Mountain West HERC

SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS & MEDIA MANAGER, Media Lab, will actively seek out and pitch compelling stories, build strategic media relationships, lead key communications initiatives, and support the Director in leading the team. Responsibilities include Media Relations and Outreach: Proactively identifies and pitches compelling stories about research, innovations, events, and achievements to journalists and media outlets, builds and maintains strong relationships with reporters, editors, and producers at top-tier media outlets, trade publications, and broadcast media, research and target new media outlets and journalists to expand the Lab's reach, and draft press releases, media advisories, and pitch materials that capture attention and generate coverage; Communications Strategy and Implementation: With Director, translates the Lab's communications strategy across digital, social, and print platforms; manages strategic initiatives from conception through implementation; Content Development and Editorial Management: Consults on and edits a wide range of communications materials including news stories, web content, blog posts, social media content, newsletters, and presentations and contributes to maintenance of website in collaboration with technical staff; and Team Leadership and Operations: supervises 1-2 staff members, providing guidance, feedback, and professional development.

The full job description is available here.

REQUIRED: Bachelor's Degree in related field; a minimum of four years of communications and marketing experience, with significant experience in media relations, pitching stories, and securing press coverage; proven track record of successfully placing stories in media outlets; demonstrated experience building and leveraging media relationships to generate coverage; and exceptional writing and editing skills. PREFERRED: Master's degree; or experience in higher education, research institutions, or related environments with demonstrated success in securing media coverage.

3/19/2026