• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range: $75,000-$85,000

Position Summary

Columbia University's Communications team, within the Office of Public Affairs, serves as the voice of Columbia, telling the university story as a global research and teaching institution to a range of audiences. This function works diligently to help increase understanding of Columbia's impact as one of the world's leading universities.

This team is seeking an Assistant Director of Media Relations to aid in the delivery of world-class crisis communications preparedness and execution while striving for agility and continuous improvement.

As part of a team effort to respond to incoming inquiries, proactively drive media coverage and elevate the university's voice, and anticipate and shape media narratives as they emerge, the Assistant Director will be tasked with drafting press statements, maintaining a database of messaging points, tracking media inquiries, and monitoring press coverage. The role also involves collaborating with the social media team, conducting research on media topics, preparing briefing memos for senior leaders, and staffing university events and escorting members of the media.

Responsibilities

• Manage specific issues and crisis topics, including 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 on specific issues as needed and interface with the press for background conversations.
• Track incoming media inquiries and outgoing responses, maintaining a database of messaging points and resources on key topics.
• Monitor press stories involving the university and identify opportunities to proactively insert the university's voice when appropriate.
• Collaborate with the social media team to track conversations on specific issues and anticipate media interest.
• Help coordinate with external consultants in the development of media monitoring products, etc.
• 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 or equivalent in related experience required, 3-5 years of related work experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of related experience in media relations or communications role.
• Superior writing, verbal, and digital communication skills.
• Comfortable working in a digital environment using digital tools, including website content management systems.
• Must possess exceptional interpersonal and communication 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.