Senior VP, Higher Education Strategy (Hybrid)

Orchestra Co; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 155,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Year-end bonuses

Visa sponsorship available

Green card sponsorship

Job summary

BerlinRosen, part of Orchestra, seeks a Senior Vice President to lead the Higher Education team. You will advise top colleges, manage large accounts, guide budgets, and drive new business opportunities in a fast-paced environment. The role emphasizes strategic counsel, cross-functional leadership, and developing a diverse, high-performing team.

The position is based in New York City with a hybrid schedule (three days in the office). Boston, SF, and DC candidates may also be considered.

Qualifications

• 11+ years of relevant strategic communications experience, including experience in PR agencies, higher education communications, public affairs, nonprofit, corporate communications, or related environments
• PR agency experience strongly preferred, including demonstrated client management skills and strong business acumen
• Is an avid consumer of news, with a strong news sense and knowledge of the media and experience engaging and maintaining strong relationships with key reporters covering the top issues of the day
• Experience engaging with media for both rapid response and long-lead stories
• Strong written and oral communications skills
• Experience managing, prepping and staffing high-touch principals or organizational leaders
• Ability to multi-task easily, including handling multiple assignments at once, working quickly and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment while paying close attention to details
• Enjoys managing people and has experience in successfully motivating, leading and mentoring a diverse team to meet objectives
• Strong business development skills, including experience growing client relationships, contributing to pitches and identifying new opportunities

Responsibilities

• Serve as a senior strategic counselor to clients, providing executive-level communications guidance and helping institutions navigate complex reputational, policy and industry challenges
• Lead the development and execution of integrated communications campaigns that leverage public affairs, earned media, social and digital tactics to reach key audiences and achieve client goals
• Directly manage and mentor staff and provide overall strategic direction and feedback for their development and client work
• Hold the pen on drafting high level materials including strategy decks, communications plans, messaging and op-eds
• Collaborate closely with the management team to develop and inspire our team of strategists to be innovative and creative
• Serve as a key voice in new business development efforts, including identifying opportunities, developing proposals and participating in pitches and client growth conversations

Skills

Strategic communications

PR agency experience

Media relations

Written and oral communication

Team leadership

Business development

Job description

BerlinRosen, part of Orchestra, seeks a Senior Vice President to lead the Higher Education team. You will advise top colleges, manage large accounts, guide budgets, and drive new business opportunities in a fast-paced environment. The role emphasizes strategic counsel, cross-functional leadership, and developing a diverse, high-performing team.

The position is based in New York City with a hybrid schedule (three days in the office). Boston, SF, and DC candidates may also be considered.