ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PUBLIC RELATIONS Marketing Communications Media Relations

Position Overview

BU’s award-winning External Affairs team is seeking a savvy public relations leader and strategic thinker. As the Associate Director, Public Relations, you will devise and lead the execution of strategic public relations campaigns across traditional, digital, and social media. You will leverage owned channels, oversee targeted media outreach, and promote Boston University research and faculty expertise while positioning BU as a hub of cross-disciplinary research excellence.

Your role also includes proactively identifying new research, projects, and experts aligned with BU’s priority research areas, and providing counsel to colleagues across campus by leading events, trainings, and consultations on promotional strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Devise and lead strategic public relations campaigns across traditional, digital, and social media.
• Leverage owned channels and conduct targeted media outreach to promote BU research and faculty expertise.
• Proactively identify new research topics, projects, and experts in line with BU’s strategic areas.
• Provide counsel to colleagues by leading events, trainings, and advising on best practices and promotional strategies.
• Collaborate with teams across Research, Federal Relations, Marketing & Communications, academic units, and university-wide research centers.

Required Qualifications

• B.A./B.S. or equivalent experience in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, or related fields.
• 5-8 years of related experience including independent project leadership and staff supervision.
• Proven track record working with the media, including successfully pitching and securing stories and op-ed placements.
• Superior attention to detail with strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate with key stakeholders and describe science concepts in an accessible manner.
• Experience with integrated traditional and social media campaigns and data-driven presentations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in higher education, science/research communication, or an agency setting.
• Experience working with professors, researchers, and scientists is a plus.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy (including pregnancy-related conditions), marital status, parental status, or veteran status. We are also a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.