Senior Media Relations Officer

Position Details

Position Information

Posting date 04/30/2026 Closing date Open Until Filled Yes Position Number 1129568 Position Title Senior Media Relations Officer Hiring Range Minimum $106,600 Hiring Range Maximum $133,200 Union Type Not a Union Position SEIU Level Not an SEIU Position FLSA Status Exempt Employment Category Regular Full Time Scheduled Months per Year 12 Scheduled Hours per Week 40 Schedule

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 of Position

This position is based in Hanover, NH with the expectation of regular on-campus presence. Some flexibility for hybrid work may be available. 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.

Remote Work Eligibility? Onsite only Is this a term position? No If yes, length of term in months. N/A Is this a grant funded position? No 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.

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-the-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.

Description

Required Qualifications - Education and Yrs Exp Bachelors or equivalent combination of education and experience

Required Qualifications - Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

* Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or 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.

Department Contact for Recruitment Inquiries Faith Goodness Department Contact Phone Number  Department Contact for Cover Letter and Title Jana Barnello, Director of Media…