Senior Director of Media Strategy

Berklee College of Music • Boston, MA

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

Berklee is seeking a savvy, data-informed, and well-connected Senior Director of Media Strategy to strengthen and safeguard the institution’s reputation. If you are a strategic storyteller with deep media roots and a passion for arts and higher education, this is a powerful opportunity to influence the global narrative of the world’s leading performing arts institution. At Berklee, your work directly supports the next generation of creative leaders. About the Role & Responsibilities Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Communications, this leader serves as a trusted advisor to senior leadership. You will design and run our global media strategy, managing everything from high-level brand positioning to real-time crisis response. This is a hybrid role (three days on-site in Boston) that requires a calm-under-pressure mindset and the ability to handle sensitive information with total discretion.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field.
• 7–10+ years of experience in media relations and issues management (higher-ed or arts/culture preferred).
• Current, proven relationships with Boston-area journalists and a track record of securing national/global coverage.
• Expertise in leading cross-functional crisis response and navigating high-risk situations.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills under tight deadlines.
• Fluency with media monitoring tools (like Cision or Mention) and social listening platforms.
• Availability for an on-call rotation for rapid response outside of standard business hours.

Responsibilities

• Develop annual and quarterly media plans that advance Berklee’s priorities across Boston, national, and global outlets.
• Identify and pitch high-impact stories featuring Berklee’s faculty, students, and alumni to influential voices in arts and culture.
• Lead cross-functional crisis and rapid-response workflows, drafting statements, FAQs, and internal guidance.
• Serve as an on-the-record spokesperson and provide media training and message discipline to deans and executives.
• Write and edit press releases, op-eds, and statements with speed and precision, ensuring brand consistency.
• Define and report on KPIs (sentiment, reach, and share of voice), translating data into actionable recommendations.
• Oversee media relations for major campus events, managing pooled coverage and asset approvals.

Benefits

• A mission-driven culture where your ideas matter and your impact is visible.
• A diverse and inclusive community committed to lifelong learning and collaboration .
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays, including a winter break , to support work-life balance .
• Comprehensive health, dental, and life insurance plans.
• Tuition benefits for you and your family, including free or discounted courses.
• Retirement planning with a 403(b) plan and matching contributions .
• Access to unforgettable performances, guest artists, and events .

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees