Manager, Media Relations, Harvard College

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience in higher education, academic, nonprofit, or other mission-driven organizations is a plus.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level