Strategic Crisis Communications Leader

WM001 William & Mary; Discovery (MD); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

William & Mary seeks a Director of Crisis Communications to lead crisis messaging, planning, and university-wide communications. You will work with Public Safety, the President’s Office, IT, and other leaders to ensure timely, accurate and coordinated responses during emergencies.

The role requires strategic counsel to senior leaders, strong writing and media relations skills, and the ability to manage high-profile, time-sensitive situations with discretion and professional judgment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field; education/experience equivalent.
• 7–10 years in communications, crisis or emergency management.
• Experience as a media spokesperson for a large organization.
• Strong writing, editing and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to provide counsel to senior leaders under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Lead university-wide crisis communications strategy and response.
• Advise senior leaders on reputational risk and messaging.
• Coordinate with Public Safety and other campus leaders on plans and alerts.
• Develop briefing materials, talking points and Q&A for executives.
• Serve as spokesperson and manage weekend/on-call crisis coverage.

Skills

Writing skills

Verbal communication

Crisis communications

Media relations

Executive counsel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications

Job description

William & Mary seeks a Director of Crisis Communications to lead crisis messaging, planning, and university-wide communications. You will work with Public Safety, the President’s Office, IT, and other leaders to ensure timely, accurate and coordinated responses during emergencies.

The role requires strategic counsel to senior leaders, strong writing and media relations skills, and the ability to manage high-profile, time-sensitive situations with discretion and professional judgment.