Columbia University · 7 hours ago
Director of Strategic Communications and Media Relations (Communications)
New York, NY
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff, Director/Executive
$125K/yr - $145K/yr
5+ years expColumbia University is seeking an accomplished Director of Strategic Communications and Media Relations to lead storytelling and media engagement strategies for Columbia Engineering. This role involves defining editorial priorities, shaping media relations, and crafting narratives that highlight research milestones and faculty achievements while enhancing the school's visibility and partnerships.
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Responsibilities
Develop and implement a comprehensive, research-based communication strategy in alignment with the institution’s mission and long-term goals
Partner with the Dean, faculty, and department leaders to ensure media and public engagement initiatives advance institutional priorities and enhance visibility
Build and sustain strong relationships with local, national, and international media outlets across print, broadcast, and digital platforms to position the school as a leading source of expertise and innovation
Proactively identify, shape, and pitch high-impact stories that highlight the global relevance and societal impact of Columbia Engineering’s research and thought leadership
Lead the development and dissemination of original press releases, ensuring that research achievements are communicated with clarity, accuracy, and strategic intent
Oversee the creation of feature stories, profiles, and multimedia content that translate complex scientific and engineering discoveries into engaging narratives for broad audiences
Repurpose content across multiple platforms, including podcasts, video, and social media to amplify reach and engagement
Maintain a dynamic editorial and content calendar that integrates key academic publications, research milestones, and institutional achievements to sustain a consistent communications rhythm
Lead the announcement and promotion of new research centers and initiatives through integrated campaigns featuring strategic messaging, visuals, and storytelling
Develop and sustain narratives that convey the research impact, leadership, and expertise within the school’s 20+ centers and programs
Strengthen relationships with media, industry partners, and peer institutions to expand the visibility and influence of Columbia Engineering’s centers
Partner with faculty to refine and present research materials for external audiences—supporting mini-workshop discussions, vision papers, and other industry-facing communications
Align center narratives with emerging global trends and sector priorities, reinforcing Columbia Engineering’s role as a leader in innovation and applied research
Collaborate with the Executive Director, Editorial Director, and internal and external creative partners, including designers, photographers, and editors, to ensure all communications projects meet strategic objectives, brand standards, and timelines
Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the reach, effectiveness, and impact of communication strategies
Leverage qualitative and quantitative insights to continuously refine messaging, improve audience engagement, and enhance the school’s overall communications effectiveness
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree required
Minimum of 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience in research communications, media relations, or strategic storytelling in a complex academic, research, or industry environment
Proven record of shaping and executing communications strategies that elevate scientific visibility and institutional reputation
Demonstrated success managing high-profile, research-based media campaigns and cultivating relationships with national and international press
Experience collaborating across academic units, research centers, and partner institutions to develop cohesive, cross-disciplinary communications
Exceptional ability to translate complex technical and scientific concepts into accessible, compelling narratives for diverse audiences
Strong editorial judgment and strategic thinking skills, with a demonstrated ability to align communications with institutional priorities
Excellent interpersonal, writing, and project management skills, with experience influencing outcomes across teams without formal supervisory authority
Ability to balance multiple high-stakes projects in a fast-paced environment with diplomacy, precision, and discretion
Preferred
Advanced degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related scientific or engineering field strongly preferred
Company
Columbia University
Columbia University is a research institution and Ivy League school for undergraduate and graduate students across various fields
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
Columbia University has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (433)
2024 (353)
2023 (333)
2022 (370)
2021 (283)
2020 (221)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$21.84MKey Investors
ValeNational Institutes of HealthNational Science Foundation
2024-09-24Grant· $0.02M
2023-08-17Grant
2023-05-04Grant· $20M
Leadership Team
Jeannette Wing
Executive Vice President for Research and Professor of Computer Science
Asaf Cidon
Assistant Professor, EE and CS
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