Director, University Media Relations

🔍Office of University Communications, Stanford, California, United States📁Communications📅Nov 11, 2025 Post Date📅107714 Requisition #

Main

Work Location:

Stanford historic campus

Schedule: Hybrid (must be able to work at least 2-3 days per week on-site)

To Apply:

Please submit a cover letter and résumé with your online application.

Stanford University seeks a Director, University Media Relations to manage media issues, crises, and opportunities that shape the institution's reputation. This position reports to the Executive Director, Strategic Communications and Media Relations within the Strategic Communications team of University Communications. The Director of University Media Relations will serve as a university spokesperson, working closely with university leaders and unit and school communicators across campus on media response and engagement strategies.

University Communications, part of the Office of External Relations, provides support and campus leadership in planning, coordinating, and implementing strategic communications programs that support Stanford University and its mission. University Communications is responsible for brand positioning and strategy; issues and reputation management; crisis communications; oversight of digital content and top-level web and social media platforms; media relations and news services; executive communications with all constituencies;

major publications; and a campus video production studio and video production group. University Communications coordinates with communications professionals across the university and advises on communications policy with senior executive staff.

The Director, University Media Relations will manage a high volume of inbound media inquiries and contribute to proactive story pitching for one of the world’s most recognizable research universities. Success in this role depends on sophisticated media response strategies and excellent, trust‑based relationships with reporters and editors. The Director will be an on‑the‑record spokesperson for institutional and administrative issues and will provide background briefings as needed.

Enthusiasm for and understanding of Stanford's education and research mission, history, and ethos are essential. A core responsibility is building and maintaining productive relationships across the media landscape, including with local and regional outlets and student media.

This role requires superior news judgment and the ability to quickly grasp, synthesize, and clearly explain complex issues affecting higher education and Stanford—translating policy, research, and institutional context into accurate, accessible messages. The Director will work collaboratively within a tight‑knit Strategic Communications and Media Relations team and in close coordination with colleagues across University Communications and communicators throughout the schools and units.

• Build, cultivate, and sustain trusted relationships with journalists and editors, including from local media outlets and student media.
• Proactively engage reporters to provide context and cultivate understanding of university issues.
• Serve as an on‑the‑record university spokesperson on institutional and administrative matters and provide background briefings as appropriate.
• Develop and execute rapid‑response strategies for media inquiries; draft statements, Q&A’s, talking points, and key messages in coordination with campus units and subject‑matter experts.
• Prepare and brief leaders and experts for interviews and media engagements, including developing background materials, key messages, and conducting media training and coaching.
• Coordinate and staff interviews, press briefings, and background sessions; ensure accurate follow‑up and timely information flow.
• Foster strong internal relationships with communicators across schools and units to ensure consistent, aligned messaging and effective media coordination.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree and eight years of relevant experience or combination of education and relevant experience.
• Demonstrated success as an…