Sr Media Relations Specialist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Vision benefits

Dental benefits

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Wellness and life coverage

Retirement support

Commuting and transportation support

Job summary

Northeastern University is seeking a Senior Media Relations Specialist based in Boston to cultivate relationships with media and secure coverage for the university's stories. The role requires a Bachelor’s degree and 4 to 6 years of experience in media relations. Responsibilities include developing press strategies, managing media inquiries, and using AI tools for media monitoring. The expected salary range is $76,335.00 to $107,823.75 annually, with comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and tuition assistance.

Qualifications

• 4–6 years of experience working with media and securing stories.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Understanding of AI ethics and accuracy evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Act as a liaison between the university and the news media.
• Cultivate relationships with media members.
• Develop and execute press strategies for announcing news.
• Proactively pitch and land news stories about the university.

Skills

Relationship building with media

Excellent writing and verbal communication

Critical evaluation of information

Experience with AI tools

Crisis management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

AI-powered media monitoring tools

Job description

About the Opportunity

Senior Media Relations Specialist – a role focused on building and cultivating relationships with reporters and editors, leveraging those relationships to secure media coverage for Northeastern University’s unique story, research enterprise, global experiential learning programs, and newsworthy examples of leadership and innovation in higher education.

Reporting to the Media Relations Manager, the Specialist will work with faculty and staff across the global university system to identify newsworthy ideas, gather facts, and secure coverage in top‑tier news outlets in strategic locations and media markets worldwide.

Key responsibilities include writing well‑researched talking points, managing incoming press inquiries, staying current on media focus, and using AI tools to enhance media monitoring, idea generation, trend analysis, content development, and media outreach.

The position is based on the Boston campus and is fully onsite, five days a week, with after‑hours work, including weekends and holidays, routinely required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 4–6 years of 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.
• Ability to work well independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced environment.
• Experience using AI‑powered 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.
• Initiative, creative thinking, and crisis management skills.
• Speed, accuracy, and a sense of humor.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as liaison between the university and the news media.
• Cultivate relationships with media members.
• Develop and execute press strategies for announcing news.
• Proactively pitch and land news stories about the university in top‑tier press.
• Maintain in‑depth knowledge of the university’s strengths and goals and find new, creative 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 and other communications.
• Collaborate with the Communications team’s daily news operation.
• Foster positive working relationships with the university community.
• Contribute to digital and social media efforts.
• Stay abreast of higher‑education issues, global and national events, and campus activities.
• Participate in major media events and other duties as assigned.
• Experiment with and evaluate new AI tools to enhance media relations efficiency, insight generation, and storytelling.

Position Type

Marketing and Communications

Additional Information

Compensation Grade/Pay Type: 110S

Expected Hiring Range: $76,335.00 - $107,823.75 per year.

Benefits include medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness and life coverage, retirement, and commuting and transportation support.

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.