Job Description

Position Summary:
Reporting to the chief communications officer (CCO), the director of media relations is responsible for managing media relations for the College. She/he is responsible for the development and implementation of communications strategies that strengthen and support the College’s brand and reputation, including but not limited to proactive media relations, issues management, executive visibility for the College’s president, and stakeholder engagement.

The director of media relations will provide strategic communications guidance and support to the College’s leadership, faculty, staff, and students as needed; serve as a primary spokesperson for and an important ambassador for the College; and work across the Communications & Public Affairs team to coordinate and develop integrated communications.

Key Responsibilities:

• Devise and implement a proactive news media outreach strategic plan that creates visibility for the College’s teaching, ideas, research, and thought leadership; coordinate with other functions when unified, multi-channel messaging is needed.

• Work closely with the CCO to develop engagement and thought leadership strategies for the president and other key leaders to elevate the College’s brand and reputation.

• Provide media support and training for faculty.

• Develop strong relationships with print, digital, and broadcast outlets on a local, regional, national level.

• Craft, target, and distribute news releases, media statements, key messages, and
  talking points.

• Manage media relations tools/systems to develop media strategies and provide
  metrics to evaluate impact.

• In collaboration with the CCO and President’s Office, promote positive, productive, and
  constructive relationships with elected officials and other important stakeholders and
  their respective communications teams/public information officers.

• Provide strategic advice and guidance to the president, senior leadership, and chief of
  police when sensitive issues or crises arise. Develop talking points that convey the
  College’s values, position, and actions.

• Work with other members of the emergency management team to coordinate, develop,
  and disseminate communications (e.g. campus messages, website, social media)
  during an emergency or natural disaster.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to craft messages that effectively reach a broad audience

• Deep understanding of issues facing higher education today

• Knowledge of current practices in media relations and distribution

• Superior news judgment and outstanding communications skills

• Proven ability to manage complex issues with multiple stakeholders

• Knowledge of public relations and strategic communications principles and best practices

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, energetic, and collaborative environment

• Excellent multi-tasking skills

• Demonstrated team player with the ability to work with diverse groups

EEO Statement

At Wellesley, we embrace and honor difference and diversity. We believe the best ideas—the best solutions—draw on a range of voices, perspectives, and experiences. As a college, and as a community, we are dedicated to assuring that all members for the Wellesley community have an equal opportunity to flourish. 

Wellesley College is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to increasing the diversity of the college community and the curriculum. Wellesley College and all its subcontractors shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60–1.4(a), 60–300.5(a) and 60–741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that Wellesley College and all of its subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status. Candidates who believe they can contribute to that goal are encouraged to apply.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, public relations, journalism, or a related field

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a media relations role. Journalism, higher education communications experience preferred

• Experience supporting an organization in crisis communication and brand reputation management

• Demonstrated experience with external stakeholder management and engagement

• Experience in writing and editing press releases, news articles, and announcements

• Experience in serving as a public information officer and spokesperson

Other:

• Wellesley College is currently piloting a flexwork plan for administrative staff that incorporates both flexible hours and hybrid teleworking components, though all employees must live in New England.

• All employees hired after August 2, 2021 are required to upload proof of vaccination against COVID?19, subject to approved medical or religious exemptions or disability accommodations.