Associate Director of Media Relations

Job Title

Associate Director of Media Relations

Agency

Prairie View A&M University

Department

Marketing

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Prairie View, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Important Immigration information: 

A Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, imposes a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Please be advised that Texas A&M University will NOT pay this fee. Therefore, if you need immigration sponsorship for your employment, we recommend that you consult with your private immigration counsel at your own expense to ascertain whether your current immigration status would make a potential offer of employment from Texas A&M University subject to this fee. 

 

In addition, on January 27, 2026, Texas Governor Abbot issued a moratorium on the filing of any new H-1B unless approved by the Texas Workforce Commission. Accordingly, if you will now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status this moratorium may affect our ability to employ you should you be selected as the final candidate. 

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The Associate Director of Media Relations leads a proactive, results-driven media strategy that elevates Prairie View A&M University’s visibility, reputation, and thought leadership through earned media. This role is responsible for developing and executing a forward-looking editorial pitching calendar, generating high-impact media placements, and positioning university leadership, faculty, and key initiatives in local, regional, and national outlets. The Associate Director oversees all media relations functions, including press releases, media pitching, and relationship management, and serves as a key leader in crisis communications and rapid response. This position requires a proven communications professional who is both strategic and hands-on—capable of shaping media strategy while executing outreach that delivers measurable results.

The salary is determined in accordance with the University’s compensation structure and will be commensurate with the candidates’ education and experience, within the assigned salary range for this position. 

Responsibilities:

• Proactive Media Strategy & Earned Media Development: Lead and execute a proactive media relations strategy aligned with institutional priorities and measurable outcomes; develop and manage an editorial pitching calendar; secure high-impact placements including feature stories, op-eds, and expert commentary; build and maintain strong relationships with journalists and media outlets.
• Media Outreach, Pitching & Press Development: Serve as a hands-on media strategist, directly pitching stories and securing placements; write and oversee development of press releases, media pitches, statements, and talking points; lead narrative development and positioning of university leadership, faculty expertise, and institutional priorities.
• Crisis Communications & Issues Management: Lead crisis communications planning and execution; provide strategic counsel and manage rapid-response messaging for high-profile or sensitive issues; coordinate with executive leadership to ensure timely, accurate, and aligned communications that protect institutional reputation.
• Media Performance & Reporting: Establish and track earned media KPIs (e.g., reach, placement quality, sentiment); analyze performance and provide regular reporting to leadership; translate insights into actionable recommendations to strengthen media strategy.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Spokesperson Support :Partner with university leadership, faculty, and subject matter experts to identify media opportunities; prepare spokespeople for interviews and media engagement; support development of thought leadership and editorial content.
• Professional Standards & Continuous Improvement: Maintain a high level of professionalism, discretion, and judgment; monitor media trends and emerging issues to proactively position the university; contribute to a culture of accountability and strategic execution. Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or related field.
• 8 years of progressively responsible experience in media relations, public relations, or strategic communications.
• Demonstrated success securing earned media placements and executing proactive media strategies.
• Proven leadership in crisis communications and issues management.
• Experience working with senior leadership and external media.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively to ensure understanding.
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills, including press releases and executive messaging.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in higher education or a complex, highly visible organization.
• Established media relationships at regional and/or national levels.

Job Posting Close Date:  

• 08/07/2026

 

Required Attachments: 

Please attach all required documents listed below in the attachment box labeled as either “Resume/CV or Resume/Cover Letter” on the application. Multiple attachments may be included in the “Resume/CV” or Resume/Cover Letter” attachment box.  Any additional attachments provided outside of the required documents listed below are considered optional. 

• Resume or Curriculum Vitae 

• Cover Letter 

 

Application Submission Guidelines:  

 

All applicants are required to apply via our Career Site on or before the closing date indicated on the job posting. Applicant inquiries received via email and websites such as Indeed, HigherEdJobs, etc. will not be considered unless the individual has applied to the available position via the PVAMU Career site. 

 

The required documents listed in the above "Required Attachments" section must be attached to the application prior to the job closing date indicated to ensure full consideration for the application submitted. Please contact the Office of Human Resource on or before the closing date indicated above at 936-261-1730 or jobs@pvamu.edu should you need assistance with the online application process. 

 

Background Check Requirements: 

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.