Executive Director, Communications and Public Affairs
About The Position
Albert Einstein College of Medicine seeks a strategic, collaborative, and mission-driven communications leader to serve as Executive Director of the Philip and Rita Rosen Department of Communications and Public Affairs. Reporting to the Sr. Associate Dean, Finance & Operations, the Executive Director will lead integrated communications to elevate Einstein’s reputation as a premier academic medical and scientific research institution. This executive will lead a team of 18 to shape and elevate the reputation of Einstein as an innovative hub for biomedical research, medical and graduate education, and community engagement. The Executive Director will oversee communications & PR, web strategy & development, and creative services teams. The department’s work encompasses Einstein’s website and intranet, media relations and social media, printed and digital publications, multimedia production, graphic design and branding, internal and executive communications, and institutional messaging. The position requires a seasoned communicator with exceptional judgment, professionalism, and experience navigating complex, matrixed environments involving faculty, researchers, administrative leaders, students, donors, and external stakeholders. The leader will work collaboratively and productively with administrative colleagues and senior faculty, —including deans, department chairs, and center directors, to advance the business goals and strategic priorities of the institution, including philanthropy. The leader will establish and maintain positive and collaborative relationships with their marketing and public relations counterparts at Montefiore Einstein, the umbrella organization for Einstein and Montefiore Health System. The Executive Director will assume leadership roles for strategic plan initiatives, join leadership committees associated with academic accreditation, and provide strategic council for major institutional initiatives. The role will also act as the college’s communications lead for crisis and emergency communications.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, or related fields.
- Minimum 15 years of progressively senior communications and/or marketing leadership experience.
- Experience in academic medicine, higher education, healthcare, biomedical research, or related mission-driven organizations.
- Demonstrated success leading integrated communications and media strategies in complex organizations.
- Exceptional writing, editing, and executive communication skills.
- Proven crisis communications and reputation management experience.
- Experience advising senior executives and institutional leaders.
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree preferred.
- Experience within an academic medical center, medical school, or research institution is strongly preferred.
- Experience supporting fundraising or advancement communications initiatives.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute a comprehensive, integrated communications and public relations strategy aligned with Einstein’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities.
- Advance institutional reputation and visibility nationally and internationally across biomedical research and medical and graduate education.
- Partner closely with senior leadership to shape institutional messaging and thought leadership initiatives.
- Develop speeches, presentations, talking points, op-eds, correspondence, and strategic messaging for senior leadership and the Dean’s Office.
- Ensure consistency of messaging across all institutional platforms and stakeholder audiences.
- Manage the department’s budget in accordance with college policies and guidelines.
- Identify cost-savings opportunities and ensure responsible stewardship of resources.
- Ensure operational effectiveness and continuous improvement.
- Lead proactive and reactive media relations efforts involving scientific discoveries, faculty expertise, educational innovation, community engagement, and institutional milestones.
- Manage crisis and emergency communications in coordination with Montefiore Einstein’s public relations department and emergency management committee.
- Prepare leadership for media interviews, public appearances, and high-profile engagements.
- Oversee institutional storytelling across digital, print, social, video, and multimedia channels.
- Collaborate with development and alumni affairs, admissions, faculty affairs, and research leadership to amplify Einstein’s impact and achievements.
- Guide editorial strategy highlighting faculty research, student success, community engagement, and scientific innovation.
- Lead and mentor communications and public relations staff while fostering a culture of creativity, responsiveness, collaboration, and accountability.
- Manage freelancers and and vendors as needed.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Executive
