Communications Specialist

Job Description

The Center for Journalism & Democracy at Howard University supports the teaching and practice of historically informed investigative reporting in the service of multiracial democracy. Through academic and financial support, the Center empowers students, faculty, and journalism organizations at Howard University and across the nation’s HBCUs. The Center promotes the values of press freedom, racial justice, and public accountability through research, partnerships, and programming.

For nearly 200 years, the Black press has spoken, written, and delivered truth to power. Now, under the leadership of Pulitzer Prize‑winning journalist Nikole Hannah‑Jones, the Center for Journalism & Democracy and its students are writing the next chapter of this rich legacy. Housed at the iconic Howard University, the Center is training the journalists who will report on the most pressing issues of the day.

The Center for Journalism & Democracy at Howard University seeks a strategic and creative Communications Specialist to shape how the Center’s work is shared with the world and ensure its impact reaches students, faculty, journalists, and the broader public. Reporting to the Executive Director, this role will serve as a key member of the Center, driving the development and execution of a strategic communications vision that elevates the Center’s profile, engages target audiences, and amplifies its mission.

The Communications Specialist will lead efforts to create and implement an integrated communications strategy that includes digital media, public relations, content creation, and brand development. This individual will manage messaging across platforms, produce compelling storytelling, and build relationships with media, influencers, and partners to strengthen the Center’s position as a national leader in pro‑democracy journalism.

The ideal candidate is a creative, detail‑oriented communicator who thrives at the intersection of strategy and execution. They will bring expertise in digital communications, media engagement, and audience growth while demonstrating the flexibility to work across channels and with multiple stakeholders.

• Collaborate with leadership to define public relations goals and execute communication strategies.
• Cultivate relationships with reporters, editors, and influencers covering democracy, journalism, and social justice to secure impactful media coverage.
• Draft press releases, pitches, fact sheets, and ghostwritten op‑eds tied to relevant news and trends.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries, ensuring coordinated and consistent messaging.
• Track and analyze media coverage to measure impact, visibility, and public sentiment.

• Lead the redesign and maintenance of the CJD website to ensure a dynamic, user‑friendly platform.
• Develop and manage a content calendar for digital and social channels, aligning with key events and initiatives.
• Create engaging multimedia content—including graphics and video—to enhance online presence.
• Implement audience growth strategies and use analytics to refine digital communications and engagement.

• Identify and tailor messaging for target audiences, including students, journalists, educators, and community organizations.
• Engage national and community‑based organizations with shared interests to expand the Center’s reach.
• Coordinate the production of the monthly newsletter and oversee the development of the annual impact report in partnership with leadership.
• Design and deliver external communications and impact reports for key stakeholders.

• Lead communication strategies for CJD national events, including media outreach and promotional campaigns.
• Manage the creation of event collateral, video graphics, and other promotional materials.
• Coordinate with external partners to execute media and digital strategies for conferences and training programs.

• Ability to communicate clearly and persuasively, both orally and in writing, with a wide range of audiences.
• Strong…