Director, Strategic Communications & Media Relations

Director, Strategic Communications & Media Relations

Apply now ( Job no: 495887

Work type: Full Time

Location: Troy, NY

Categories: Staff, Communication and Media, CFHE

Job Summary:

The Director of Strategic Communications and Media Relations will lead how RPI shows up in the media and in the public conversation. This role is about shaping perception, building trust, and making sure RPI’s ideas, research, and people are part of the stories that matter. This role is responsible for elevating the Institute’s profile in top-tier national, global, and trade media through disciplined storytelling, agency management, strong editorial judgment, and trusted media relationships.

Who we are:

Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the first technological research university in the United States. We bring creativity, science, and technology together to address society's greatest challenges. We cultivate exceptional problem-solvers by immersing them in a culture of rigorous inquiry, disciplined practice, and hands-on application. Our strategic plan, RPI Forward, charts a pioneering course for the next era of RPI. Explore the RPI Forward plan. ↗︎ (

Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, RPI is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world.

With top notch employee health and retirement benefits, Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program, tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in journalism, mass communications, or public relations

• Seven (7) or more years related work experience

Applicants must meet stated minimum education and experience requirements.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• A proven media relations leader with real press relationships and a track record of meaningful coverage

• Excellent editorial instincts and strong writing skills

• Experience leading media strategy in a complex organization

• Comfort working with senior leaders, journalists, and external partners

• Background in journalism, media relations, or strategic communications

Representative Job Duties:

• Set the direction for RPI’s media presence, with a sharp focus on reputation, relevance, and long-term impact

• Build and maintain strong relationships with national, global, and trade media

• Spot stories worth telling and turn them into smart, timely pitches that cut through

• Write and shape media materials that are clear, confident, and newsworthy

• Lead and manage RPI’s external PR agency, setting priorities, pushing for quality, and holding the work to a high bar

• Work closely with senior leaders, faculty, and researchers to prepare spokespeople and position RPI effectively

• Make confident calls in fast-moving or high-profile moments, balancing speed, accuracy, and judgment

Shift:

Business Hours with weekends or evenings occasionally required

Travel:

Local travel between campus locations only

Driving:

Incidental driving possible, but not required

Starting Salary/Rate:

Expected hiring range: $130,000 - $150,000

Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate’s qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer’s good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.

Application instructions:

Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile. Please be ready to upload your resume and cover letter.

If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io.

Job Posted Date:

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Total Compensation and Benefits Information:

Rensselaer’s Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu) ( .

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is committed to the cultivation of a community that is welcoming, inclusive, and above all values learning. We welcome candidates who bring a variety of perspectives to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's work and campus communities. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or other characteristic protected by law.

Advertised: 14 Apr 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close:

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