Sr. Communications and Media Relations Specialist

Remote eligibility: Yes
Reports to: Sr. Communications Manager

Job Description

The Senior Communications and Media Relations Specialist will lead communications, media outreach, and public relations initiatives primarily for School for International Training (SIT), a global university that encompasses SIT Study Abroad and SIT Graduate Institute. The role will also occasionally support communications and media outreach for SIT's parent organization World Learning, a global exchange and development nonprofit.

The Senior Communications and Media Relations Specialist will create compelling and on-brand communications and informational website content, serve as the lead media liaison for SIT, and manage community engagement and outreach in southern Vermont.

The person in this position will be expected to create a regular schedule of written materials, including feature stories, press releases, blogs, program copy, staff and faculty bios, talking points, and external statements. The position will also manage earned media efforts by conducting media outreach, managing press inquiries, and cultivating working relationships with SIT faculty and staff, media contacts, and other external stakeholders.

The Senior Communications and Media Relations Specialist will work closely with all other members of the Marketing & Communications (Marcom) team, as well as other program units at SIT and World Learning, including Admissions, University Relations, and Philanthropy. This position must develop a strong understanding of the SIT Study Abroad and SIT Graduate Institute brand identities to help support marketing strategies through communications.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Create well-written feature stories, press releases, and other content as needed for different external audiences, including prospective students, alumni, partner institutions, and the media;
• Write, proofread, edit, and update content for the SIT, SIT Study Abroad, and SIT Graduate Institute websites, including integrating SEO into webpages and publishing content in a content management system used for websites and digital newsletters;
• Manage an editorial calendar for SIT;

• Lead as media liaison for SIT, inclusive of maintaining media contacts, pitching stories, publishing press releases, responding to media inquiries, and conducting interviews with internal and external sources;
• Maintain best practice knowledge of key trends in communications/marketing, specifically as they relate to outreach, information, and the study abroad and higher education sectors;
• Perform other duties as required or assigned, including supporting the creation of World Learning Inc.'s annual report.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 8-10 years of professional writing/editorial and media relations experience, preferably in higher education or for an internationally focused nonprofit;
• Experience/background working in higher education strongly preferred;
• Working knowledge of editorial style guides (AP style preferred);
• Working knowledge of a content management system used for websites (e.g., Word Press or similar platform);
• Excellent overall written and verbal communication skills;
• Proven ability to manage workflow involving multiple projects in a team environment while staying on deadline;
• Willingness to occasionally travel domestically or internationally.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public or media relations or other related concentration
• Media contacts at the local Vermont level and/or nationally within higher education;
• Experience working in collaboration with a social media team and knowledge of writing content for various social media platforms and informational/promotional videos.

We are eager to meet people who believe in our mission and can contribute to our team in a variety of ways. We therefore encourage candidates to apply even if they do not meet all the requirements that are listed within this job description.

Instructions to Applicants:
Please submit a resume, cover letter, and information of three references by June 7, 2024, to ensure consideration. The posting will stay open until the position is filled.

Benefits

World Learning provides a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that includes: medical, dental, vision, FSA/HRA, Life/AD&D, Short Term/Long Term Disability, EAP, Parking and Transit, 403 (b) retirement plan for full-time and eligibile part-time employees.

The Wo