Senior Media Relations Specialist (Higher Education / Communications)

About the role

The university is seeking a Senior Media Relations Specialist to join its communications team. Based in Boston, this role is full-time with competitive compensation ranging from $76,335 to $107,824 annually.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a liaison between the university and the news media
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with reporters and editors at local, domestic, and international outlets
• Proactively pitch and land news stories about the university in top-tier press
• Develop and execute press strategies for announcing news
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of the university's strengths and goals and find compelling ways to tell stories through various media
• Use AI-powered media monitoring and sentiment analysis tools to identify emerging trends, reporter interests, and opportunities for timely expert commentary
• Handle and track media requests
• Write pitches, talking points, statements, and responses that are well-researched, factually accurate, and succinct
• Collaborate with the communications team's daily news operation
• Contribute to digital and social media efforts
• Keep abreast of higher education issues and trends, global and national current events, and campus activities
• Experiment with and evaluate new AI tools that can enhance media relations efficiency and storytelling

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 4-6 years of proven experience working with local, domestic, and international media and successfully landing stories
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain successful relationships with members of the press
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
• Experience using AI-powered tools (media intelligence platforms, generative AI writing assistants, predictive analytics) to support media monitoring, content development, and strategic outreach
• Understanding of AI ethics and ability to evaluate AI-generated content for accuracy, transparency, and institutional alignment
• Ability to critically evaluate information and assess news value
• Experience dealing with crisis situations

Skills

• Strong writing and communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Proficiency in AI-powered media monitoring and sentiment analysis tools
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively
• Knowledge of higher education issues and trends

Benefits

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition assistance
• Wellness and life insurance
• Retailment and transportation benefits