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! 

https://hr.howard.edu/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, he/she 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. He/she 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 point 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 plan