Assistant Director, Media Relations

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range: $72,000-$85,000

Position Summary

Columbia University's Communications team, housed within the Office of Public Affairs, serves as the voice of the University, sharing its story as a premier global research and teaching institution with diverse audiences. The team works diligently to enhance understanding of Columbia's profound impact as one of the world's leading universities.

The team is seeking a dynamic and experienced Assistant Director of Media Relations to support the development and execution of world-class crisis communication strategies. This role focuses on ensuring the University's preparedness and responsiveness in high-pressure situations while fostering agility and promoting continuous improvement. Reporting directly to the Executive Director of Media Relations, the Assistant Director will play a crucial role in shaping and delivering effective communications that uphold and strengthen Columbia's reputation.

Responsibilities

• Manage specific issues and crisis topics, to include communications planning and execution, coordination with communications partners and counterparts on campus, engagement with reporters, media monitoring, and social media strategy.
• Assist in drafting statements to the press, messaging points, and Q&A sets.
• Serve as a spokesperson as needed on specific issues and be able to interface with press for background conversations.
• Track incoming media inquiries and outgoing responses, maintain a database of messaging points and resources on key topics.
• Assist in tracking the University in press stories and identify opportunities to proactively insert the University's voice when appropriate.
• Collaborate with the social media team to track conversation on specific issues, anticipate media interest.
• Conduct research on specific topics, reporter coverage, and media outlets.
• Draft briefing memos for the president and senior University leaders.
• Staff University events and escort members of the media as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum of 3 years of related experience in media relations or communications role.
• Superior writing, verbal and digital communications skills.
• Comfortable working in a digital environment using digital tools, including website content management systems.
• Must possess exceptional interpersonal and communications skills.
• Must have strong organizational skills and a proven ability to effectively and efficiently manage multiple ongoing projects and issues.
• Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, results-oriented, collaborative environment.
• Able to work under pressure quickly, effectively, and efficiently.
• Experience using media tracking tools and databases such as MuckRack, Cision, Critical Mention, TV Eyes, and/or Meltwater.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.