Communications Specialist
Location: Washington D.C., District of Columbia
Job Category: Public Relations | Marketing
Job ID: 73796
Employment Type: Full time
Salary: per year
Posted: 02.13.2026
Occupations:
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.
Opportunity:
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.
Job Requirements:
Responsibilities:
Strategic Communications & Media Relations
- 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.
Digital strategy & content creation
- 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.
Stakeholder & Community 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.
Events & campaign support
- 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.
Ideal Candidate:
- Ability to communicate clearly and persuasively, both orally and in writing, with a wide range of audiences.
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Discretion and sound judgment in handling sensitive information while maintaining a high level of confidentiality.
- Collaborative mindset with the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships across functions, levels, and departments.
- Experience navigating policy requirements within an academic institution.
- Openness to giving and receiving constructive feedback to support professional growth.
- Passion for and familiarity with HBCU student populations and culture.
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field, with at least three years of experience in communications, digital media, or public relations, preferably within the nonprofit or journalism sectors.
- Strong writing and storytelling skills, including experience with press releases, op-eds, and digital content creation.
- Proficiency in social media management, including audience engagement and analytics tracking.
- Familiarity with website maintenance and content management systems; graphic design and video editing experience is a plus.
- Strong project management skills and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- A demonstrated passion for journalism, democracy, and social justice.
Location: Washington, DC
DRiWaterstone is proud to lead this search on behalf of the Center for Journalism & Democracy at Howard University.