Media Research & Analytics Specialist

Position Information

Position Title

Media Research & Analytics Specialist

Job Description

Job Summary

The Media Research and Analytics Specialist supports the College’s media relations and communications strategy through research, media intelligence, measurement, and analysis. The position is responsible for developing a clear understanding of the College’s media environment; evaluating media outlets, journalists, organizations, issues, and opportunities; and tracking and analyzing the effectiveness and reach of the College’s media relations efforts.

The Specialist maintains reliable systems for measuring media activity and performance, identifies trends and meaningful changes in coverage, and translates research and data into useful insights for the Media Relations and Communications team. The position also conducts research in support of press materials, interviews, op-eds, strategic initiatives, and other communications intended for public dissemination.

Success in this position requires strong research and analytical judgment, flexibility in a fast-paced environment with quick turnaround times on assignments, attention to detail, an ability to distinguish meaningful information from noise, and the ability to communicate findings clearly and concisely.

Essential Job Functions

• Conduct media and organizational research and analysis. Research journalists, commentators, media outlets, publications, programs, organizations, and other relevant individuals, institutions, events, and opportunities to assess their audience, reach, influence, interests, history, and treatment of issues relevant to Hillsdale College.

• Build and maintain media lists. Develop, organize, and maintain accurate and targeted lists of journalists, commentators, producers, editors, outlets, and other media contacts. Regularly research and update contact information, areas of coverage, interests, affiliations, and other relevant information to support effective and strategic media outreach.

• Coordinate and track speaker and appearance inquiries. Receive, evaluate, and coordinate requests for College faculty, staff, and other representatives to participate in interviews, speaking engagements, programs, events, and other external appearances. Gather relevant information, route requests to appropriate parties, communicate with requestors and internal stakeholders, and track requests through completion.

• Track media relations performance. Maintain systems for tracking the College’s media relations activity and results, including media placements, interviews, mentions, audience reach, outlet quality, message penetration, and other relevant measures.

• Analyze performance and trends. Regularly analyze media relations data to identify trends, patterns, changes, opportunities, and areas of concern. Distinguish between activity metrics and meaningful measures of reach, influence, reputation, and effectiveness.

• Develop reports and insights. Prepare recurring and ad hoc reports on media relations performance for department and College leadership. Present findings in a clear and useful manner and provide appropriate context and interpretation rather than reporting data alone.

• Monitor the media environment. Help identify significant developments in the media landscape, including changes in outlets, personnel, audiences, coverage patterns, emerging issues, and other developments that could affect the College’s communications strategy.

• Support reputation and influence analysis. Assist the department in evaluating the College’s reputation, visibility, influence, and representation across print, digital, radio, television, podcasts, and other relevant media.

• Maintain research and reporting resources. Develop and maintain organized records, research files, media intelligence, data sets, reports, and other resources so that information can be accessed and used effectively by the department.

• Contribute to communications planning. Use research and analysis to inform the College’s annual and ongoing media relations and communications plans, including measurable objectives and goals.

Required Qualifications

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty mentioned satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Experience with Muck Rack, Cision, Meltwater or similar PR software is preferred.
• Experience tracking and reporting on media metrics required.

Education & Experience

This position requires a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to demonstrate the ability to perform the job. 2-5 years’ experience in a marketing, journalism, or PR role preferred.

Code of Commitment

Be a good representative of Hillsdale College to promote the liberal arts, the College’s original Articles of Association, and operating principles stated in the Staff Code of Commitment. The Mission Statement should be considered in all aspects of the position. The teaching of Christian faith shall remain a conspicuous aim of the College.

Other Skills

Physical Demands

Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively. Ability to operate basic office equipment, a photocopier, fax machine, computer equipment, and the like.

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number

S332P

Open Date

10/14/2026

Close Date

Open Until Filled

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants