Public Relations Specialist jobs in Allred, TN

Title: Specialist, Public Relations  

Department: Marketing & Communications

Number of Positions: 1

Classification: 3/Campus

Type of Appointment: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Pay Rate: $42,590 - $52,550.00/per year. Pay will be determined based on related work experience above required. To be considered in determining pay, all related work experience must be listed on the application.

Required Documents Needed to Upload at Time of Application: Resume, transcripts and three professional references.

Reference check requirements: Non-supervisory roles: three (3) current or former supervisors

Personal references (friends, clergy, customers, relatives) are not considered acceptable references

Position Summary: The Public Relations Specialist assists with the strategic communication and public relations strategies of the College by writing copy for publications, news releases, ads, web pages, social media, video and other marketing materials. The position requires the ability to seek out topics for articles and then write accurate and compelling copy about the institution based on interviews, review of existing articles and independent research.

Essential Functions:

35%​ Initiate ideas, research topics and write copy for news releases to promote the College. Use knowledge of what constitutes a good news release to seek out subjects. Develop relationships with key individuals in the College to discover release possibilities. Interview sources and thoroughly research subjects to write clear, accurate releases. Request photography or videography as needed.  Ensure that releases and related requests progress smoothly through the review process.

25% Write copy for external publications, including Connections magazine, the annual report, brochures, reports, ads, videos and other marketing materials. Determine copy needs and themes. Write with the purpose, audience and visuals in mind. Interview sources and thoroughly research subjects to write accurate and compelling copy.

10% Write copy for web pages and social media. Work with departments to determine content for web pages and the best way to present it.

20% Write, curate and distribute the college’s monthly and weekly electronic newsletters.

5% Work with others in Marketing and Communications to develop strategic communication plans to support the College’s overall marketing strategy.

5% Distribute news releases and/or pitch news stories to media outlets as appropriate. Maintain an up-to-date database of media representatives and community stakeholders. Maintain the release tracking form and media log. Track open rates and other statistics with regard to usage.

Note: The College reserves the right to change or reassign job duties, or combine positions at any time.

Key Results Areas: The Specialist, Public Relations will create and distribute accurate, compelling copy that is written for specific publications and audiences and requires minimal editing to promote the College and support the College’s brand.

Job Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, English, communications, public relations or related field.
• Two years of experience in reporting, researching, interviewing and writing news releases and

   publication copy on a wide range of topics.

Part-time work experience is calculated at 50% credit of full-time work experience.

Complexity & Creativity: 

As the primary writer for Pellissippi State, the Specialist, Public Relations functions as the voice of the college. Creativity, skilled expertise and critical thinking are required on a daily basis to write copy that is relevant and interesting to key audiences. The Specialist must uncover and develop creative ways to tell the College’s story and convey the College’s mission.

The Specialist, Public Relations uses technical knowledge when writing articles for a particular medium, paying attention to different styles of writing and key messages for each. This writer often conveys messages from senior leadership and should be able to adapt the writing to suit a variety of voices with minimal guidance.

The Specialist, Public Relations uses analytical thinking to solve problems, such as suggesting new ways to communicate effectively to prospective students or donors. These solutions would make a difference in the ability to get the College’s message out to audiences.

The Specialist, Public Relations handles much of the social media management for the college and should use discernment in direct communications with the public on behalf of the college.

The Specialist, Public Relations must adhere to all Marketing and Communications policies, including web and social media, by providing copy that is appropriate for these audiences. This position must also adhere to certain ADA guidelines by including information in releases for people with disabilities. The employee must also understand and follow Tennessee Board of Regents publications policies.

Magnitude of Impact: The Specialist, Public Relations has the potential to impact every department on campus, depending on the subject matter, be it for an internal or external audience or both. Because of the prominence and potential impact of this work, writing must be approved through appropriate levels to ensure that all communications are accurate before they are published. If errors arise, the specialist and his/her supervisor will work with the appropriate individuals to address the problem. However, proper approvals should lead to very few errors.

Responsibility for Accuracy: Accuracy is crucial in this position. It establishes the credibility of Pellissippi State and the Marketing and Communications team. The specialist will work to acquire needed information about the college in order to recognize when the information provided is inaccurate. If that does not happen, the Marketing and Communications Executive Director or Coordinator, Publications should most likely catch the error before it is seen by the public.

Judgement and Decisions: The Specialist, Public Relations has primary responsibility for determining which stories to tell, who to interview, how to construct the article and what tone and voice to use. All communication materials are created with continual collaboration and are edited and reviewed at multiple levels prior to publication.

Physical Demands: Sitting for long periods of time. Staring at a computer screen for long periods. Walking, typing.

Manual dexterity is essential for taking notes, writing articles on a computer.

Full-time Employment Benefits:

 • Insurance Options Health, dental, vision, life, short/long-term disability, FSA/HSA Wellness Incentive Program, if  enrolled in health plan

 • Educational Assistance Fee Waiver Spouse/Dependent discounts Audit/Non-Credit Reimbursement Program

 • Employee Assistance Program

• Retirement options Tennessee traditional pension plan option (TCRS) 401k with $50 company match/457/403b

• Employee Discount program with over 900 companies

• 13 Paid Holidays/Year Includes paid days off the last week of December

• Sick Leave Bank

 • Longevity Pay

• Many opportunities for professional development

Special Instructions to Applicants: To be considered for a position at Pellissippi State, you must create an on-line application. Your skills, abilities, qualifications, and years of experience will be evaluated using only what is recorded on your application. Work experience that is not listed on the application will not be considered towards compensation. Please note: attaching a resume does not substitute for completion of the application form. Part-time work experience is calculated at 50% of full-time experience. Please note: to scan, upload, or attach documents, a computer and scanner are available at the Hardin Valley Campus Educational Resources Center, if needed.

Pellissippi State Community College is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA employer

If you have any problems or questions please contact Human Resources at Pellissippi State Community College’s Human Resource Office at 865-694-6607 or by email at recruiting@pstcc.edu.

If you are interested in this position, click on the link to the left to apply.

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