Director, Strategic Communications & Media Relations

Job Summary:

The Director of Strategic Communications and Media Relations will lead how RPI shows up in the media and in the public conversation. This role is about shaping perception building trust and making sure RPIs ideas research and people are part of the stories that matter. This role is responsible for elevating the Institutes profile in top-tier national global and trade media through disciplined storytelling agency management strong editorial judgment and trusted media relationships.

Who we are:

Founded in 1824 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the first technological research university in the United States. We bring creativity science and technology together to address societys greatest cultivate exceptional problem-solvers by immersing them in a culture of rigorous inquiry disciplined practice and hands-on application. Our strategic plan RPI Forward charts a pioneering course for the next era of RPI.Explore the RPI Forward plan.

Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY RPI is home tofive schools 32 research centers three makerspaces an observatory one of the worlds fastest supercomputers and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world.

With top notch employee health and retirement benefits Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program tuition remission and opportunities for career growth.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelors Degree in journalism mass communications or public relations
• Seven (7) or more years related work experience

Applicants must meet stated minimum education and experience requirements.

Minimum Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• A proven media relations leader with real press relationships and a track record of meaningful coverage
• Excellent editorial instincts and strong writing skills
• Experience leading media strategy in a complex organization
• Comfort working with senior leaders journalists and external partners
• Background in journalism media relations or strategic communications

Representative Job Duties:

• Set the direction for RPIs media presence with a sharp focus on reputation relevance and long-term impact
• Build and maintain strong relationships with national global and trade media
• Spot stories worth telling and turn them into smart timely pitches that cut through
• Write and shape media materials that are clear confident and newsworthy
• Lead and manage RPIs external PR agency setting priorities pushing for quality and holding the work to a high bar
• Work closely with senior leaders faculty and researchers to prepare spokespeople and position RPI effectively
• Make confident calls in fast-moving or high-profile moments balancing speed accuracy and judgment

Shift:

Business Hours with weekends or evenings occasionally required

Travel:

Driving:

Incidental driving possible but not required

Starting Salary/Rate:

Expected hiring range: $130000 - $150000

Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidates salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget internal equity and the final candidates qualifications experience education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaers good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.

Application instructions:

Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile. Please be ready to upload your resume and cover letter.

If you need assistance with the online application process please contact

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Total Compensation and Benefits Information:

Rensselaers Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth a comprehensive and affordable benefits package and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information please visitBenefits Human Resources ().