Manager, Media Relations, Harvard College

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.