Media Analyst Job Opening

Media Analyst

Newark - Continental, DE

Who we are:

Sallie Mae is proud to help Americans aspiring to create the life they want—whether that means helping them make college happen, or something more. Our colleagues across departments and across the country are united in our passion and our customer-first approach. Whether you want to join a growing company, be part of an agile workforce, or gain new skills—you’re in the right place.

The Corporate Communications Department manages the image and reputation of the company. The Corporate Communications department develops and conducts public relations programs in support of the company’s business objectives by presenting a consistent, positive image of the corporation among its various audiences. One of the department’s key roles is to proactively initiate, develop and maintain relationships with trade, government, education, finance, consumer and social media, as well as third-party influencers and community leaders. The department writes consumer-oriented and business news releases on behalf of the company and its subsidiaries; speeches and presentations for executive management for a variety of internal and external audiences; message points for internal units’ communication with external parties. The department coordinates public relations activities and events, as well as represents the company to media and other audiences.

60% Media Monitoring and Analysis

• Produce daily headlines media monitoring reports, containing all relevant media coverage of the company, and industry; circulate for executive management

• Identify and initiative correction requests and follow up opportunities

• Assist in analyzing trends in media coverage

• Develop media coverage reports

• Compile announcement-specific media coverage reports

15% Media List Development and Media Relations

• Develop media lists to ensure effective outreach to reporters

• Maintain updated contacts for all locations and lines of business

• Assist in tracking editorial calendars and identifying pitching opportunities

• Help maintain media interaction database, legal and compliance approvals

• Issue news releases over the wire as needed

• Assist in research of social media posts by relevant journalists

• Field incoming media inquiries according to the department’s policies and procedures

15% Research and Writing

• Assist in writing news releases and key messages on consumer-focused topics and corporate philanthropy, as needed

• Help coordinate approvals from subject matter experts, legal and compliance for news releases and supporting materials

• Assist with research as needed

• Assist in creation of fact sheets and press kits to support public relations efforts

10% Online Newsroom

• Assist in management of media- and corporate-related content on intranet and website

• Track and seek out appropriate awards and recognition of the company and products

• Assist in soliciting stories showcasing customer success

• Assist in planning, develop and maintenance of online newsroom and online “about us” corporate information
  

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, English, Journalism or related field and/or equivalent work experience

• Minimum 1 year of work experience in media relations activities

• Superior attention to detail, excellent written and oral communication skills and a positive attitude

• Exceptional and professional customer service to internal and external parties.

• Avid consumer of media in its various forms (newspaper, radio, TV, online, blogs, social)

• Experience with news retrieval services, such as Factiva

• Experience with reporter databases, such as Vocus

• Experience with news release distribution services, such as BusinessWire

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite with advanced knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Adobe Acrobat

• Expertise with social media such as Twitter and Facebook

• Expertise in using online search tools, such as Google News Alerts

• Experience creating media lists and pitching media

• HTML or web publishing skills

• Mathematical, graphing and analysis skills

• Knowledge of Associated Press style

• Personal experience and/or familiarity with financial aid process, student loans, personal finance
  

OTHER HELPFUL EXPERIENCE:

• Event coordination experience a plus

- Audio- and video-editing experience a plus

• Comprehensive Compensation and Healthcare Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision plans)
• Financial Well-being: 401(k) company match, employee stock purchase plan, and basic life insurance and short-term disability are provided to employees at no cost
• Work/Life Balance: Paid time off, time off to volunteer, and tuition reimbursement. In addition, after 6 months of employment, primary caregivers receive 12 weeks of 100% fully paid time off and secondary caregivers are eligible for 4 weeks of 100% fully paid time off, for birth or adoption
• Wellness: Fitness centers/gym subsidies, free Fitbits with step challenges, and wellness education