Associate Director, External Communications

Overview

The Associate Director, External Communications reports directly to the AVP of Communications and Marketing Strategy and is a key member of the College Marketing team. This position will work across the College to advance storytelling and brand awareness efforts by supporting the planning and implementation of strategic external communications to enhance the College’s reputation locally, nationally, and internationally.

This position is responsible for developing PR plans, media strategies, and integrated communications campaigns for Babson College with the goal of positively impacting, as well as protecting, Babson’s brand reputation. This position plays a leading role in advancing and communicating key College priorities and strategic initiatives through proactive, strategic communications, with a primary focus on engagement with traditional and emerging media outlets.

The role also supports the AVP with issues management and crisis communications and provides strategic counsel on communications responses to internal and external matters affecting the Babson College community.

This is an exempt position with the following pay range: $124,070-$137,855; the role is also eligible for bonuses based on performance and budget.

Babson College offers a comprehensive benefits package for full‑time employees working at least 28 hours per week.

• Insurance Coverage
  :
  Medical, dental, vision, group life and long‑term disability insurance, business travel accident insurance, and mental health benefits.
• Time Off
  :
  Starting at 3 weeks of vacation annually, 2 weeks of sick time, 1 week of paid family illness time, 6 weeks of paid parental leave, and 12 paid holidays per year. President’s holidays are determined each year.
• Retirement
  :
  Participation in a 403(b) retirement plan with mandatory employee contributions and a 4:1 employer match.
• Additional Benefits
  :
  Wellbeing programs, virtual fitness platform, and employee assistance program.

All questions or concerns about this posting should be directed to the Office of Human Resources at hr.

• In cooperation with the AVP, develops and implements a multi‑year media relations plan that sets priorities for seeking coverage that is reflective of the College’s strategy.
• Develop and sustain strong working relationships with key national, regional, local, and trade news media; lead proactive pitching and story development to advance College priorities. Provide strategic counsel to faculty and senior leaders, including message development, interview preparation, and media coaching.
• Stay attuned to external news events and trends related to business education, higher education, research, and innovation/entrepreneurship, leveraging information for media outreach and other visibility opportunities.
• Draft and oversee development of external communications materials (e.g., press releases, op‑eds, media advisories, scripts, web content, newsletters, and other promotional assets), ensuring accuracy, brand alignment, and audience‑appropriate voice.
• Responsible for ensuring the College’s strategic initiatives are prioritized in media outreach and pitch efforts.
• Establish and maintain media relations standards, processes, and messaging guidance to ensure consistent, high‑quality external communications across College Marketing and key campus partners. Manage promotion to the media of appropriate College‑sponsored events; attend events as needed.
• Proactively develop, strengthen, and sustain trusted relationships with Babson faculty and leaders across campus (as well as students, administrators, alumni, College neighbors, and other community members) to surface and shape media‑worthy stories and advance College priorities.
• Provide strategic counsel and writing support for executive and institutional communications (e.g., internal messages, public statements, remarks, talking points, FAQs, briefings, press releases, and news/blog posts), ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and brand voice.
• Ensure College spokespeople (faculty and leaders) are properly informed and briefed for media interactions and follow‑up is done on their behalf.
• Work with external agency…