The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
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.
Columbia University is one of the world's most important centers of research and at the same time a distinctive and distinguished learning environment for undergraduates and graduate students in many scholarly and professional fields. The University recognizes the importance of its location in New York City and seeks to link its research and teaching to the vast resources of a great metropolis. It seeks to attract a diverse and international faculty and student body, to support research and teaching on global issues, and to create academic relationships with many countries and regions. It expects all areas of the university to advance knowledge and learning at the highest level and to convey the products of its efforts to the world.
