Job Description

Position Information

Description & Details:  The Media and Industry Relations Specialist plays a critical role in advancing North Dakota State University's visibility and reputation through strategic media relations, industry connections, and community engagement. Reporting to the Director of Communications and Media Relations, this position develops and executes media strategies, manages outreach to local, regional, and national outlets, and fosters relationships that amplify NDSU's mission and impact. The role also supports high-level communication initiatives, provides media coaching for university spokespeople, and contributes to strategic partnerships with industry and community stakeholders.
 

Key responsibilities include:

  • Developing and implementing media strategies to promote university achievements, initiatives, and events. 

  • Serving as primary point of contact for media inquiries and coordinating responses with leadership.

  • Drafting and distributing press releases, media advisories, pitches, and public statements. 

  • Monitoring media coverage and preparing reports on engagement and sentiment.

  • Supporting institutional reputation management through timely issue response and consistent messaging. 

  • Collaborating on university-wide communication strategies, including crisis response and executive messaging. 

  • Representing NDSU at select community and industry events to strengthen relationships and visibility. 
     

    • Work Schedule:  
    Monday thru Friday 8:00am-5:00pm; Holidays and breaks 7:30am-4:00pm

    Hiring Range:  
    $55,000-$64,000+ Commensurate with experience

    Pay is based on several factors, including budget, labor market, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and/or certification and other business considerations.

    Minimum Qualifications: 

  • Bachelor's degree in public relations, strategic communication, marketing, journalism, or a related field. 

  • Five (5) years of recent, relevant experience in media relations or strategic communications. 

  • Two (2) years of experience executing media strategies and managing outreach to diverse audiences. 

  • Two (2) years of experience drafting press releases and public statements. 
     

    • Preferred Qualifications:

  • Two (2) years of experience working in higher education, nonprofit, or public sector environments. 

  • Two (2) years of experience with crisis communication and reputation management. 

  • Two (2) years of experience providing media coaching or preparing spokespeople for interviews. 

  • Two (2) years of experience working closely with senior leadership and representing an organization externally. 

    • Core Competencies:

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills. 

  • Proven ability to cultivate relationships with media outlets and industry stakeholders.

  • Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment with accuracy and attention to detail.

  • Strategic thinking and problem-solving under pressure. 

  • Collaborative and team-oriented approach. 

  • Knowledge of brand alignment and messaging consistency across channels. 

  • Ability to exercise clarity and focus in high-pressure situations. 

    • Applicant Materials Required:

    Resume
    Cover Letter
    Professional References
    Sample of Work

    Our commitment to caring for our employees isn’t just words—it’s proven. In NDSU’s most recent Gallup Engagement Survey, our strengths centered on care and development. “My supervisor, or someone at work, cares about me as a person” and “I have the opportunities to learn and grow”, were noted as top drivers. This reflects the culture you’ll experience here.

    NDSU OFFERS OUTSTANDING BENEFITS!

    Join a workplace that invests in your well-being, your future, and your success.

    Full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits:

    Health & Wellness

  • 100% employer-paid health insurance premiums for single and family coverage
  • Choice of PPO/Basic or High Deductible Health Plan with HSA
  • Coverage begins the first of the month after your hire date
  • Wellness incentives for healthy lifestyle participation

    • Exceptional Retirement Plan

  • Employer retirement contributions ranging from 7.5% up to an impressive 12.26%, depending on position
    (One of the strongest retirement packages in the region!) - Your future is a priority, and it shows.

    • Time Away & Support

  • Generous annual leave, sick leave, and 10 paid holidays
  • Employee Assistance Program for confidential support
  • Supportive work-life balance 

    • Education Benefits That Grow With You 

  • Tuition waivers for employees (up to three classes per calendar year)
  • 50% tuition waiver for spouse/partner and dependents

    • Additional Optional Benefits

  • Supplemental Life, Dental, Vision, Long-Term Care
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (Health & Dependent Care)
  • Supplemental Retirement Plans

    • Explore Full Benefit Details:

    About Us:

    North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student focused, land-grant, research university.We educate leaders who solve national and global challenges by providing affordable access to an excellent education that combines teaching and research in a rich learning environment.

    NDSU is in the highest Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, R1, granted to the top research institutions in the country. 

    NDSU has offices across the state of North Dakota, and the main campus is in Fargo, on the Minnesota border.Along with Moorhead, Minnesota, Fargo forms one of the largest metropolitan centers between Minneapolis and Seattle.The community is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live. 

    NDSU is committed to fostering a community where differences are recognized as strengths.Rooted in our land-grant mission, we work together to meet the needs of North Dakota and its communities through education, research and outreach.

    Equal Opportunity Statement:

    No Smoking Notice:

    As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.

    Veteran’s Preference Notice:

    This position is subject to North Dakota Veteran’s Preference requirements.

    Reasonable Accommodation Information: 

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