Media Relations Specialist

George Washington University

United States, D.C., Washington

Oct 27, 2025

I. JOB OVERVIEW

Job Description Summary:	The Office of Communications and Marketing is currently seeking a Media Relations Specialist. The office combines communications, marketing, and creative services for the university. Communications and Marketing develops and implements strategies and tactics for showcasing and raising the visibility of the university's experts, initiatives, and accomplishments. It manages media inquiries and interviews with senior university leadership and produces print and online publications to showcase the university. The Media Relations Specialist advises on and coordinates media relations for assigned academic departments, programs, and administrative units. The position typically coordinates with and supports university leadership and faculty to proactively identify and develop opportunities for media coverage of university experts, announcements, and initiatives. The position can work independently and exercise good judgment in pitching stories to news media, facilitating interviews with GW leaders and experts, responding to media inquiries, and serving as a media relations representative at university events, including high-profile events. Develops and maintains relations with external media, including national, local, and student media. Can serve as an on-the-record spokesperson with student media. Works independently to conduct research, interview, write, and edit copy for external media and university media. Writes news releases, news tips, etc., for dissemination to the news media. Prepares media reports and other information to highlight media placements. The ideal candidate has experience supporting media logistics for events and a proven track record of supporting and coordinating media strategies and tactics. Candidates must have experience pitching, writing/knowledge of AP Style, and staffing media interviews. Performs other related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.
Minimum Qualifications:	Qualified candidates will hold a Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization plus 2 years of relevant professional experience, or, a Master's degree or higher in a relevant area of study. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position. Degree requirements may be substituted with an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Additional Required Licenses/Certifications/Posting Specific Minimum Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:	Ability to build relationships with national, regional, trade, and various types of university media is desired. Experience in supporting and executing strategic media relations plans and securing media coverage is a plus. 2+ years of experience coordinating media relations and supporting media logistics is preferred. Strong written and oral communication skills. Social media experience is not required, but is a plus. Highly organized and attentive to detail. Creative problem-solver Collaborative attitude & willingness to roll up their sleeves to get the job done. Ability to work with internal and external stakeholders, including faculty and administration. Demonstrated ability to exercise good judgment and deliver results.
Hiring Range	$51,455.52 - $70,708.76
GW Staff Approach to Pay	How is pay for new employees determined at GW?

Healthcare Benefits

GW offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, time off & leave, retirement savings, tuition, well-being and various voluntary benefits. For program details and eligibility, please visit https://hr.gwu.edu/benefits-programs.

II. JOB DETAILS

Campus Location:	Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.
College/School/Department:	External Relations
Family	Comm, Mktg & Media
Sub-Family	Media Relations
Stream	Individual Contributor
Level	Level 2
Full-Time/Part-Time:	Full-Time
Hours Per Week:	40
Work Schedule:	Monday - Friday (daytime hours) Occasional evenings/weekends
Will this job require the employee to work on site?	Yes
Employee Onsite Status	Hybrid
Telework:	Yes
Required Background Check:	Criminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, Social Security Number Trace, and Sex Offender Registry Search
Special Instructions to Applicants:	Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status
Internal Applicants Only?	No
Posting Number:	S013890
Job Open Date:	10/27/2025
Job Close Date:	11/06/2025
If temporary, grant funded, Sponsored Project funded or limited term appointment, position funded until:
Background Screening	Successful Completion of a Background Screening will be required as a condition of hire.
EEO Statement:	The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.