Director, Media Relations & Communications

The New York Times • Los Angeles, NY

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The New York Times is hiring a Director of Media Relations & Communications to support rapid-response and issues-management communications throughout the organization. The role advances and defends the reputation of The New York Times and its employees by creating and executing media-relations strategies during emerging issues and high-stakes situations. The Director is part of a team that develops and executes rapid-response strategies, handles complex media inquiries, and advises senior leadership on sensitive communications matters.

This is a hybrid role based in the New York City headquarters or the New York Times bureaus in Washington, San Francisco, or Los Angeles. The position reports to the Executive Director of Media Relations and Communications, and typically requires three days per week in the office. Regular after-hours, weekend, and on-call work is required.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree.
• 10+ years of increasing experience in media relations, public affairs, or corporate communications, with significant focus on rapid response and issues management.
• Proven success managing high-profile, sensitive, and complex media situations.
• Strong understanding of the evolving media landscape, including traditional, digital, and social media platforms.
• Ability to think strategically and critically under pressure and make sound judgments and rapid decisions.
• Experience advising and collaborating with senior executives on communications strategy.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience managing a team of seasoned crisis communicators.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience at a media organization, agency, campaign, or large corporation with international reach and a prominent social media presence.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a senior spokesperson and primary media contact for urgent inquiries.
• Implement a rapid-response framework and protocols for breaking news and critical issues across traditional, digital, and social media.
• Draft and quickly disseminate accurate, consistent, and impactful statements, Q&As, talking points, and other communications materials under tight deadlines.
• Develop and execute issues-management communications plans with communications colleagues and internal subject matter experts.
• Gather accurate information and develop informed responses to complex issues.
• Identify, monitor, analyze, and respond to potential threats and opportunities in the media landscape.
• Create response plans for identified issues and report on response efforts in collaboration with the communications operations team.
• Advise and collaborate with senior executives on communications strategy.
• Manage a team of seasoned crisis communicators, guiding their decisions and strategic approach.

Benefits

• Potential eligibility for variable pay, such as an annual bonus and restricted stock, depending on role.
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits may be available.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (F.S.A.s) may be available.
• Company-matching 401(k) plan may be available.
• Employee stock purchase plan may be available.
• Paid vacation and paid sick days may be available.
• Paid parental leave may be available.
• Tuition reimbursement may be available.
• Professional development programs may be available.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director