Director, University Media Relations

To be successful in this role you will bring:

• Bachelor's degree and eight years of relevant experience or combination of education and relevant experience.
   
• Demonstrated success as an on-the-record spokesperson and in conducting effective background briefings; command of media attribution conventions and reporter engagement best practices.
   
• Proven ability to build, maintain, and leverage relationships with journalists across beats and platforms, including student and local media.
   
• Strong strategic communications background, including issues management, and media strategy within complex, decentralized organizations.
   
• Exceptional news judgment and the ability to rapidly assess and prioritize fast-evolving issues.
   
• Advanced skill in quickly grasping and synthesizing complex topics in higher education (e.g., governance, research, student life, finance, regulation) and translating them into clear, accurate, and compelling messages.
   
• Excellent writing and editing skills; strong research and analytical abilities; meticulous attention to accuracy and detail.
   
• Comfortable advising senior leaders and providing candid, actionable feedback on media strategy and messaging.
   
• Collaborative mindset and experience working effectively with communications teams across a campus or similarly complex environment.
   
• Ability to perform in deadline-driven, high-pressure situations with sound professional judgment.
   
• Experience with media databases and monitoring tools (e.g., Muck Rack, Salesforce, or similar).
   
• Higher education experience is preferred.
   
• Journalism background or agency experience is desirable.

The expected pay range for this position is $153,494 – $177,044 per annum.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:

• Constantly perform desk-based computer tasks.
   
• Frequently stand/walk, sit, use a telephone, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, speaking.
   
• Occasionally grasp forcefully, writing by hand.
   
• Rarely sort/file paperwork.

* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Occasional work on evenings and weekends.

WORK STANDARDS:

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
   
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
   
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.