Director, Public Relations

University of Denver•Denver, CO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The University Relations division at the University of Denver speaks with a unified, authentic and resonant voice to strategically advance the university's brand with four goals in mind: To promote and protect DUs reputation To inspire students to enroll and engage To increase inclusion To strengthen the University. The University Relations (UR) team aims to strengthen DUs strategic position locally, regionally and nationally through data-driven and authentic storytelling across multiple channels with focused support on the university's value drivers: academics and research; enrollment and admissions, athletics and advancement. Whether through public or media relations, marketing, digital strategies, social media, print, podcast, issues or crisis management, community relations or thought leadership and training, UR drives results through narratives that involve words, pictures and design. With true understanding of and connection with our diverse audiences, we aim to foster collaborative problem solving, creativity and innovation. Position Summary The Director of Public Relations leads the university’s integrated approach to media relations, issues management, and reputational strategy. Reporting to the AVC for Communications & Issues Management, this role is responsible for shaping and executing both proactive and reactive communications that influence how key audiences perceive the University of Denver. This position oversees earned media strategy, guides institutional response to emerging issues, and coordinates crisis communications efforts in close partnership with university leadership. The Director serves as a central connector across communications, government relations, and campus partners to ensure alignment, consistency, and speed in all external-facing messaging.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
At least 7 years of increasingly responsible professional experience in media relations, which includes three (3) years of supervisory experience.
Journalism experience.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a higher education setting or other complex organization.
Experience partnering with agencies.

Responsibilities

Lead development and execution of integrated public relations strategies spanning media relations, issues management, and crisis communications
Shape messaging and positioning for emerging issues, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and reputational goals
Serve as a strategic advisor to senior leadership on media visibility, risk, and external perception
Identify and assess emerging issues with potential reputational impact and recommend response strategies
Oversee coordination of holding statements, media responses, and leadership messaging during sensitive or high-profile situations
Maintain awareness of national and local trends impacting higher education and DU’s reputation
Oversee proactive earned media strategy, including thought leadership placement and storytelling
Cultivate and maintain relationships with key national and local media
Guide development of pitches, op-eds, and media opportunities for university leaders
Ensure consistent, high-quality media engagement aligned with brand positioning
Serve as a senior member of the crisis communications team and participate in on-call rotation
Lead coordination of communications during incidents, ensuring timely, accurate, and aligned messaging
Provide coaching and direction to team members supporting media and issues response
Manage external PR agencies and partners, including performance and deliverables
Provide reporting and analysis on media coverage, issues trends, and reputational impact
Partner with Government Relations and Community Affairs to align messaging and stakeholder engagement
Support development of communications frameworks and protocols for issues management