Senior Media Relations Specialist

Boston, MA (On-site)

$76K/yr – $108K/yrSenior Level4+ years expFull time

Posted 11 days ago

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Job Summary

Own and shape the university's media relations program by leading press strategy, proactive story pitching, and AI‑driven insight; manage media inquiries and cultivate strong relationships with local, national, and international outlets.

Lead press strategies and storytelling across multiple media channels
Build and maintain relationships with journalists and outlets
Leverage AI tools for monitoring, sentiment analysis, and timely commentary

Job Description

Responsibilities

Serving as a liaison between the university and the news media
Cultivating relationships with members of the media
Developing and executing press strategies for announcing news
Proactively pitching and landing news stories about the university in local, domestic, and international top‑tier press
Maintaining an in‑depth knowledge of the university’s strengths and goals and finding new, creative, and compelling ways to tell stories through various media
Using AI‑powered media monitoring and sentiment‑analysis tools to identify emerging trends, reporter interests, and opportunities for timely off-the-news expert commentary
Handling and tracking media requests
Writing pitches and other material
Collaborating with the Communications team’s daily news operation
Fostering positive working relationships with members of the university community

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and proven experience (4–6 years) 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
Ability to work well both independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced environment
Experience using AI‑powered tools (e.g., media intelligence platforms, generative AI writing assistants, predictive analytics tools) to support media monitoring, content development, and strategic outreach is strongly preferred
Understanding of AI ethics and the ability to evaluate AI‑generated content for accuracy, transparency, and university alignment
Ability to critically evaluate information and assess news value
Ability to take initiative
Ability to think creatively

Benefits

Northeastern University has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.

Northeastern University

4.3 Glassdoor

Founded in 1898, Northeastern is a global research university with a distinctive, experience-driven approach to education and discovery. The university is a leader in experiential learning, powered by the world’s most far-reaching cooperative education program. We integrate classroom study with opportunities for professional work, research, service, and global learning in more than 100 countries. The same spirit of collaboration guides a use-inspired research enterprise focused on solving global challenges in health, security, and sustainability. Northeastern offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs leading to degrees through the doctorate in nine colleges and schools, and select graduate programs at campuses in Boston, Charlotte, N.C., San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, and Toronto. Campuses in Burlington, MA, and Nahant, MA, are home to research institutes for homeland security and coastal sustainability, respectively.

Founded in 2020

Boston, Massachusetts, USA

18K employees (764 in marketing)

northeastern.edu

84% recommend to a friend

89% CEO approval