Responsibilities

• The Senior Director of Public Relations is a senior communications strategist responsible for leading the University's enterprise-wide media relations, public relations, and external communications initiatives that advance Howard University's reputation, visibility, and strategic priorities.
• The Senior Director serves as one of the University's primary media relations leaders, providing strategic counsel to senior leadership while overseeing proactive and responsive communications that strengthen Howard University's reputation among key stakeholders.
• Under the direction of the Vice President and Chief Communications Officer, and as a member of the Office of University Communications leadership team, the Senior Director develops and implements integrated public relations strategies that elevate the University's local, national, and global profile by promoting academic excellence, research innovation, institutional leadership, faculty expertise, student achievement, alumni success, community engagement, and other strategic initiatives.
• Strategic Public Relations: Collaborate with the Office of University Communications leadership and management teams to develop and execute comprehensive public relations strategies that support the University's strategic priorities and institutional goals.
• Lead proactive media relations initiatives that increase visibility for Howard University's academic, research, philanthropic, and institutional accomplishments.
• Identify and develop opportunities to position University leaders, faculty, and subject matter experts as trusted voices on issues of national and global importance.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local, regional, national, and international media outlets.
• Develop integrated communications plans for major institutional announcements, initiatives, and special projects.
• Media Relations: Serve as a background spokesperson for the University and respond to media inquiries on behalf of the institution.
• Develop media pitches, press releases, background materials, talking points, and press kits.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, Strategic Communications, Marketing, English, or a related discipline
• Master's degree and experience leading college or university communications preferred but not required
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in media relations, public relations, strategic communications, journalism, or corporate communications
• Minimum of seven years of supervisory and leadership experience
• Experience leading higher education, nonprofit, government, or other mission-driven organizations, and strong understanding of higher education communications or similarly complex organizations. Experience managing crisis communications and issues management
• Demonstrated success managing high-profile communications initiatives and complex media environments
• Experience serving as an institutional spokesperson, and successfully securing national, regional, and international media coverage
• Experience advising senior executives on communications strategy and reputation management
• Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills
• Experience using media monitoring and analytics platforms (e.g., Cision, Meltwater, Muck Rack, or similar), and digital media strategy, content management systems, and AI-assisted communications tools

Preferred

• Master's degree and experience leading college or university communications preferred but not required

Benefits

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture