Senior Director of Media Relations

Posting date: September 19, 2025

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard Medical School? Harvard Medical School's mission is to nurture a diverse, inclusive community dedicated to alleviating suffering and improving health and well-being for all through excellence in teaching and learning, discovery and scholarship, and service and leadership. You’ll be at the heart of biomedical discovery, education, and innovation, working alongside world-renowned faculty and a community dedicated to improving human health. This is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to shape the future of medicine.

Job Description

The Senior Director of Media Relations at Harvard Medical School is a strategic communications leader responsible for amplifying the visibility and protecting the reputation of one of the nation’s top medical schools. This key role in the Office of Communications and External Relations (OCER) leads media strategy with a focus on promoting basic science research, translating complex discoveries into compelling narratives. They advise and work closely with senior leaders and colleagues across the School, University, and affiliated hospitals and research institutes to ensure coordinated, high-impact media engagement. They serve as chief spokesperson for the School, lead the media response to institutional issues, prepare researchers for media interviews, and demonstrate excellence in science communications with a focus on writing and editing.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Media Engagement: Develop and execute a media relations strategy that highlights the institution’s leadership in biomedical research, education, and service to humanity. Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, and influencers. Conceptualize and pitch stories, lead responses to media inquiries, manage the media fellowship program, and handle filming requests.
• Science Communication & Storytelling: Lead the development and editing of science-focused press releases and stories. Translate complex scientific concepts into accessible content and write news for HMS channels.
• Faculty/Researcher Media Preparation: Provide counsel and support for media interviews, conduct training, and create briefing materials.
• Issues Management: Oversee communications on institutional issues, lead media responses during crises, and develop rapid-response protocols.
• Cross-Institutional Collaboration & Leadership: Serve as a senior leader on the OCER team, collaborate with partners, and manage external relationships.
• Measurement & Reporting: Monitor media coverage and use data to refine strategies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a science-related field required. Minimum 10 years of experience in media relations, science communication, or journalism within academic medicine or biomedical research.

Additional Qualifications and Skills: Advanced degree preferred. Demonstrated ability to write and edit science content, build media relationships, and collaborate effectively. Strong skills in writing, editing, and communication.

Preferred Attributes: Background in science journalism, familiarity with scientific publishing, experience with medical school environments, and excellent organizational skills.

Additional Information

Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week. Visa Sponsorship: Not available. Work Format: Based at Harvard campus with some remote options. Salary Grade: 060. Benefits include paid time off, health insurance, retirement plans, and more. Harvard is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination.