Director of Global Media Relations

About the role

Northeastern University is looking for a Director of Global Media Relations to join a high-performing Communications team at a global enterprise and oversee the strategy and execution of successful press engagement across domestic and global media markets. The Director is a highly skilled individual with robust experience in managing media relations across top-tier news organizations, setting ambitious and measurable goals, and driving high expectations.

The role requires a proven track record of strategic and proactive press engagement, managing complex stories from idea to high-profile earned placements. The ideal candidate is curious, committed to Northeastern’s brand and messaging priorities, skilled at building and maintaining press relationships, disciplined in command of facts, and relentless in pursuing positive stories in top-tier publications.

The Director oversees a team of media relations professionals managing incoming and proactive opportunities in media markets worldwide, particularly within Northeastern’s global university system of 14 campuses. Familiarity with AI-powered tools—including media monitoring platforms, automated insight generation, and data analytics—is essential for identifying trends, surfacing story opportunities, and sharpening earned media strategy.

The Director is a key member of the External Affairs team, collaborating with senior leaders across the university and colleagues in various divisions and locations. The position is based on the Boston campus and is fully in-person, with routine after-hours work, including weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute global media relations strategies to secure high-profile earned placements.
• Manage complex stories from conception to publication in top-tier media outlets.
• Oversee a team of media relations professionals handling proactive and incoming opportunities across global markets.
• Leverage AI-powered tools for media monitoring, analytics, and content insights to refine earned media strategy.
• Build and maintain relationships with reporters and editors at top-tier publications.
• Collaborate with senior leaders and colleagues across divisions and global campuses.
• Manage crisis communications with a calm, focused approach.
• Identify newsworthy stories and communicate complex ideas effectively to press and university leaders.

Requirements

• Minimum of 6–8 years of experience working with the press across top-tier publications, including international outlets.
• Experience in fast-paced, strategic communications operations prioritizing earned press.
• Proven track record of managing people in goal-oriented organizations.
• Strong ability to work with reporters and shape complex, on-message stories for key stakeholders.
• Familiarity with AI-powered media monitoring, analytics, and content tools, and ability to integrate them into workflows.
• Superb command of facts and data, with impeccable news judgment.
• Ability to remain calm and focused in crisis situations.
• Energetic, positive attitude with an exemplary work ethic and attention to detail.

Benefits

Northeastern University offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees, including:

• Medical, vision, and dental coverage.
• Paid time off.
• Tuition assistance.
• Wellness and life insurance programs.
• Retirement plans.
• Commuting and transportation benefits.

Pay

Expected hiring range: $99,010.00 - $143,567.50. The starting salary will depend on education, experience, location, knowledge, expertise, and internal pay equity comparisons.