Senior Media Relations Specialist

Northeastern University; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 76,335 - 107,823; Full time

Job summary

Northeastern University is seeking a Senior Media Relations Specialist to secure media coverage for its research, global programs, and leadership stories across top domestic and international outlets. The role focuses on relationship-building with reporters, crafting concise talking points, and coordinating across Northeastern’s global communications network.

The ideal candidate will have 4–6 years of media experience, exceptional writing, and adeptness with AI-enabled media tools, while

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 4–6 years of experience with local, domestic, and international media and a proven record of landing stories.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with reporters and editors.
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience using AI-powered tools to support media monitoring, content development, and outreach; understanding of AI ethics.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a liaison between the university and the news media.
• Cultivate relationships with media professionals and manage inquiries.
• Develop and execute press strategies for announcements and news.
• Pitch and land stories in local, national, and international top-tier press.
• Leverage AI tools to monitor trends and identify opportunities for commentary.
• Collaborate with the Communications team’s daily news operation.
• Contribute to digital and social media efforts.

Skills

Media relations

Writing

Interpersonal skills

Crisis management

Strategic thinking

Team collaboration

Independent work

Editorial judgment

Fast-paced environment

Initiative

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

AI tools

Media monitoring platforms

Predictive analytics tools

Job description

Northeastern University is looking for a talented individual with a solid track record of landing great press hits in top-tier news organizations in the US and international press.

As Senior Media Relations Specialist, this person must excel at building and cultivating relationships with reporters and editors and leveraging those relationships to secure media coverage about Northeastern University's unique story, including its research enterprise, global experiential learning programs, and newsworthy examples of leadership and innovation in the higher education space and beyond.

Reporting to the Media Relations Manager, the Senior Media Relations Specialist will work with Northeastern faculty and staff colleagues across the global university system to identify newsworthy ideas, gather facts, and work with members of the press to secure coverage in top-tier news outlets in strategic locations and media markets within and outside of the U.S., including regions where Northeastern has a presence.

The Senior Media Relations Specialist has established a track record of delivering measurable results and building relationships with members of the local, national, and international press, and managing incoming press inquiries. The Specialist must stay up to date on what the media is focused on and be able to bridge those topics with Northeastern experts to identify opportunities and ultimately land positive media coverage.

The Senior Media Relations Specialist is able to write well-researched, factually accurate, and succinct talking points and statements/responses as needed. The position is part of Northeastern’s award-winning Communications team, which also includes enterprise social media, a daily news organization (Northeastern Global News), digital strategy and execution, photography, and video.

The Senior Media Relations Specialist should be familiar with using AI tools for to enhance all media relations efforts including media monitoring, idea generation, trend analysis, content development, and media outreach-while applying strong editorial judgment and ethical oversight.

The position is based on the Boston campus and is fully on site, five days a week. The news industry runs 24/7. Crisis and opportunity often present themselves outside of normal business hours. The Senior Media Relations Specialist is expected to be responsive and reliable when action needs to be taken. As is the case for every member of the Communications team, after-hours work, including weekends and holidays, is routinely required.

Qualifications

• 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
• Experience dealing with crisis situations
• Speed and accuracy
• Sense of humor

Key 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
• Contributing to digital and social media efforts
• Keeping abreast of higher education issues and trends, as well as global and national current events and campus activities
• Participating in major media events and other duties as assigned
• Experimenting with and evaluating new AI tools that can enhance media relations efficiency, insight generation, and storytelling

Position Type

Marketing and Communications

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.

Northeastern 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.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Compensation Grade/Pay Type:

110S

Expected Hiring Range:

$76,335.00 - $107,823.75

With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.