Director, Media Relations & Communications
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 will help develop and execute comprehensive rapid-response strategies, handle complex media inquiries, and provide expert counsel to senior leadership on sensitive communications matters. This is a hybrid role based at the New York City headquarters or the Washington, San Francisco, or Los Angeles bureaus. The employee can typically expect to work in the office three days per week and reports to the Executive Director of Media Relations and Communications. The position requires regular after-hours, weekend, and on-call work.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree.
- 10+ years of increasing experience in media relations, public affairs, or corporate communications, with a significant focus on rapid response and issues management.
- Proven track record 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, make sound judgments, and make 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 seasoned crisis communicators and guiding their decisions and strategic approach.
Nice To Haves
- Prior experience at a media organization, agency, campaign, or large corporation with international reach and a prominent social media presence.
Responsibilities
- Act 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 channels.
- Draft and rapidly disseminate accurate, consistent, and impactful statements, Q&As, talking points, and other communications materials under tight deadlines.
- Develop and execute comprehensive issues-management communications plans with colleagues across the communications team.
- Collaborate with internal subject matter experts to 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 plans to respond to identified media 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
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits may be available, depending on role.
- Flexible Spending Accounts (F.S.A.s) may be available, depending on role.
- Company-matching 401(k) plan may be available, depending on role.
- Employee stock purchase plan may be available, depending on role.
- Paid vacation may be available, depending on role.
- Paid sick days may be available, depending on role.
- Paid parental leave may be available, depending on role.
- Tuition reimbursement may be available, depending on role.
- Professional development programs may be available, depending on role.
- Variable pay, such as an annual bonus and restricted stock, may be available depending on role.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
