Senior Media Relations Specialist

George Washington University

United States, D.C., Washington

Jan 22, 2025

I. JOB OVERVIEW

Job Description Summary:	The Office of Communications and Marketing is comprised of a high performing team responsible for advancing the university's reputation and telling GW's story through a diverse array of university channels, including digital and web properties and publications, multimedia and web properties, creative services, publications, media relations and paid marketing efforts across the university. This office drives the strategy and tactics for highlighting and raising the visibility of the university's experts, initiatives, and accomplishments. The Office of Communications and Marketing is currently seeking a Senior Media Relations Specialist. The office combines the communications, marketing and creative services for the university. Communications and Marketing develops and implements strategy and tactics for showcasing and raising the visibility of the university's experts, initiatives and accomplishments. It manages media inquiries and interviews with senior university leadership and produces print and online publications to showcase the university. The Senior Media Relations Specialist identifies and develops stories for media, arranges news coverage, and generally provides media relations management for assigned academic departments, programs and administrative offices. This position typically advises and coordinates with university leadership to identify and develop proactive opportunities for media coverage of university experts, announcements and initiatives. This position pitches stories to news media, facilitates interviews with GW leaders and experts, responds to media inquiries, and serves as a media relations representative at university events. Supports crisis communications and issues and campus media requests. The position works independently and exercises good judgement in pitching stories to news media, facilitating interviews with GW leaders and experts, responding to media inquiries, and serving as a media relations representative at university events, including hi-profile events. Develops and maintains relations with external media, including national, local and student media. Can serve as an on-the-record spokesperson with student media. The ideal candidate must have superb writing and editing skills as this position typically writes news releases, news tips cutline, etc., for dissemination to the news media and prepares media coverage reports and other information to highlight media placements. Candidates must have a proven track record of successful promotions through strategic earned media relations, Experience as a journalist or in an agency setting is a plus but not required. Works independently to conduct research, interviews and writes and edits copy for external media and university media. Writes news releases, news tips, etc., for dissemination to the news media. The ideal candidate has experience managing media logistics for events and a proven track record of developing and implementing media strategies and tactics. Candidates must have experience pitching, writing/knowledge of AP Style, and staffing media interviews. Performs other related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.
Minimum Qualifications:	Qualified candidates will hold a Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization plus 5 years of relevant professional experience, or, a Master's degree or higher in a relevant area of study plus 3 years of relevant professional experience. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position. Degree requirements may be substituted with an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Additional Required Licenses/Certifications/Posting Specific Minimum Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:	Existing relationships with national, regional, and trade media, with ability to work with various types of university media. Proven experience in developing and implementing media relations strategic plans and securing media coverage Experience managing media relations, including serving as a spokesperson and managing media logistics Strong written and oral communications skills Social media experience Highly organized and attentive to detail Creative problem-solver Collaborative attitude & willingness to roll up their sleeves to get the job done Ability to work with internal and external stakeholders, including faculty and administration. Demonstrated ability to exercise good judgment and deliver results
Hiring Range	$64,483.58 - $88,679.60
GW Staff Approach to Pay	How is pay for new employees determined at GW?

Healthcare Benefits

GW offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, time off & leave, retirement savings, tuition, well-being and various voluntary benefits. For program details and eligibility, please visit https://hr.gwu.edu/benefits-programs.

II. JOB DETAILS

Campus Location:	Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.
College/School/Department:	External Relations
Family	Comm, Mktg & Media
Sub-Family	Media Relations
Stream	Individual Contributor
Level	Level 3
Full-Time/Part-Time:	Full-Time
Hours Per Week:	40
Work Schedule:	Monday - Friday (daytime hours) Occasional evenings/weekends
Will this job require the employee to work on site?	Yes
Employee Onsite Status	Hybrid
Telework:	Yes
Required Background Check:	Criminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, Social Security Number Trace, and Sex Offender Registry Search
Special Instructions to Applicants:	Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status
Internal Applicants Only?	No
Posting Number:	S013547
Job Open Date:	01/22/2025
Job Close Date:	02/03/2025
If temporary, grant funded or limited term appointment, position funded until:
Background Screening	Successful Completion of a Background Screening will be required as a condition of hire.
EEO Statement:	The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.