Director of Crisis Communications and Issues Management

Director of Crisis Communications and Issues Management

The Director of Crisis Communications and Issues Management is responsible for protecting and enhancing Tulane University’s reputation as a leading academic research university through the development of both reactive and proactive communications strategies and tactics. This role will develop communications plans, draft messaging and statements, provide strategic communications counsel, and drive the university’s issues management protocols and responses. The Director will ensure a centralized and coordinated approach to issues management and will develop and maintain appropriate internal workflows, decision-making structures and monitoring and reporting systems. The successful candidate must be a self-starter, highly organized, detail-oriented, and possess sound judgment and discretion. Moreover, you must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and be a collaborative team player working closely with the Tulane University Police Department, the General Counsel’s Office, Student Affairs, the Office of Emergency Preparedness and Response, and various other members of the university community.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong communications, writing, and project management skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple demands and/or projects simultaneously, make decisions, and follow up proactively in a dynamic environment and troubleshoot problems as they arise.
• Ability and willingness to interact with university leaders during high-pressure situations and serve as day-to-day lead on issues management.
• Prior experience working with agency partners.
• Ability to develop and implement communications strategies and tactics on sensitive issues and exhibit good judgment and discretion when handling them.
• Ability to draft messaging, statements, and content for various audiences, both internal and external, on short deadlines.
• Strong news judgment and willingness to consider brand attributes and messaging when developing response strategies and content.
• Project management skills to monitor, analyze, and report on developments and outcomes related to issues management, including through social media channels.
• Project management acumen and a proactive posture when it comes to positioning the university around key issues.
• Excellent interpersonal communication and relationship management skills.
• A collaborator who can connect information, objectives, and stakeholders from across the organization.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays if required.

Required Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in communications or related field.
• 5 years’ related professional experience in public relations or journalism or public affairs; prior experience in issues management and crisis communications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Social media fluency
• Prior public relations agency or public affairs experience

Compensation Information

This position is classified as “exempt, salaried” and is assigned to pay grade 27. Tulane offers a variety of options to enhance your health and well-being so that you may enjoy more out of life now and in the future. Learn more about Life at Tulane as well as our Benefits and Pay. See our Candidate Resources to learn more about our hiring process and what to expect.

How to Apply

This position will close on the date it is filled.

Please Note: Depending on your role and the department in which you work, you may be expected to adhere to COVID-19 requirements, such as vaccinations and booster shots.

Click “Apply Now” to apply for this job.

Tulane University is committed to creating a community and culture that foster a sense of belonging for all. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply. We are intentionally seeking candidates who are committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion in support of Tulane’s Strategy for Tomorrow.

Tulane University is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact the Office of Human Resources & Institutional Equity by phone at 504-865-4748 or email [email protected].