Director, Media Relations

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range: $120,000-$150,000

Position Summary

Columbia University's Communications team, housed within the Office of Public Affairs, serves as the voice of the University, sharing its story as a premier global research and teaching institution with diverse audiences. The team works diligently to enhance understanding of Columbia's profound impact as one of the world's leading universities.

The University is seeking a strategic and experienced Director of Media Relations to oversee communications on specific issues and crisis topics. This role will focus on media strategy, message development, and crisis response within the University's broader communications framework. The Director will not serve as the primary media contact but will provide issue-specific guidance, working closely with senior leadership and communications partners across campus. Reporting to the Executive Director of Media Relations, the Director will play a key role in shaping crisis response and handling select media interactions and will supervise a media relations coordinator.

Responsibilities

Crisis and Issues Management

• Develop and execute communications strategies for assigned issues and crisis topics.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders, including senior leadership, legal teams, and campus communications staff, to ensure alignment on messaging.
• Monitor emerging media trends and risks, providing recommendations for proactive or reactive responses.
• Serve as a spokesperson on specific issues, as designated by senior leadership.

Media Strategy and Messaging

• Draft statements, talking points, and Q&A materials on designated issues.
• Track incoming media inquiries related to assigned topics, ensuring alignment with institutional messaging.
• Assist in crafting Columbia's voice in media narratives related to crisis situations.
• Collaborate with the social media team to monitor digital conversations and identify potential reputational risks.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with departmental communications partners across the University to ensure unified messaging on sensitive topics.
• Provide briefing materials and strategic recommendations to senior University leaders.
• Engage with media monitoring tools to assess sentiment and impact on assigned topics.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in media relations, public relations, or strategic communications.
• Strong writing, verbal, and analytical skills, with the ability to craft clear, concise messaging on complex issues.
• Demonstrated ability to manage crisis communications and sensitive media topics.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.
• Proficiency in media tracking tools such as MuckRack, Cision, Critical Mention, TV Eyes, and/or Meltwater.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments while exercising discretion and good judgment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education, government, or a similarly complex environment.
• Familiarity with digital media strategy and crisis response best practices.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.