Manager, Media Relations, Harvard College

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