Strategic Media Relations Specialist

Howard University; Maryland; On-site; USD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Wellness

Work-Life Balance

Financial Wellness

Professional Development

Additional Perks

Job summary

Howard University seeks a Communications Specialist to support enterprise-wide public relations, media relations, and strategic communications. You will develop plans, pitches, and high-quality materials for external and internal audiences, and coach spokespersons in media engagements.

You will collaborate with campus partners, journalists, and university leaders to elevate faculty expertise, research, and institutional priorities while maintaining strong editorial standards and brand voice.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in journalism, communications, public relations, English, marketing, or related field.
• Minimum of four years of professional experience in media relations, public relations, journalism, or related environment.
• Experience in higher education, nonprofit organizations, or related sectors is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary media relations liaison for assigned units and respond to media inquiries.
• Develop and execute proactive media relations plans to increase visibility of Howard University.
• Write, edit, and fact-check press materials including press releases, advisories, statements, and talking points.
• Prepare briefing materials for University leaders and spokespersons; provide media preparation support as needed.
• Collaborate with journalists, editors, producers, and campus communicators to promote consistent messaging.

Skills

Media relations

Writing

Editing

Strategic communications

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, public relations, English, marketing, or a related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Content Management Systems

Media monitoring platforms

Job description

Howard University seeks a Communications Specialist to support enterprise-wide public relations, media relations, and strategic communications. You will develop plans, pitches, and high-quality materials for external and internal audiences, and coach spokespersons in media engagements.

You will collaborate with campus partners, journalists, and university leaders to elevate faculty expertise, research, and institutional priorities while maintaining strong editorial standards and brand voice.