multiple priorities 
Ability to build relationships, work collaboratively and exhibit professional demeanor 
Able to handle multiple tasks or projects at one time meeting assigned deadlines
KNOWLEDGE
Working knowledge of Associate Press Style 
Knowledge of journalism principles and techniques
SKILLS
Strong writing ability 
Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem solving, independent judgment, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management and presentation skills 
Proficient with computer applications and programs associated with the position (i.e. Microsoft Office suite, cloud-based applications) 
Strong attention to detail and follow up skills 
Strong customer service skills and phone and e-mail etiquette

Kennesaw State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for living, work and study. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and University policy, the University prohibits harassment of or discrimination against any person because of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment, pregnancy, and medical conditions related to pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity or national origin, religion, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran or military status by any member of the KSU Community on campus, in connection with a University program or activity, or in a manner that creates a hostile environment for members of the KSU community.
For additional information on this policy, or to file a complaint under the provisions of this policy, students, employees, applicants for employment or admission or other third parties should contact the Office of Institutional Equity at English Building, Suite 225, [email protected]

This is not a supervisory position.
This position does not have any financial responsibilities.
This position will not be required to drive.
This role is not considered a position of trust.
This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card).
This position may travel 1% - 24% of the time
This position does not require security clearance.

• Standard Enhanced
• Education

Per the University System of Georgia background check policy, all final candidates will be required to consent to a criminal background investigation. Final candidates may be asked to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment. Applicants for positions of trust with screening
results which confirm a disqualifying criminal history will be immediately disqualified from employment eligibility.

All applicants are required to include professional references as part of their application process. Some positions may require additional job-based screenings such as motor vehicle report, credit check, pre-employment drug screening and/or verification of academic credentials.

https://www.usg.edu/hr/assets/hr/hrap_manual/HRAP_Background_Investigation_Employment.pdf