Public Relations and Media Specialist

Northwestern State University seeks qualified applicants for the position of Public Relations and Media Specialist.

To apply: Please submit your cover letter, updated resume, complete contact information for 2 professional references, and a work sample to apply@nsula.edu.
 

Northwestern State University is a State as a Model Employer (SAME) agency.

The successful candidate will be subject to a background check, as a condition of employment.

NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION (FULL DISCLOSURE)

Northwestern State University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

All complaints or inquiries related to Title IX should be directed to the Director of Title IX Compliance and Title IX Coordinator, Julie Powell (318-357-5570), Room 306 of the Friedman Student Union or email obannonj@nsula.edu.  

In accordance with Section 35.106 of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), all participants, applicants, organizations, and interested individuals are advised and notified that the ADA Coordinator for Northwestern State University for facilities is the Director of University Affairs, Jennifer Kelly (318-357-4300), located in New Fine Arts, 104 Central Avenue, Ste. 102 or email andersonje@nsula.edu. For student academic services, contact the Director of Access and Disability Support, Crissey Smith (318-357-5460) located in Room 108-C Watson Memorial Library or email smithcr@nsula.edu.  For faculty/staff accommodations and services, contact Executive Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Human Resources, Veronica M. Biscoe (318-357-6359), Room 111 Caspari Hall or email ramirezv@nsula.edu.

*Inquiries regarding employment application status should be emailed to 

apply@nsula.edu.

Position Overview:

The Public Relations and Media Specialist plays a critical role in advancing the public image of Northwestern State University by developing and sharing impactful stories with the media and broader community. This position blends multimedia storytelling, strategic communication, and relationship management to promote the university’s mission, programs, people, and events. The specialist works collaboratively with university leadership, faculty, and departments to identify newsworthy content, coordinate media efforts, and maintain strong relationships with journalists and news outlets throughout the region. With a focus on proactive outreach and authentic engagement, this role helps shape how the university is perceived locally and beyond.

Job Description:

The Public Relations and Media Specialist serves as a key communicator between Northwestern State University and local, regional, and statewide media outlets. This position is responsible for developing and distributing engaging multimedia content that highlights university initiatives, achievements, events, and impact stories. Through strategic media outreach and strong relationship-building, the specialist helps shape public perception and elevate the institution’s visibility across traditional and digital platforms. The Public Relations and Media Specialist will report to the Director of Public Information and Media Relations.

About Northwestern State University:

Northwestern State University was established in 1884 as the Louisiana State Normal School, an institution created specifically for the training of teachers, in a time when public education was an increasing priority across the nation.

The location of the school is tied to the roots of the city of Natchitoches and is the oldest continually occupied site for higher education in Louisiana. When legislation was introduced in 1884 to create a state Normal School, local civic and business leaders marshaled support to purchase the 100-acre site of a former convent and school and offer it as the site of the new state school.  The selection was announced in October 1884 and a short, two-month session began in March 1885 with an enrollment of 60 students.

In 1921, the Louisiana State Normal School, which initially offered a 2-year degree program to prepare educators, began offering a 4-year educator degree program and was renamed the Louisiana Normal College. In 1944, the further expansion of degree offerings led to the school’s name being changed to Northwestern State College. In 1970, the college achieved university status and was renamed the title it still holds today: Northwestern State University of Louisiana.  Ever-growing, Northwestern State also serves the region at its off-campus instructional sites in Shreveport, Alexandria, and Fort Polk.

Since its inception, Northwestern State University has had a tremendous social and economic impact on northwest Louisiana and beyond.  NSU has provided and continues to offer educational and cultural opportunities to prepare individuals for success in life, careers, and citizenship.

Mission:

Northwestern State University is a responsive, student-oriented institution committed to acquiring, creating, and disseminating knowledge through innovative teaching, research, and service.  With its certificate, undergraduate, and graduate programs, Northwestern State University empowers students to make meaningful contributions to the global community, fostering a commitment to enhance our region, state, and nation.

Vision:

Northwestern State University will become the nation’s premier regional university through the innovative delivery of transformative student learning experiences that prepare graduates for life and career success.

Core Values:

Our core values capture the guiding principles for how we make decisions and work together. They are the foundation for the type of University community and regional partner we strive to become. Our guiding values are:

• Our students are our priority. We provide each Student with transformational and experiential learning experiences to assist in the development of an ever growing individual, scholar, and professional.
• We are future focused. We do not rest on our laurels, as we are in constant search of individual and organizational improvement. We seek opportunities to improve our students, community, and region.
• Innovation leads the forward edge of change. We strive to be on the forefront in all we do.
• We honor and respect the ideals of freedom. We protect the freedom of all members of our community to seek truth and express their views.
• We are careful stewards. We responsibly and sustainably manage the economic and natural resources entrusted to us.
• Integrity is our cornerstone. We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards as educators, scholars, Students, and professionals.
• We are a team. We are a collaborative community that focuses on ensuring the success of every member.

Salary and Benefits: