Director, Crisis Communications & Reputation Strategy

William & Mary; Williamsburg, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

William & Mary is seeking a Director of Crisis Communications to lead university-wide crisis communication strategies and response. This role partners with Public Safety, Emergency Management, and senior leaders to ensure timely, accurate messaging during emergencies and sensitive events.

The position is hybrid, based in Williamsburg, VA, with remote work options and expectation of occasional after-hours coverage.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, public affairs, emergency management, or related field.
• 7–10 years of experience in communications, media relations, public affairs, crisis communications, or related field.
• Experience serving as a media spokesperson for a complex organization.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Experience providing communications counsel to senior leaders.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality in complex and rapidly changing situations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities under deadline pressure.
• Experience collaborating across diverse stakeholder groups and organizational functions.

Responsibilities

• Lead communication planning and response efforts for emergencies and issues with reputational impact.
• Draft emergency-related holding statements and talking points for university leadership.
• Serve as the public information officer for Public Safety.
• Maintain the university’s crisis communications plan and protocols with Public Safety and Emergency Management.
• Advise senior leaders on reputational risk and strategic messaging.
• Collaborate with the Director of Media Relations to align crisis and media relations activities.
• Provide communications counsel to executive leadership during emergencies and significant institutional issues.

Skills

Crisis communications

Media relations

Public speaking

Executive counsel

Writing & editing

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications

Job description

William & Mary is seeking a Director of Crisis Communications to lead university-wide crisis communication strategies and response. This role partners with Public Safety, Emergency Management, and senior leaders to ensure timely, accurate messaging during emergencies and sensitive events.

The position is hybrid, based in Williamsburg, VA, with remote work options and expectation of occasional after-hours coverage.