Edtech.com's Summary

George Washington University is hiring a Senior Media Relations Specialist for its Office of Communications and Marketing. The specialist identifies and pitches stories to national, local, and student media, and serves as a spokesperson at university events. Working independently, the role writes news releases and media materials and builds relationships with reporters across GW's academic departments and administrative offices.

Highlights

Identify and develop story opportunities for national, local, and student media.
Advise university leadership on proactive media coverage of experts, announcements, and initiatives.
Pitch stories, facilitate interviews with GW leaders, and respond to media inquiries.
Represent the university's media relations team at campus events, including high-profile ones.
Write and edit news releases, media advisories, and coverage reports for external and internal media.
Build and maintain relationships with national, regional, and trade media contacts.
Bachelor's degree plus 5 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 3 years, required.
Base salary range $66,095.67 - $90,896.59, plus GW's comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and retirement savings.

Senior Media Relations Specialist Full Description

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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, responds 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, and experience as a journalist or in an agency setting is a plus but not required.

This role 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.

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

$66,095.67 - $90,896.59

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.

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:

Work Schedule:

Monday - Friday (daytime hours) Occasional evenings/weekends

Internal Applicants Only?

Posting Number:

S014451

Job Open Date:

09/09/2026

Job Close Date:

09/19/2026

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 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.

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