Executive Director of Media Relations & Spokesperson
Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
Executive Director of Media Relations & Spokesperson
Boston University's award-winning External Affairs division seeks an Executive Director of Media Relations and Spokesperson.
The individual will report to the Vice President of Public Relations and Social Media. The role develops and executes proactive and reactive media‑relations strategies for the University and serves as its primary spokesperson, promoting and maintaining a favorable reputation for the institution. The Executive Director addresses the media on complex and sensitive issues on a timely basis, handles crisis communications, and responds to urgent communication needs. The person works with leadership and key stakeholders, directing media strategy and response.
The Executive Director leads issues management, tracks local and national trends and news, and provides strategic counsel. The role works closely with emergency management on a comprehensive safety communications strategy and protocols. The Executive Director develops communication materials such as media statements, communications plans, key messages, briefing documents, and other materials, collaborating with campus leaders to ensure consistent, high‑quality communications.
Key Responsibilities
Primary University Spokesperson: serve as the lead spokesperson and provide high-level strategic counsel to executive leadership.
Reputation & Issues Management: proactively identify and track national news trends, advise senior administration on media responses and communications strategies to safeguard the University’s reputation.
Emergency Communications Leadership: lead the University’s comprehensive emergency communications strategy and safety protocols, partnering with University Police and emergency management teams.
Strategic Media Relations: 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.
Communications Oversight & Content: oversee the development of critical communication materials including media statements, briefing documents, and key messaging, ensuring clear, consistent, and accurate information and voice.
Team & Operational Direction: provide guidance to internal stakeholders on media engagement and manage administrative functions such as film/commercial location requests and 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 communication, corporate communication, 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 and timely completion.
Exceptional interpersonal communication and relationship management abilities; ability to gain buy‑in from project stakeholders.
Strong belief in truth and transparency as key communication principles.
Ability to lead with empathy, emotional intelligence, and patience in high-pressure situations.
Collaborative mindset, linking information, objectives, and stakeholders across the organization.
Familiarity with relevant laws and regulations related to crisis management.
Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed; including being on call.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree.
Five or more years of management experience.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
To apply, visit https://jobs.silkroad.com/BU/External/jobs/316489
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The individual will report to the Vice President of Public Relations and Social Media. The role develops and executes proactive and reactive media‑relations strategies for the University and serves as its primary spokesperson, promoting and maintaining a favorable reputation for the institution. The Executive Director addresses the media on complex and sensitive issues on a timely basis, handles crisis communications, and responds to urgent communication needs. The person works with leadership and key stakeholders, directing media strategy and response.
The Executive Director leads issues management, tracks local and national trends and news, and provides strategic counsel. The role works closely with emergency management on a comprehensive safety communications strategy and protocols. The Executive Director develops communication materials such as media statements, communications plans, key messages, briefing documents, and other materials, collaborating with campus leaders to ensure consistent, high‑quality communications.
Key Responsibilities
Primary University Spokesperson: serve as the lead spokesperson and provide high-level strategic counsel to executive leadership.
Reputation & Issues Management: proactively identify and track national news trends, advise senior administration on media responses and communications strategies to safeguard the University’s reputation.
Emergency Communications Leadership: lead the University’s comprehensive emergency communications strategy and safety protocols, partnering with University Police and emergency management teams.
Strategic Media Relations: 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.
Communications Oversight & Content: oversee the development of critical communication materials including media statements, briefing documents, and key messaging, ensuring clear, consistent, and accurate information and voice.
Team & Operational Direction: provide guidance to internal stakeholders on media engagement and manage administrative functions such as film/commercial location requests and 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 communication, corporate communication, 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 and timely completion.
Exceptional interpersonal communication and relationship management abilities; ability to gain buy‑in from project stakeholders.
Strong belief in truth and transparency as key communication principles.
Ability to lead with empathy, emotional intelligence, and patience in high-pressure situations.
Collaborative mindset, linking information, objectives, and stakeholders across the organization.
Familiarity with relevant laws and regulations related to crisis management.
Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed; including being on call.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree.
Five or more years of management experience.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
To apply, visit https://jobs.silkroad.com/BU/External/jobs/316489
#J-18808-Ljbffr