Executive Director of Media Relations & Spokesperson

Boston University • Boston, MA

148d • $130,000 - $158,000

About The Position

Boston University's award-winning External Affairs division seeks an Executive Director of Media Relations and Spokesperson. The individual will report to the Vice President of Public Relations and social media. The individual develops and executes proactive and reactive media-relations strategies for the University and serves as its primary spokesperson, promoting and maintaining a favorable reputation for the institution. This role addresses the media on complex and sensitive issues on a timely basis, handling crisis communications and responding to urgent communications needs. This person will work with leadership and key stakeholders, directing media strategy and response. The Executive Director leads issues management, tracking local and national trends and news and provides strategic counsel. The role works closely with emergency management on a comprehensive safety communications strategy and protocols. The role develops communication materials, such as media statements, communications plans, key messages, briefing documents, and other materials, while actively collaborating with campus leaders and colleagues to ensure consistent, high-quality communications.

Requirements

• Develops and executes proactive and reactive media-relations strategies.
• Serves as primary spokesperson.
• Addresses the media on complex and sensitive issues on a timely basis.
• Handles crisis communications and responds to urgent communications needs.
• Works with leadership and key stakeholders, directing media strategy and response.
• Leads issues management, tracking local and national trends and news.
• Provides strategic counsel.
• Works closely with emergency management on a comprehensive safety communications strategy and protocols.
• Develops communication materials, such as media statements, communications plans, key messages, briefing documents, and other materials.
• Actively collaborates with campus leaders and colleagues to ensure consistent, high-quality communications.
• Cultivates and maintains deep relationships with local and national media outlets.
• Directs and leads the University's media response.
• Facilitates expert commentary from academic and administrative leaders.
• Oversees the development of critical communication materials.
• Ensures clear, consistent and accurate information and voice.
• Provides guidance to internal stakeholders on media engagement.
• Manages administrative functions such as film/commercial location requests and the proprietary use of University names and logos.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the lead spokesperson and provide high-level strategic counsel to executive leadership on complex, sensitive, and urgent issues affecting the University.
• Proactively identify and track national news trends, advising senior administration on media responses and communications strategies to safeguard the University's reputation.
• Lead the University's comprehensive emergency communications strategy and safety protocols, partnering with University Police and emergency management teams on preparedness, simulations, and real-time crisis response.
• Cultivate and maintain deep relationships with local and national media outlets, directing and leading the University's media response and facilitating expert commentary from academic and administrative leaders.
• Oversee the development of critical communication materials including media statements, briefing documents, and key messaging ensuring clear, consistent and accurate information and voice.
• Provide guidance to internal stakeholders on media engagement, while managing administrative functions such as film/commercial location requests and the proprietary use of University names and logos.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: No Education Listed