Working/Functional Title
MSU Extension Media & External Relations
Position Summary
Michigan State University Extension is committed to fostering a welcoming and collaborative environment, which requires all staff to contribute toward a vision for success regardless of title or position within the organization. We strive to create a positive culture, access to resources, and a sense of belonging for staff, partners, and programming participants. This means that all staff at MSU Extension are dedicated to the following:
- We work together to ensure that programming is available to all audiences, creates meaningful and positive impacts for participants, and demonstrates partnership and collaboration across communities.
- We understand that a welcoming and respectful environment is built through the efforts of everyone.
- We foster an environment that welcomes a broad range of perspectives and experiences, ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to contribute and thrive.
- We ensure that every team member is prepared with the skills and resources to contribute to our welcoming and supportive culture.
- We foster an environment that values a range of perspectives, skills, and experiences by working to ensure access to programming for communities.
- We commit to continuous learning and engagement to better serve Michigan residents and meet the evolving needs of communities.
- We recognize that broad accessibility and collaboration are essential elements of our work and are vital to organizational and programmatic success.
- We embrace a culture of understanding, coaching, and feedback toward achieving a vision of success for the entire organization and its staff.
- Together we will achieve success, and we commit to these goals in our work, continued education, and ongoing efforts.
POSITION SUMMARY
Manages the external relations and media activities for MSU Extension, in order to inform the public and the University.
MSU Extension (MSUE) is a large and complex unit with more than 600 employees in 83 counties spread across the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan. MSU Extension is the university’s community outreach organization, linking people across the state to the vast knowledge and resources of MSU.
The Michigan State University (MSU) Extension Media and External Relations Manager is responsible for organization-wide media strategy and external engagement activities for MSU Extension. As part of a collaborative communications team, this position leads the execution of proactive media and external relations efforts that enhance the visibility, credibility, and public impact of MSU Extension statewide and nationally.
Under the leadership and direction of the MSU Extension Director of Communications and Digital Strategy, you will carry out organizational priorities and goals for media engagement and strategic communications campaigns that increase awareness and understanding of MSU Extension’s mission, programs, and impact. You will implement media strategy, including issues management, and ensure alignment with University Communications and Marketing. Your responsibilities include managing media inquiries, developing press materials and key messages, preparing leadership and subject matter experts for media engagement, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders and supporting major announcements and public-facing initiatives.
As the MSU Extension Media and External Relations Manager, you will also contribute to high-impact storytelling and content development, including digital content, legislative materials, and impact-focused narratives. Additionally, you will provide guidance and training on media engagement and ensure all external communications align with MSU brand standards and organizational priorities.
Although negotiable, there will be space available for this position to work from the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan.
This position may be eligible to utilize a flexible work environment, however, there is an expectation to work from a MSU Extension office. The needs, responsibilities, and opportunities of an individual’s position and office location drive the ability and amount of work-location flexibility.
This is an off-dated position funded for one year from the date of hire with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.
Characteristic Duties/Responsibilities
- Plans new strategies, campaigns, and external relations efforts for MSU Extension and advises other units on media and external relations issues.
- Establishes policies and procedures related to the daily operation of external relations.
- Develops promotion and marketing /news plans for the unit.
- Develops specialized communications plans for other units as requested.
- Coordinates special events.
- Recommends web development and technology enhancements for the unit.
- Plans, creates, produces, photographs, edits, records or drafts releases and feature materials for media and publications in order to inform the public and University of issues and events.
- Identifies sources of information in research, reviews, and surveys in order to obtain information.
- Negotiates rates and orders advertising for print, television or radio.
- Designs and presents workshops on marketing, communications, and external relations strategies.
Media and External Relations Strategy, 20%
- Develops and implements media relations strategies, including proactive media positioning, protocols, issues management, and reputational communication for MSU Extension in coordination with the Director of Communications and Digital Strategy and in partnership with University Communications and Marketing.
- Advises MSU Extension leadership and institute teams on media approach, messaging, and risk.
- Develops and implements proactive media plans to elevate MSU Extension’s visibility statewide and nationally, identifying story opportunities and pitching to key media outlets.
- Partners with government and stakeholder relations staff to align legislative and external-facing communications with media strategy, public positioning, and organizational priorities.
Media Operations and Content Development, 20%
- Manages incoming media inquiries, triages requests, and coordinates timely, accurate responses across MSU Extension and with University Communications and Marketing.
