Senior Media Relations Officer

Position Title
Senior Media Relations Officer

Schedule
Full‑time, 40 hours per week. Occasional early morning, evening, or weekend work may be required to support media relations needs or special events. Participation in a 24/7 on‑call issues management rotation is required.

Location
Hanover, NH. Expectation of regular on‑campus presence; occasional hybrid work may be available.

Position Purpose
The Senior Media Relations Officer will play a critical role in advancing and protecting the reputation of Dartmouth and its students, faculty, and staff. This position manages day‑to‑day media relations intake and response, builds and maintains relationships with reporters and editors, and serves as a point of contact for media inquiries regarding institutional news and issues across all media outlets, including student media.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries regarding institutional news and issues.

Respond to media inquiries in a timely, accurate, and strategic manner.

Proactively identify, write, pitch, and produce content on institutional news, faculty expertise, research, campus events, and strategic priorities for external media outlets and Dartmouth‑owned channels.

Coordinate and manage on‑campus media visits, including logistics, escorts, and interview scheduling.

Maintain and update press lists, media contact databases, and media protocols.

Coordinate logistics for institutional announcements, press conferences, and media events.

Draft press materials, including statements, news releases, and media advisories.

Develop and maintain talking points, FAQs, and interview preparation materials.

Build and maintain strong relationships with colleagues across the Office of Communications, campus partners, and relevant institutional stakeholders.

Provide media training for Dartmouth community members.

Use and leverage new technologies, social media, student interns, and media analytics to inform strategy and expand media relations efforts.

Support issues management, crisis, and emergency communications, including drafting media statements, FAQs, and talking points; monitoring media coverage; serving as a spokesperson; and acting as an on‑ground staff presence during high‑profile campus events.

Participate in the 24/7 on‑call issues management rotation.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field.

Five or more years of experience in media relations, communications, or a related field.

Experience in issues management, crisis communications, or high‑stakes media environments.

Experience drafting communications materials for senior leadership review.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to draft press materials, statements, talking points, and FAQs under tight deadlines.

Strong news judgment and ability to anticipate and assess reputational risks and opportunities.

Strong critical thinking and problem‑solving skills; ability to analyze complex situations and recommend strategic responses.

Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.

High degree of professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment when handling confidential information.

Strong interpersonal and organizational skills to build and maintain collaborative relationships across teams and the organization.

Preferred Qualifications

Background in higher education, public relations, and/or journalism.

Experience in issues management or crisis communications.

Experience in a similarly complex institutional environment.

Familiarity with media monitoring tools, press list management, and media analytics.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Dartmouth College is an equal‑opportunity employer under federal law and encourages applications from all qualified candidates.

#J-18808-Ljbffr