Connecticut College is conducting a national search for a Director of Media Relations.  Working with the Vice President for Marketing and Communications, the Director of Media Relations will create, update and implement a comprehensive media strategy to enhance the institution’s national reputation.

The Director will serve as the point of contact for all media inquiries and will drive proactive media pitching and relationship-building activities with journalists, focusing on key national, international, regional, industry and niche media. The Director will be responsible for identifying, writing and pitching compelling content, repurposing content for the news site and other channels, media monitoring, tracking media placements, providing media training, persuading faculty, senior administrators and other campus newsmakers to participate in media opportunities, supporting crisis communications, meeting annual benchmarks and participating in regular planning meetings and collaborating with the Vice President and Division’s other teams. The position also supports other duties as needed, such as institutional events.  The compensation is competitive and is complimented by an excellent benefits package.

• In collaboration with the Vice President for Marketing and Communications, creates, updates and implements a comprehensive strategy and annual work plan that supports Building on Strength and Division of Communication’s strategic plan, results in top-tier  media placements and enhances the College’s national profile and prominence.
• Manage daily operations of media relations including: identifying media opportunities, persuading faculty and other campus newsmakers to participate in media opportunities, researching and producing clear, concise and creative pitches, responding to media inquiries, producing news releases, faculty expert advisories and other media materials, monitoring and tracking media coverage, and planning and managing media events.
• Produce media pitches that also can be used as content for the website, alumni magazine, social media, marketing and other channels, collaborating with other teams to develop materials that tell the College’s stories in compelling ways.
• Establish and maintain productive relationships with key media contacts at the national, international, regional, industry and niche levels.
• Assist the Vice President for Marketing and Communications with crises communications, issues management and overall reputation management.
• Establish clear metrics and analytics reports using the College’s media monitoring and database services and other tools to assess the effectiveness of the College’s earned media efforts.
• Develop and manage media outreach related to College events.
• Help to manage the news section of the College’s website.
• Assist the Vice President for Marketing and Communications with writing and positioning editorials for the President, faculty and other College officials.
• Accompany President and other College officials to media interviews, as needed.
• Provide media coaching and training to people who may speak with media on behalf of the College, as needed
• Respond promptly to media inquiries and campus colleagues outside normal business hours.
• Other duties as assigned or as necessary, including managing communications for institutional events, internal news and government and community relations.

• Bachelor’s degree in English, Communications or other applicable discipline required, master’s degree preferred, and a minimum of 5-7 years of national media experience.
• Experience working with major media outlets, as well as crisis communications, is a requirement.
• Successful track record of national media placements and excellent national media contacts.
• A strong goal-orientation, motivated by influencing and engaging readers, listeners and viewers. The candidate must be a news consumer and a news seeker, able to present a story with a newsworthy hook to national media outlets with success.
• Excellent reporter with an ability to ask key questions that find creative story angles with the potential for national media attention.
• Experience in new media relations, blending traditional media, such a news release, with rich media and new media engagement, including video.
• High-energy, self-starter with a passion for storytelling, who can take an assignment and run with it.
• Ability to collaborate closely and provide solution-driven, positive thinking in a team environment required.
• Exceptional oral and written communications skills with an ability to write clearly and concisely for multiple audiences and platforms.
• Ability to be an effective and articulate spokesperson, as needed.
• Exceptionally strong interpersonal skills aimed at effectively working with both internal stakeholders and external audiences.
• Ability to build and sustain key relationships with national media representatives, faculty, staff, senior administrators and other College constituencies.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with an eye for detail and an ability to set priorities and manage deadlines.
• Travel as necessary to fulfill obligations of the position.

Thorough applicant credentialing, including criminal records check, will be conducted on the selected candidate. 

Connecticut College requires employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. This includes the booster vaccine. New employees must present their COVID-19 vaccination record to Human Resources prior to the first day of employment. Individuals who have a medical condition or sincerely held religious beliefs that prevent them from getting the vaccine may confidentially request an exemption through the office of Human Resources. Additional COVID-19 safety protocols such as participation in weekly testing will be required of faculty, staff and students who have approved vaccine exemptions.