Senior Director of Media Strategy

Job Description:

Berklee is seeking a savvy, data-informed, and well-connected
** Senior Director of Media Strategy
** to strengthen and safeguard the institution’s reputation. If you are a strategic storyteller with deep media roots and a passion for arts and higher education, this is a powerful opportunity to influence the global narrative of the world’s leading performing arts institution.
** At Berklee, your work directly supports the next generation of creative leaders.
**** About the Role & Responsibilities
** Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Communications, this leader serves as a trusted advisor to senior leadership. You will design and run our global media strategy, managing everything from high-level brand positioning to real-time crisis response. This is a hybrid role (three days on-site in Boston) that requires a calm-under-pressure mindset and the ability to handle sensitive information with total discretion.
*
* Key Responsibilities:

**
* ** Strategy & Planning:
** Develop annual and quarterly media plans that advance Berklee’s priorities across Boston, national, and global outlets.
* ** Storytelling:
** Identify and pitch high-impact stories featuring Berklee’s faculty, students, and alumni to influential voices in arts and culture.
* ** Reputation Management:
** Lead cross-functional crisis and rapid-response workflows, drafting statements, FAQs, and internal guidance.
* ** Spokesperson & Training:
** Serve as an on-the-record spokesperson and provide media training and message discipline to deans and executives.
* ** Content Creation:
** Write and edit press releases, op-eds, and statements with speed and precision, ensuring brand consistency.
* ** Measurement:
** Define and report on KPIs (sentiment, reach, and share of voice), translating data into actionable recommendations.
* ** On-Site Coordination:
** Oversee media relations for major campus events, managing pooled coverage and asset approvals.
** What You'll Bring
** We are looking for a strategist who isn't afraid to roll up their sleeves and dive into the tactical work of pitching and drafting.
*
* Key Requirements:

*** Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field.
* ** 7–10+ years of experience
** in media relations and issues management (higher-ed or arts/culture preferred).
* ** Current, proven relationships
** with Boston-area journalists and a track record of securing national/global coverage.
* Expertise in leading
** cross-functional crisis response
** and navigating high-risk situations.
* Exceptional writing and editing skills under tight deadlines.
* Fluency with media monitoring tools (like Cision or Mention) and social listening platforms.
* Availability for an on-call rotation for rapid response outside of standard business hours.
** Berklee Culture & Benefits
** Berklee’s mission is to
** educate, train, and develop the world's most inspired and innovative artists**. You'll be part of a passionate, diverse, and global community dedicated to this vision.
** Here, you’ll find:
*** A
** mission-driven culture
** where your ideas matter and your impact is visible.
* A
** diverse and inclusive community
** committed to
** lifelong learning and collaboration**.
* Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and
** paid holidays, including a winter break**, to support
** work-life balance**.
* Comprehensive health, dental, and life insurance plans.
* ** Tuition benefits
** for you and your family, including free or discounted courses.
* Retirement planning with a
** 403(b) plan and matching contributions**.
* Access to
** unforgettable performances, guest artists, and events**.Join us in shaping the global voice of music and performance education!

Hiring Range: **$130,000
** to **$154,000**; salary dependent on relevant experience and education.

Please visit the  page to learn more about the benefits of working s document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Equal Employment Opportunity at Berklee:
We support an inclusive workplace where everyone excels based on personal merit, qualifications, experience, ability,…