Executive Director of Media Relations & Spokesperson

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the lead spokesperson and provide high-level strategic counsel to executive leadership on complex, sensitive, and urgent issues affecting the University.
• Proactively identify and track national news trends, advising senior administration on media responses and communications strategies to safeguard the University’s reputation.
• Lead the University’s comprehensive emergency communications strategy and safety protocols, partnering with University Police and emergency management teams on preparedness, simulations, and real-time crisis response.
• Cultivate and maintain deep relationships with local and national media outlets, directing and leading the University’s media response and facilitating expert commentary from academic and administrative leaders.
• Oversee the development of critical communication materials including media statements, briefing documents, and key messaging, ensuring clear, consistent, and accurate information and voice.
• Provide guidance to internal stakeholders on media engagement, while managing administrative functions such as film/commercial location requests and the proprietary use of University names and logos.

Required Skills

• B.S./B.A in journalism or communications and eight or more years of relevant experience in crisis communications, corporate communications, public relations, reputation management, or related fields, or equivalent.
• Proven experience working with executive-level leaders and managing diverse communication strategies.
• Demonstrated expertise in strategic decision-making, especially under stress.
• Exceptional ability to craft and deliver strategies and messaging on sensitive issues for diverse audiences, both internal and external, under tight deadlines.
• Strategic thinker with a track record of developing and executing multi-faceted communication plans.
• Strong news judgment with an appreciation of brand alignment in response strategies.
• Deep understanding of news and social media dynamics, including stakeholder interactions across various channels.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the capacity to juggle different projects simultaneously, with consistent accuracy, follow-through, and timely completion of projects.
• Excellent interpersonal communication and relationship management abilities.
• Able to gain buy-in from project stakeholders.
• Strong belief in truth and transparency as key communication principles.
• Able to lead with empathy, emotional intelligence, and patience in high-pressure situations.
• Collaborative mindset, with the ability to link information, objectives, and stakeholders across the organization.
• Familiarity with relevant laws and regulations related to crisis management.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays depending on operational needs, including regularly being on call.