About the Role
This role leads public relations strategy for higher education clients, overseeing media relations, narrative development, and communications planning to enhance institutional visibility and manage reputation during critical moments.
Responsibilities
- Lead public relations strategy for colleges, universities, and education-focused organizations
- Develop proactive media campaigns to elevate institutional profiles
- Manage media relationships with national and education-specific outlets
- Counsel leadership teams on public messaging and spokesperson readiness
- Respond to breaking news and manage crisis communications
- Shape narratives around enrollment trends, diversity initiatives, and academic innovation
- Oversee the creation of press materials, talking points, and media briefings
- Supervise teams working on day-to-day account activities
- Mentor junior staff and support professional development
- Identify emerging issues in higher education for strategic positioning
- Coordinate with policy and advocacy teams on aligned messaging
- Ensure client communications align with institutional values
- Lead pitch development and media placement strategies
- Monitor media coverage and assess campaign effectiveness
- Support clients during leadership transitions or governance challenges
- Advise on digital communications and social media integration
- Represent the practice in new business development
- Present strategic recommendations to senior leadership
- Maintain awareness of higher education regulatory and political developments
- Foster long-term client relationships through consistent performance
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams on integrated campaigns
- Translate complex academic initiatives into accessible public narratives
- Manage multiple client portfolios without compromising quality
- Ensure compliance with media ethics and industry standards
- Deliver timely, accurate, and strategic communications in fast-moving environments
Compensation
Competitive salary with performance incentives
Work Arrangement
Hybrid with office and remote options
Team
Part of the higher education practice within a national public relations firm
Our Practice
The higher education practice serves colleges, universities, and education nonprofits nationwide, helping them navigate complex public narratives and strengthen institutional trust.
What We Value
We prioritize integrity, strategic clarity, and a commitment to advancing equitable access in education through thoughtful communications.
Not available
