Position Overview
Stanford University seeks a Senior Director, Media Relations and Public Affairs to join the Strategic Communications and Media Relations team within the central University Communications division. The role reports to the Assistant Vice President, Strategic Communications and Media Relations and requires a strategic communicator with sophisticated issues‑management instincts, a track record of building productive relationships with journalists, and the initiative and vision to build something new.
About University Communications
University Communications, part of the Office of External Relations, provides leadership and support for strategic communications programs that advance Stanford’s mission. The office is responsible for brand positioning and strategy; issues and reputation management; crisis communications; digital content and top‑level web and social media platforms; media relations and news services; executive communications; major publications; and video production. University Communications coordinates with communications professionals across the university and advises senior executive staff on communications strategy.
In This Role, You Will
Media Relations & Spokesperson
- Serve as a senior on‑the‑record spokesperson and represent the university on key beat areas, including state and federal government policy, research policy and security, and admissions and financial aid.
- Lead background and context conversations, building and sustaining trusted relationships with reporters.
- Develop and maintain journalist relationships, owning ongoing relationships with local, state, and national reporters covering higher education, with attention to California and Bay Area media.
Issues Management & Strategic Communications
- Lead communications strategy on complex issues, developing and executing integrated plans across owned and earned channels.
- Anticipate and manage reputational risk, monitoring emerging issues and proactively developing response frameworks.
- Partner with campus offices to create responsive, timely communication strategies.
Press Engagement Program
- Design and lead a campus press briefing program, launching a recurring series that brings journalists to Stanford for curated conversations with leaders and faculty.
Leadership Preparation & Media Training
- Prepare and support senior leaders for media engagement, developing briefing documents, key messages, and Q&A materials; conduct media training and interview coaching.
- Staff high‑stakes media engagements, accompanying leaders during selective media opportunities.
Collaboration & Coordination
- Collaborate across University Communications, ensuring integrated, consistent messaging across channels and platforms.
- Coordinate with school and unit communicators to align on shared beat areas and maintain situational awareness.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications, media relations, public affairs, or journalism; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Demonstrated experience in a complex, high‑profile institution, agency, or news organization.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Senior spokesperson experience with a proven track record in on‑the‑record communication on complex matters.
- Depth in issues management, understanding how reputational issues develop and how to develop proactive strategies.
- Policy and public affairs fluency across government affairs, labor, research regulation, and higher education policy.
- Established media relationships and a network of journalists across beats and platforms.
- Strategic communications planning across multiple channels and audiences.
- Experience advising senior leaders, providing candid counsel under pressure.
- Exceptional writing and editing under deadline for statements, talking points, Q&A, backgrounders, and web content.
- News judgment for rapidly assessing newsworthiness and institutional implications.
- Collaborative skills across a decentralized organization with multiple stakeholders.
- Proficiency with media databases and monitoring tools such as Muck Rack or Salesforce.
Preferred
- Strategic communications experience at a major research university or comparable institution.
- Background in journalism covering higher education, policy, or institutional affairs.
- Experience building or launching new programs, initiatives, or communications functions.
Why This Role
This is a rare opportunity to join one of the world’s leading universities at a moment when institutional communications is vital. The role offers significant scope, engagement with university leadership, and the chance to build something new in the media relations program. Stanford is committed to the professional development and long‑term growth of its communications staff.
Compensation & Benefits
Expected pay range: $202,043 – $221,518 per annum. Stanford provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as scope, responsibilities, qualifications, departmental budget, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.
Stanford’s comprehensive rewards package includes health care, retirement plans, paid leave, and other benefits. Full details are available at
Physical Requirements
- Constantly perform desk‑based computer tasks.
- Frequently stand, walk, sit, use a telephone, and perform fine manipulation.
- Occasionally grasp forcefully and write by hand.
- Rarely sort or file paperwork.
- Stanford will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities.
Working Conditions
- Occasional work on evenings and weekends.
Work Standards
- Interpersonal skills: work well with Stanford colleagues, clients, and external organizations.
- Promote a culture of safety: demonstrate commitment to personal responsibility, communicate safety concerns, and use and promote safe behaviors.
- Compliance with all applicable University policies and procedures, including the Administrative Guide.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
#J-18808-Ljbffr