Brandeis University is delighted to announce a career opportunity for Director, Strategic Communications and Public Relations. If you are looking for an opportunity to work at a beautiful university campus with lots of perks including free parking and access to a top of the line athletic facility, look no further! At Brandeis we offer a competitive benefits and compensation package which includes medical, dental and life insurances. If you hope to advance your career through educational opportunities, Brandeis offers tuition benefits for employees, dependents and spouses. Our 403b retirement savings plan includes a generous match.
The Director, Strategic Communications & Public Relations is responsible for leading the communications efforts of the university, working to enhance the reputation and increase name recognition of Brandeis around the world. The Director is responsible for media relations, strategic communications, crisis communications, and internal communications. They provide oversight of the senior content and media specialist and advise other members of the Office of Marketing Communications. The director reports to the Senior VP for Marketing Communications. Their efforts will further the university’s marketing goals, which focus on admissions and advancement.
The successful candidate will have a demonstrated record of success in developing and deploying communications strategies within complex, matrixed organizations, of delivering sound advice to senior leaders, and using excellent judgement in proactive and reactive communications. The Director will be comfortable working within a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment, able to pivot when the situation requires. Must be discreet in handling confidential information. S/he/they will foresee issues and generate communications strategies to address them proactively. Must be respectful and collaborative in working with leadership, faculty, staff and students.
As the supervisor of one staff member, the Director should be prepared to provide structure, support and actionable feedback for this direct report. As a senior member of the Marketing Communications team, the Director will be collaborative, supportive, transparent and accountable to other team members. The ideal candidate will think creatively to use communications strategies and tools to enhance the reputation of the university.
Core Responsibilities:
The Director, Strategic Communications & Public Relations is responsible for crisis communications and issues management - identifying issues before they become crises in collaboration with the Sr. VP of Marketing Communications, Director of Presidential Communications, General Counsel, and other leaders. They provide counsel to top university leaders They manage internal communications related to challenging topics and are adept at using the university’s broadcast email systems. 30%
Responsible for proactive media relations. This includes pitching stories to the media, developing news releases and developing digital content that will be of interest to media, They collaborate with the Sr VP, Marketing Communications and the VP, Marketing, to ensure consistent messaging across platforms. 30%
Oversees a senior content and media specialist, and plans, coordinates, edits and at time writes content for Brandeis Stories, the university’s news and features website. They guide the specialist in creating content that appeals to prospective students and parents, and prospective donors. They will become familiar with the university’s content management system used to post content, and with software used to send newsletters. 25%
Provides guidance and counsel on communications across the university. Will assist faculty and administrators with media requests, providing media training when needed. Will help subject matter experts respond to media requests and will work to position scholars and administrators as thought leaders in the media. 15%
Requirements:
BA/BS in communications, journalism, marketing or related field required.
Evening and weekend work occasionally required.
8 or more years of related work experience; at least 3-5 years of progressively responsible supervisory experience.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Diversity, equity and inclusion are important values at Brandeis today and always have been for they are rooted in our founding as an institution. These values serve as a reminder for self-reflection, and a continuous call to grow for us as Brandeisans. Founded as a model institution for ethnic and religious pluralism, Brandeis University welcomes students, faculty, and staff of all nationalities, religions, and orientations. Moreover, social justice is central to the mission of Brandeis, which endeavors to foster a just and inclusive campus culture that embraces the evolving diversity of our larger society. Read more online about our Mission and Diversity Statements at Brandeis Mission and Diversity Statements.
If you are interested in a role and have relevant experience but your work history does not align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we nevertheless encourage you to apply.
Closing Statement
Brandeis University is committed to providing its students, faculty and staff with an environment conducive to learning and working and where all people are treated with respect and dignity. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, ethnicity, caste, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, including transgender identity, religion, disability, age, genetics, active military or veteran status and any other characteristics protected under applicable federal or Massachusetts law.
