Director of Media Relations

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer:

Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us!

Benefits & Wellness

BASIC FUNCTION:

The Director of Media Relations, reporting directly to the Assistant Vice President (AVP) for Strategic Communications, Media Relations, and Editorial Services and Chief Communications Officer, is responsible for developing and managing proactive and reactive media relations strategies to enhance the University’s reputation locally, nationally, and internationally. The successful candidate plays a key role in planning, directing, and managing communications strategies under the leadership of the Vice President and Chief Communications Officer and AVP, and has an extraordinary opportunity to shape and lead efforts that will promote and increase visibility in support of Howard’s mission, vision, and goals.

The ideal candidate will be a collaborative and engaging self-starter with a passion for Howard’s mission and a demonstrated track record of success cultivating positive stories and shaping public discourse in print, digital/online, and broadcast media. Thinking and acting strategically and with superb strategic insight and judgment, they will lead a team of professionals who will develop content reflecting the University’s brand and strategic objectives and employ a wide range of media relations tactics and tools to ensure that our messages and stories reach target audiences and have impact.

Serving as a lead point of contact for the media, the Director will develop strategies to effectively engage the news media, help develop and manage a media policy for the University, as well as develop strategic media plans that include institutional positioning, key messaging, media outreach, issues management, and crisis communications. They will be a results-oriented and adept manager who is also a strong leader capable of managing, motivating, training, and coaching staff and on whom peers will depend for collaborative strategy development and guidance.

The incumbent is a strategic thinker who can plan and execute strategies and tactics and make course corrections to achieve a desired and effective outcome.

SUPERVISORY ACCOUNTABILITY:

Responsible for supervision of the Media Relations Team.

NATURE AND SCOPE:

The incumbent will work across the enterprise to advance storytelling and brand awareness efforts. This includes, but is not limited to, members of Cabinet, Academic Deans, senior Administrators, Staff, and Students. External contacts include alumni, local officials, “friends” of the Institution, and the public writ large.

SUPERVISORY ROLE:

Manages the Media Relations team and oversees their progress and success.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Serves as one of the University’s lead points of contact for broadcast, print, and online news media. Develops and maintains positive ongoing relationships with reporters.
• Advises the Vice President/CCO and AVP as appropriate on critical issues, trending topics, and emerging opportunities.
• Contributes to the development, implementation, and analysis of a campus-wide integrated strategic communications plan, rapid response plans, and crisis communications plans.
• Collaborates with the AVP to develop and execute timely and concise strategies to elevate faculty profiles.
• Develops and maintains a catalogue of stories (story bank) to augment University storytelling and public speaking engagements by the President and Administration officials.
• Builds capacity for and executes multimedia programs for the University, including storytelling initiatives across a variety of communications channels.
• Develops enterprise stories to pitch to media.
• Arranges and manages press interviews for leadership, including pre-interview preparations and post-interview follow-up.
• Develops and edits press materials, including advisories, releases, media packets, talking points, and other media content to support media outreach and storytelling.
• Supports the development of media training for the President, Cabinet Officers, deans, and occasionally other senior leadership, as required.
• Organizes and manages University press events, including messaging and development of communications materials.
• Serves as the lead liaison to University student press (The Hilltop, Cover2Cover, etc.).
• Responds to media inquiries during and after University Office hours.
• Contributes to strategic content planning and alignment across OUC divisions.
• Ensures compliance with Media Policy across the enterprise; develops new recommendations for University news opportunities, as needed.
• Oversees news monitoring services and daily news clips collection and distribution.
• Develops a monthly dashboard of analytics, activities, and accomplishments.
• Performs other related work as required.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Experience with and knowledge of media outlets that cover issues germane to Howard University, higher education in general, and historically Black colleges and universities.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills, including news and promotional writing skills.
• Strong writing and editing skills; must be proficient in AP Style.
• Solid Media Relations instincts, with a proven track record of media relations success.
• Proven ability to juggle multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Collaborative, team-player.
• Ability to establish priorities, meet deadlines, and deliver quality customer service.
• Ability to think critically and analytically.
• Adaptable; ability to work independently and across teams.
• Track record of using good judgment, exercising integrity, and making sound decisions that demonstrate problem-solving ability, adaptability, and responsiveness to change.
• Able to artfully and rapidly devise and execute strategic, timely, and rapid response in a crisis communication situation.
• Demonstrated attention to detail to ensure accuracy of information.
• Ability to work outside of regular University Office hours.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and harmonious work relations with faculty, staff, students, and the public, and work effectively with people from a variety of culturally diverse backgrounds.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor’s degree; master’s preferred. Must have a minimum of ten years of full-time professional management experience in progressively responsible positions in communications, media relations, journalism, or related fields. Higher education or experience within large complex institutions preferred.

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

Expected Pay Range: $118,181 – $130,000

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