Media Relations Manager

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Description

Job Summary:

The Manager, Media Relations, Harvard College leads and coordinates day-to-day media relations activities that advance the visibility, reputation, and strategic priorities of Harvard College. Reporting to the Senior Director, Strategic Media & Issues Management, FAS, this role develops and executes proactive media strategies, manages relationships with journalists and media outlets, and serves as a key communications partner to College administrators and stakeholders.

The Manager identifies and promotes compelling stories that showcase the achievements, initiatives, and impact of Harvard College while ensuring alignment with broader Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) and University communications objectives. The role works closely with College leadership and communications colleagues to coordinate media engagement, respond to inquiries, and support integrated communications efforts.

As an experienced communications professional, the Manager operates independently, manages multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, and contributes to strategic communications planning while supporting rapid response efforts during emerging issues and breaking news.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Media Relations Strategy and Execution

• Lead and coordinate day-to-day media relations activities for Harvard College.
• Develop and implement proactive media relations strategies that support institutional priorities, academic initiatives, and strategic objectives.
• Identify opportunities to generate positive media coverage and increase visibility for Harvard College programs, leadership, faculty, students, and initiatives.
• Create and execute media outreach plans that advance key messages and institutional priorities.
• Develop targeted media pitches and story placements across local, national, and international media outlets.

Media Outreach and Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, producers, and other media professionals.
• Serve as a primary contact for media inquiries related to Harvard College.
• Coordinate interviews, media opportunities, and background briefings.
• Facilitate media engagement activities while ensuring consistency and accuracy of messaging.
• Maintain knowledge of media trends, priorities, and emerging opportunities.

Strategic Communications Support

• Partner with College administrators, academic leaders, and subject matter experts to identify newsworthy stories and communications opportunities.
• Advise stakeholders on media strategy, messaging, and engagement approaches.
• Prepare briefing materials, talking points, key messages, media statements, and background documents.
• Support leadership preparation for interviews, public appearances, and media engagements.
• Ensure communications activities align with institutional priorities and strategic goals.

Media Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting

• Track and monitor media coverage related to Harvard College and relevant institutional topics.
• Analyze media activity, campaign performance, and outreach effectiveness.
• Prepare reports and recommendations for communications leadership and College stakeholders.
• Identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement in media strategy and engagement efforts.
• Utilize media monitoring and analytics tools to evaluate impact and inform future communications planning.

Issues Management and Rapid Response

• Manage media inquiries and coordinate timely responses in partnership with College communications leaders and FAS Communications.
• Support communications planning and execution during emerging issues, breaking news, and rapidly evolving situations.
• Assist in developing response strategies and messaging for sensitive or high-profile matters.
• Exercise sound judgment and discretion in managing time-sensitive communications activities.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Coordinate with communications, marketing, academic, and administrative teams to ensure integrated communications efforts.
• Collaborate on campaigns and initiatives that require media relations support and amplification.
• Support consistency of messaging across communications channels and stakeholder groups.
• Serve as a trusted communications resource and partner across Harvard College and FAS.

Working Conditions:

• This position works on-campus a minimum of 3 days per week with additional days as needed. 
• Evening and weekend work will be required, on occasion, to support media opportunities, events, emerging issues, or breaking news.
• Availability to respond to urgent media inquiries and communications needs outside of standard business hours when necessary.

 

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Five (5) years of progressive experience in media relations, communications, public affairs, journalism, or a related field.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Experience working independently with external media and journalists; serving as a spokesperson or media representative.
• Experience managing communications projects or campaigns within a complex organization.
• Analytical skills and experience tracking and evaluating media performance metrics.
• Excellent writing, editing, and message development skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
• Experience working across multiple media channels and communications platforms.
• Sound judgment and responsiveness in time-sensitive situations.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams while independently driving projects forward.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Prior experience in higher education, academic, nonprofit, or other mission-driven organizations is a plus.

 

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
• Other Information: Applicants are encouraged to submit a cover letter.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 057. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.