- Leads development and distribution of press releases, media statements, talking points, and key messages.
- Ensures alignment with organizational priorities and external positioning.
- Supports media planning and coordination for major events, announcements, and external-facing initiatives.
Collaboration, Alignment, and Organizational Support, 20%
- Partners with institute and program leadership to develop media strategies for high-priority initiatives, announcements, and emerging issues.
- Collaborates across communications teams to align media strategy, coordinate outreach, and ensure consistent messaging across the organization.
- Serves as primary liaison to University Communications and Marketing for media relations, ensuring coordination, alignment, and amplification of MSU Extension priorities.
- Provides strategic input on digital content, and storytelling efforts to strengthen media visibility and public positioning.
- Supports communications strategy for high-priority initiatives with an emphasis on media visibility and public impact.
Issues Monitoring and Training, 20%
- Monitors media coverage, emerging issues, and reputational risks; synthesize insights to inform strategy and leadership decision-making.
- Working collaboratively with MSU Extension communications team, develops and delivers media training for leadership and subject matter experts.
- Provides functional leadership and direction for media-related work across the communications team.
- Ensures all media-facing communications align with MSU brand standards and organizational messaging.
Strategic Messaging and Storytelling, 15%
- Contributes as needed to high-level messaging and narratives for impact reports, legislative materials, and organizational storytelling, ensuring alignment with media strategy and public positioning.
Additional Responsibilities, 5%
- Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Minimum Requirements
- Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in journalism, telecommunications, marketing, advertising, public relations, or related field.
- Three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in public and media relations; composing, editing and publication production; news, broadcasting, and print media; and/or marketing, advertising, and creative services; graphic design; word processing; desktop publishing; web design; presentation; spreadsheet and/or database software; public presentation or radio production; or computer programming/technology.
- Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- This position requires or will require prior to the completion of the probationary period: knowledge of basic personal computer terminology and operations, and the ability to use e-mail and the internet.
Desired Qualifications
- Five to seven years of progressively responsible experience in communications, journalism, external relations, marketing/advertising, media relations, or a related field.
- Experience using digital communications tools, such as external and/or media relations platforms (e.g., Cision or Meltwater), content management systems (such as dotCMS).
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office and standard communications tools, including experience with design or multimedia tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite), preferred.
- Proficiency in use of technology (e.g., web research, Zoom, Qualtrics, Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook for mail/calendaring, distance technology, etc.) for day-to-day work and educational program delivery, record keeping, reporting, team-based communications, and overall management.
- Demonstrated experience in media and external relations and strategic communications, including developing and executing proactive media strategies.
- Experience managing media inquiries, developing press materials, and positioning organizations with external audiences.
- Experience supporting or aligning communications with government, legislative, or stakeholder relations efforts.
- Demonstrated ability to translate complex or technical information into clear, accessible messaging for various audiences.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
- Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills, including experience with AP Style.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
- Experience working with and advising organizational leadership on communications strategy or messaging.
- Demonstrated ability to lead or influence cross-functional teams in a matrixed or decentralized organization.
- Experience building and maintaining relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including media, partners, and community organizations.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, exercising sound judgement and decision-making in fast-paced or high-visibility situations.
- Experience identifying and responding to emerging issues, reputational risks, or sensitive communications situations.
- General knowledge of higher education, public sector, or Cooperative Extension systems preferred.
- Understanding of community engagement and outreach and outreach best practices.
- Demonstrated ability to develop messaging and communications materials for a variety of audiences and platforms.
- Experience contributing to or supporting campaigns, reports, or large-scale communications initiatives.
- Demonstrated commitment to communications practices that reach audiences representative of the populations served.
- Ability to apply principles of culture, access, and belonging in communications strategies and materials.
- Self-motivated with demonstrated ability to work independently in an office environment without daily supervision and/or coaching.
- Ability to travel in local and surrounding communities, and occasional long-distance travel are required as a regular part of this position.
- Demonstrated drive and initiative, with proven ability to manage multiple responsibilities and tasks simultaneously.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Application Materials
- Current resume/CV.
- Cover letter.
- Four (4) professional references including at least two (2) prior or current supervisors.
Work Hours
STANDARD 8-5
Description of End Date
This is an off-dated position funded for one year from the date of hire with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.
Website
https://youtu.be/R58m2-um5Mg?si=Qra8RMsP
Bidding eligibility ends July 14, 2026, 11:55 PM
