Director for Media Relations and Strategic Communications

Job Description

For over 160 years, the University of Washington has been a hub for learning, innovation, problem solving and community building. Supporting this legacy and important public mission—with the goal of making the UW the world’s greatest public university, as measured by positive impact—guides everything we do in University Advancement. Bringing together development; alumni and stakeholder engagement; marketing and communications; and advancement operations, we advance the UW’s impact by developing meaningful connections that foster pride, advocacy and philanthropic support.  

The mission of University Marketing & Communications (UMAC) is to lead branding, marketing and communications efforts that advance the reputation, resources and relationships of the University. This starts with creating a culture of belonging within our organization that values the diverse experiences and expertise of our team members, allowing everyone to thrive and to contribute their unique talents as we strive to achieve our shared goals.

University Marketing & Communications has an exciting opening for a Director for Media Relations and Strategic Communications. This is a full-time permanent position.

The Director for Media Relations and Strategic Communications serves as the primary support for strategic communications and media relations needs. This position provides high-level support to the University’s Crisis Communications Team and serves in a backup spokesperson role. This role plays a critical part in shaping how the University is represented publicly, requiring strong judgment, analytical thinking and the ability to operate effectively in high visibility and time sensitive situations.

The Director serves as a leader within the UW’s strategic communications operation, advising university administrators and communications partners, contributing to reputation management, shaping media relations strategy, coordinating digital storytelling and delivering media training and support. This position directly supervises the Assistant Director and Associate Director of Strategic Communications and works closely with the Assistant VP for Communications/Spokesperson to ensure coordinated, strategic execution of UW’s priorities, stories and projects.

What You Will Do

Media Relations and Spokesperson Support (35%)

• Support the Assistant Vice President for Communications/Spokesperson in managing day‑to‑day media relations activities, including responding to media inquiries, coordinating interviews and developing key messages for external audiences.
• Serve as a university spokesperson on specific topics, issues or situations, as assigned.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with local, regional and national media representatives.
• Provide expert guidance on media strategy, pitch development and message framing in support of institutional priorities and reputation management.
• Use media monitoring tools and coverage analysis to assess trends, identify emerging issues and inform proactive and reactive media relations strategies.
• Serve as a member and backup lead of the Crisis Communications Team, assisting in decisions among key UW academic and operational leadership regarding UW Alert and UW Advisory notifications.
• Edit and write news releases, arrange interviews, develop and provide media training and facilitate contact between students, faculty and reporters in the national, local and student media.

Strategic Communications Planning and Execution (30%)

• Develop and oversee strategic communications plans for complex, high‑profile, or long‑term institutional initiatives.
• Lead or coordinate communications strategies related to major University priorities, emerging issues, or sensitive topics at the administration level.
• Incorporate qualitative and quantitative data into the development and refinement of strategic communications plans.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of strategic communications initiatives using data and insights and adjust approaches as needed to improve reach, clarity and impact.
• Ensure alignment between strategic communications initiatives and the University’s mission, values and leadership priorities.

Crisis and Issues Management (20%)

• Play a key role in issues monitoring, risk assessment and crisis communications planning.
• Monitor issues and reputational risks using media intelligence, digital listening and other analytic tools to support early identification of emerging concerns and informed response.
• Coordinate closely with campus communicators and leadership during crises or emerging situations to ensure consistency, accuracy and timeliness.
• Help develop internal frameworks, protocols and messaging tools for issues management and crisis response.

Media Training and Leadership Counsel (10%)

• Provide media relations training, preparation and one‑on‑one coaching for faculty, staff and selected University leaders, including deans, vice presidents and vice provosts.
• Advise academic and administrative leaders to communicate effectively with external audiences and navigate media engagement.
• Use data, examples and analytics‑informed insights to support media coaching, preparation and guidance for faculty, staff and university leaders.
• Serve as a trusted communications resource for leaders preparing for high‑stakes public visibility.

Other duties as assigned (5%)

Required Qualifications 

To be considered for this opportunity, your application must demonstrate that you meet the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications will not be forwarded to the Hiring Department.

Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications or related field AND five years of experience in media relations, strategic communications, journalism, public affairs or related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education, health care, government, or another large public or mission‑driven institution.
• Demonstrated experience leading media relations and strategic communications for a complex, public‑facing organization.
• Demonstrated success supporting reputation management and crisis communications.
• Experience providing media training or coaching for faculty, executives, or other subject‑matter experts.
• Familiarity with digital analytics, audience engagement metrics and media intelligence tools to support strategic communications planning and evaluation.
• Experience coordinating communications across multiple units, campuses, or partner organizations.
• Background working with local, regional and national media outlets on a wide range of topics.
• Demonstrated ability to balance individual workload with supervision, leadership, guidance and oversight of others’ work.

Working Conditions

• Cubicle/Open workspace environment which may result in additional or higher levels of noise and visual distractions.
• Ability to work evening and weekend hours and adjust in office days, as necessary, on short or limited notice.
• Must have regular and reliable transportation for local travel and be willing to travel when necessary.

Additional Application Requirement

This recruitment requires a cover letter. Applications that do not include a cover letter will not be forwarded to the hiring department. 

Please address the following in your cover letter: 

• Explain your interest in this role and the University of Washington.
• Outline how your skills and experience align with leading media relations and strategic communications for a complex, public-facing organization.

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Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$115,956.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$120,012.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

Not Applicable

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected]. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.