Senior Media Relations Officer.

Senior Media Relations Officer
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. The role supports proactive media engagement, including writing and pitching institutional and faculty research stories for external outlets and Dartmouth-owned channels, as well as responsive media operations and on‑ground coordination during issues, crises, and other high‑profile events on campus. The Senior Media Relations Officer serves as a Dartmouth spokesperson and participates in a 24/7 on‑call issues management rotation.

Required Qualifications

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

5 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 the ability to draft press materials, statements, talking points, and FAQs under tight deadlines.

Demonstrated ability to process information quickly to produce accurate and timely communications.

Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with journalists and serve as an organizational representative or spokesperson.

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

Strong critical thinking and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex or sensitive situations and recommend strategic communications responses.

Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment, including during crisis or emergency situations.

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

Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships across teams and a complex organization to achieve shared goals.

Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and maintain systems and processes that support team operations.

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.

Key Accountabilities – Advancing the Reputation of Dartmouth

Serve as a primary point of contact for media inquiries regarding institutional news and issues, building and maintaining strong working relationships with reporters, editors, and other media contacts, including student journalists.

Respond to media inquiries in a timely, accurate, and strategic manner, coordinating with the Director of Media Relations and Office of Communications leadership as appropriate.

Proactively identify, write, pitch, and produce content on institutional news, faculty expertise and 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 prep materials in support of institutional priorities and issues management needs.

Build and maintain strong relationships with colleagues across the Office of Communications, campus partners, and relevant institutional stakeholders to ensure aligned and coordinated media outreach.

Provide media training for Dartmouth community members.

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

Crisis and Issues Management

At the direction of the Director of Media Relations and/or Office of Communications leadership, support issues management, crisis, and emergency communications.

Draft media statements, FAQs, talking points, and/or community messages.

Monitor media coverage and track media requests.

Serve as a Dartmouth spokesperson.

Act as on‑ground staff presence during high‑profile or sensitive campus events that draw media attention to support institutional messaging, coordination, and situational awareness.

Support the Director of Media Relations in maintaining Dartmouth’s emergency communications plans.

Serve on Dartmouth emergency planning committees.

As assigned, handle confidential, sensitive information, exercise excellent professional judgment and discretion, and interact appropriately with Dartmouth constituencies, including senior officers.

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

Foster respectful communication and collaboration within a diverse community.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Equal Opportunity Employer – Dartmouth College is an equal opportunity employer under federal law. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected status. Applications are welcome from all.

Background Check – Employment in this position is contingent upon consent to and successful completion of a pre‑employment background check, which may include a criminal background check, reference checks, verification of work history, conduct review, and verification of any required academic credentials, licenses, or certifications, with results acceptable to Dartmouth College. A criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non‑discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

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