Senior Director of Media Strategy

Job Description:

Berklee is seeking a savvy, data-informed, and well-connected Senior Director of Media Strategy to strengthen and safeguard the institution’s reputation. If you are a strategic storyteller with deep media roots and a passion for arts and higher education, this is a powerful opportunity to influence the global narrative of the world’s leading performing arts institution. At Berklee, your work directly supports the next generation of creative leaders.

About the Role & Responsibilities

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Communications, this leader serves as a trusted advisor to senior leadership. You will design and run our global media strategy, managing everything from high-level brand positioning to real-time crisis response. This is a hybrid role (three days on-site in Boston) that requires a calm-under-pressure mindset and the ability to handle sensitive information with total discretion.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategy & Planning: Develop annual and quarterly media plans that advance Berklee’s priorities across Boston, national, and global outlets.
• Storytelling: Identify and pitch high-impact stories featuring Berklee’s faculty, students, and alumni to influential voices in arts and culture.
• Reputation Management: Lead cross-functional crisis and rapid-response workflows, drafting statements, FAQs, and internal guidance.
• Spokesperson & Training: Serve as an on-the-record spokesperson and provide media training and message discipline to deans and executives.
• Content Creation: Write and edit press releases, op-eds, and statements with speed and precision, ensuring brand consistency.
• Measurement: Define and report on KPIs (sentiment, reach, and share of voice), translating data into actionable recommendations.
• On-Site Coordination: Oversee media relations for major campus events, managing pooled coverage and asset approvals.

What You'll Bring

We are looking for a strategist who isn't afraid to roll up their sleeves and dive into the tactical work of pitching and drafting.

Key Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field.
• 7–10+ years of experience in media relations and issues management (higher-ed or arts/culture preferred).
• Current, proven relationships with Boston-area journalists and a track record of securing national/global coverage.
• Expertise in leading cross-functional crisis response and navigating high-risk situations.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills under tight deadlines.
• Fluency with media monitoring tools (like Cision or Mention) and social listening platforms.
• Availability for an on-call rotation for rapid response outside of standard business hours.

Berklee Culture & Benefits

Berklee’s mission is to educate, train, and develop the world's most inspired and innovative artists. You'll be part of a passionate, diverse, and global community dedicated to this vision.

Here, you’ll find:

• A mission-driven culture where your ideas matter and your impact is visible.
• A diverse and inclusive community committed to lifelong learning and collaboration.
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays, including a winter break, to support work-life balance.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and life insurance plans.
• Tuition benefits for you and your family, including free or discounted courses.
• Retirement planning with a 403(b) plan and matching contributions.
• Access to unforgettable performances, guest artists, and events.

Join us in shaping the global voice of music and performance education!

Hiring Range: $130,000 to $154,000; salary dependent on relevant experience and education.

Please visit the Total Rewards page to learn more about the benefits of working at Berklee.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Equal Employment Opportunity at Berklee: 

We support an inclusive workplace where everyone excels based on personal merit, qualifications, experience, ability, and job performance.  Berklee affirms that inequality is detrimental to our faculty, staff, students, and the communities we serve. Our goal is to make lasting change through our actions. Berklee is committed to providing fair and equitable consideration of all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, age, national origin, place of birth, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, or status as a member of the armed forces or veteran of the armed forces, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

As part of this commitment, Berklee will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the Human Resources Team at [email protected] or call 617-747-2375.

*Currently enrolled Berklee students are not permitted to apply for staff or faculty positions.*