Communications Specialist

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.
At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

• Health & Wellness:
  Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness:
  Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
• Professional Development:
  Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks:
  Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

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The Communications Specialist is a key member of the Media Relations team within the Office of University Communications (OUC). Reporting to the Director of Media Relations, the position supports enterprise-wide public relations, media relations, issues management, media events, and strategic communications activities that enhance Howard University’s visibility, elevate its academic and research enterprise, and protect and strengthen the University’s reputation.

The Communications Specialist develops and executes communications plans, media strategies, and high-quality written materials for external and internal audiences. The position proactively identifies and pitches stories; responds to media inquiries; develops press releases, media advisories, statements, talking points, briefing materials, and other communications; and supports University leaders, faculty experts, and other spokespersons in media engagements.

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Serving as a communications liaison to an assigned portfolio of schools, colleges, academic units, and/or administrative offices, the Specialist builds strong relationships with campus partners to identify compelling stories and communications opportunities that elevate faculty expertise, research and innovation, academic achievements, student success, institutional initiatives, and the University’s broader impact. The position also collaborates across OUC on editorial, digital, social, multimedia, and executive communications to support integrated institutional storytelling.

• Supervise and provide guidance to student interns and/or student workers assigned to support media relations and communications activities.
• Serve as communications liaison to a designated portfolio of schools, colleges, academic units, centers, institutes, and/or administrative offices.
• Support the Director of Media Relations and senior OUC leadership in executing proactive and responsive media relations, issues management, and reputation-building strategies.
• Develop and maintain productive working relationships with journalists, producers, faculty experts, University leaders, campus communicators, and other key stakeholders.

• Serve as a point of contact for media inquiries, coordinating timely, accurate responses and connecting journalists with appropriate University spokespersons and subject matter experts.
• Develop and execute proactive media relations plans that increase positive visibility for Howard University, its faculty, research, academic programs, students, alumni, and institutional priorities.
• Research, identify, develop, and pitch compelling story ideas to local, national, trade, higher education, and industry-specific media outlets.
• Build and maintain relationships with reporters, editors, producers, assignment desks, podcast producers, and other media professionals whose coverage aligns with University priorities and areas of expertise.
• Create and maintain targeted media lists, journalist databases, subject matter expert resources, and media archives.
• Collaborate with senior media relations staff to build and maintain a University subject matter expert database and identify faculty and administrative spokespersons for media opportunities.
• Monitor the…