Senior Vice President, Higher Education

Senior Vice President, Higher EducationThe Higher Education team brings deep expertise in guiding colleges, universities and academic institutions through today's complex communications landscape. Our work spans paid, earned, social, content and crisis communications, giving us the ability to deliver fully integrated, cross-channel strategies that drive impact.We partner with leading institutions spanning the Ivy League, elite R1 research universities and flagship public university systems, helping them elevate their voices, protect their reputations and engage key audiences in a competitive and fast-changing higher education environment.We are seeking an experienced strategic communicator to join our growing Higher Education team. This senior leader will serve as a trusted advisor to clients, leading complex communications programs and providing strategic counsel to senior stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have experience managing large, high-profile accounts, navigating complex client environments, leading teams, managing budgets and driving new business opportunities. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who carries a passion for higher education and the role it plays in society, in elevating the stories of colleges, universities and other corollary organizations and in leading on client work to achieve and advance their goals and initiatives.Role location: This role is preferred to be based in our New York City, NY or Washington, DC offices, with a hybrid schedule of three days per week in office. We will also consider candidates based in our Boston, MA or San Francisco, CA offices.As a Senior Vice President on the Higher Education team, you will…Serve as a senior strategic counselor to clients, providing executive-level communications guidance and helping institutions navigate complex reputational, policy and industry challengesLead the development and execution of integrated communications campaigns that leverage public affairs, earned media, social and digital tactics to reach key audiences and achieve client goalsDirectly manage and mentor staff and provide overall strategic direction and feedback for their development and client workHold the pen on drafting high level materials including strategy decks, communications plans, messaging and op-edsCollaborate closely with the management team to develop and inspire our team of strategists to be innovative and creativeServe as a key voice in new business development efforts, including identifying opportunities, developing proposals and participating in pitches and client growth conversationsEssential skills:11+ years of relevant strategic communications experience, including experience in PR agencies, higher education communications, public affairs, nonprofit, corporate communications, or related environmentsPR agency experience strongly preferred, including demonstrated client management skills and strong business acumenIs an avid consumer of news, with a strong news sense and knowledge of the media and experience engaging and maintaining strong relationships with key reporters covering the top issues of the dayExperience engaging with media for both rapid response and long-lead storiesStrong written and oral communications skillsExperience managing, prepping and staffing high-touch principals or organizational leadersAbility to multi-task easily, including handling multiple assignments at once, working quickly and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment while paying close attention to detailsEnjoys managing people and has experience in successfully motivating, leading and mentoring a diverse team to meet objectivesStrong business development skills, including experience growing client relationships, contributing to pitches and identifying new opportunitiesSalary range (commensurate with experience and skills): $155,000-$175,000Senior Vice Presidents are eligible for end of year bonuses based on firm, team and individual performance.