Communications Specialist

American University, a leading research institution in Washington, DC, seeks a dedicated Communications Specialist to join its Strategic Communications & Media Relations team. This hybrid role (3-4 days/week on campus) supports the university's reputation through media relations, news monitoring, and administrative duties. **Key Responsibilities:** * **Media Relations Support:** Assist with incoming press inquiries, coordinate responses, provide logistical support for media events, and escort media on campus. * **News Monitoring & Reporting:** Daily/weekly monitoring, compilation, and analysis of news coverage using tools like Cision; develop and distribute news summaries and reports. * **Website Management:** Regularly update the media relations website, occasionally write web content, and contribute to web strategy. * **Administrative & Team Support:** Handle various administrative tasks for the media team, maintain office procedural guides, manage subscriptions, and assist with student worker supervision. **Qualifications:** * **Required:** * Bachelor's degree or equivalent with 1-3 years of relevant experience. * Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills. * Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, newsroom-style environment, multitask, and meet deadlines with attention to detail. * Curious, proactive, collaborative, and entrepreneurial spirit. * Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. * Flexibility for breaking news and sensitive situations, understanding public information release. * **Preferred:** * 3-5 years of relevant experience. * Working knowledge of the news/media industry, public affairs, and higher education. * Familiarity with news gathering software (e.g., Lexis-Nexis, Cision). **Compensation & Benefits:** * **Salary:** $65,000 - $75,000 annually. * **Benefits:** Competitive package including 200% matching retirement, tuition benefits for staff and families, and leadership development opportunities.