Director of Global Media Relations

Northeastern University•Boston, MA

1d•$99,010 - $143,568•Onsite

About The Position

Northeastern University is seeking a Director of Global Media Relations to lead press engagement strategies in domestic and global media markets. This role requires a skilled individual with extensive experience in managing top-tier media relations, setting ambitious goals, and proactively engaging the press. The Director will develop complex stories from concept to high-profile placements, demonstrating a commitment to Northeastern's brand and messaging. Key attributes include curiosity for story ideas, strong press relationships, factual accuracy, and a drive for positive media coverage. A deep understanding of global media markets is essential. Reporting to the Vice President for Communications, the Director will promote knowledge brands, possess crisis communications expertise, and manage a team of media relations professionals. The role involves leveraging AI-powered tools for media monitoring, insight generation, and data analytics to refine earned media strategy. The ideal candidate is an excellent communicator, a versatile thinker, a succinct writer, and a skilled manager of people and projects, with a keen sense of newsworthiness and the ability to convey complex ideas effectively. This position is a key member of the External Affairs team, collaborating across university divisions and locations. The role is based on the Boston campus and is fully in-person, requiring after-hours work, including weekends and holidays.

Requirements

Minimum of 6–8 years of experience in working with the press across top-tier publications, including those not based in the US.
Experience working in fast-paced and strategic communications operations that prioritizes earned press.
Experience in managing people in a fast-paced and goal-oriented organization.
Strong track record in working with reporters and managing complex stories that are on message and promote the organization through top-tier earned placements targeting key stakeholders.
Familiarity with AI-powered media monitoring, analytics, and content tools, and a demonstrated ability to integrate these into daily workflow to improve efficiency and outcomes.
Superb command of facts and data.
Ability to stay calm and focused in a crisis situation.
Exemplary work ethic and attention to detail.

Nice To Haves

Strong understanding of global media markets both within the US and abroad.
Proven track record in successful crisis communications.
Familiarity with leveraging AI-powered tools— including media monitoring platforms, automated insight generation, and data analytics—to identify trends, surface story opportunities, and sharpen the university’s earned media strategy.
Great communicator.
Versatile, curious and creative thinker.
Superb and succinct writer.
Great manager of projects and people.
Voracious consumer of news.
Impeccable sense of what is newsworthy.
Ability to successfully communicate complex ideas to various audiences, particularly to members of the press and university leaders.
Energetic, positive attitude.

Responsibilities

Oversee the strategy and execution of successful press engagement across domestic and global media markets.
Manage media relations across top-tier news organizations.
Set ambitious and measurable goals with high expectations for press engagement.
Proactively engage members of the press and manage the development of complex stories from idea to high-profile earned placements.
Build and maintain relationships with the press.
Ensure accuracy and discipline in command of the facts.
Relentlessly pursue positive stories in top-tier publications.
Promote knowledge brands, including those in the non-profit sector.
Manage crisis communications.
Oversee a team of talented media relations professionals.
Manage incoming and proactive media opportunities in markets around the world, particularly in strategic locations within Northeastern’s global university system.
Leverage AI-powered tools (media monitoring, automated insight generation, data analytics) to identify trends, surface story opportunities, and sharpen the university’s earned media strategy.
Collaborate with colleagues across divisions and locations.
Work closely with senior leaders across the university.