Senior Director of Public Affairs - Barnard College : Job Details

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Job: Senior Director of Public Affairs

Job Summary: Barnard College seeks a strategic, proactive, and highly skilled communications leader to serve as Senior Director of Public Affairs. Reporting to the Vice President for Strategic Communications, this role is responsible for expanding Barnard's external presence, strengthening media engagement, and ensuring the College is positioned as a leading voice in higher education and women's leadership.

This role requires strong media instincts, excellent messaging skills, and a deep understanding of public affairs. The Senior Director will drive high-impact media strategies, cultivate relationships with key stakeholders, and identify opportunities for Barnard to engage in policy discussions, thought leadership, and major public conversations shaping higher education today.

Job Description:

Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive media strategy that positions Barnard as a key voice in national and local conversations.
• Oversee messaging for press materials, including op-eds, talking points, statements, and speeches.
• Identify and place Barnard leadership and faculty in major conferences, panels, and thought leadership events.
• Expand engagement with elected officials and public institutions to strengthen Barnard's visibility and create new opportunities for strategic partnerships.
• Monitor local, state, and federal policy developments impacting higher education and provide timely analysis and recommendations.

Skills, Qualifications & Requirements:

Qualifications

• 7-10 years of experience in media relations, public affairs, or strategic communications, preferably in higher education, government, nonprofit, or corporate PR.
• Strong media relationships and proven track record of securing high-impact coverage.
• Exceptional writing and messaging skills, with experience crafting speeches, op-eds, talking points, and media statements.
• Deep knowledge of public affairs, policy landscapes, and higher education trends.
• Ability to navigate complex external environments with discretion, strategy, and vision.
• Experience managing teams, driving results, and leading high-profile external initiatives.
• Fast-moving, solutions-oriented, and able to juggle multiple priorities in a high-stakes environment.

This job is currently a hybrid position, but may require a presence in the office up to five times a week for team and full staff meetings, events, and other times as directed by the supervisor.

Salary Range: $140,000 - $155,000 annually

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the College's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Company: Barnard College

Time Type: Full time