Assistant Vice President, Strategic Communications & Public Relations at Brandeis University – WALTHAM, Massachusetts

Assistant Vice President for Strategic Communications & Public Relations

Brandeis University invites nominations and applications for a seasoned, forward-thinking

communications professional to serve as Assistant Vice President for Strategic Communications & Public

Relations (AVP). This is a pivotal leadership role that offers the opportunity to shape Brandeis’ public

voice and elevate its national and global visibility.

Reporting to the Vice President for Marketing Communications, the AVP will design and implement a

unified communications strategy that enhances Brandeis’ reputation, strengthens its voice in public

discourse, and supports its mission as a leading R1 research institution rooted in Jewish values and

committed to reinventing liberal arts education for the 21st century.

About the Role

The AVP will serve as a senior communications advisor and spokesperson for the university, overseeing

media relations, internal and executive communications, crisis and reputation management, and

content strategy. This role requires a skilled storyteller, an experienced strategist, and a trusted partner

to university leadership—particularly in supporting presidential and high-level messaging.

This leader will manage a talented communications team and foster a collaborative, innovative

environment rooted in transparency, data-informed decision-making, and shared success. They will set

clear goals and metrics, ensuring alignment with Brandeis’ strategic priorities.

Key Responsibilities

 Lead a proactive media relations strategy that raises the visibility of Brandeis’ faculty, research,

students, and alumni through national and international press.

 Serve as a senior communications counselor to the President and leadership team on

messaging, issues, and crisis response.

 Oversee internal communications that keep faculty, staff, and students informed and engaged.

 Manage crisis and reputation communications, serving as a core member of the university’s

response team and ensuring timely and accurate communication during sensitive situations.

 Collaborate with the editorial and digital teams to produce compelling content across multiple

platforms that reinforces Brandeis’ distinctive story.

 Supervise and mentor a team of communications professionals, promote continuous learning,

and manage communications budgets and vendor relationships.

Qualifications

 Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field required;

advanced degree preferred.

 8–10 years of progressive experience in strategic communications, with at least 3–5 years in a

leadership capacity.

 Proven expertise in media relations, with a strong track record of pitching and securing national

coverage.

 Experience managing crisis communications and reputational risk in complex organizations.

 Strong experience supporting C-level or presidential communications.

 Understanding of public relations agency best practices; experience in higher education or a

mission-driven organization is a plus.

 Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to advise,

influence, and collaborate across all levels of an institution.

 Experience with media monitoring and analytics, using data to inform strategy and evaluate

effectiveness.

Work Arrangement

This hybrid position requires a minimum of three days per week on the Brandeis campus in Waltham,

MA. Occasional evening or weekend availability may be needed based on events or communications

needs.

Why Brandeis?

Founded in 1948, Brandeis University is a top-ranked private research university with a strong liberal

arts foundation. We are a tight-knit community known for intellectual rigor, a commitment to social

justice, and our unique foundation in Jewish values—welcoming students, faculty, and staff of all

backgrounds.

Join us in telling the Brandeis story—one that is bold, values-driven, and poised for even greater impact.

To Apply

To receive full consideration please submit your application, including a resume and cover letter. Review

of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.