Director of Media Relations

Job Description:

Position Summary:

Hamilton College, a small highly-selective liberal arts college dedicated to academic excellence and community engagement, is seeking a highly skilled, accomplished, and motivated Media Relations Director. This position will play a crucial role in shaping and enhancing the College’s public image through effective communication strategies and media outreach.

Reporting to the Vice President of Communications and Marketing, this individual will contribute to establishing editorial priorities and will shape the media relations agenda. The director will craft high-impact narratives that highlight major college initiatives, promote thought leadership, and feature faculty and student research and endeavors.

The ideal candidate will possess the ability to translate complex concepts in the humanities, social sciences, and STEM fields into clear, compelling stories that resonate with diverse audiences, including prospective students, alumni, media, policymakers, and academic peers, among others.

Through a mix of traditional and digital media channels, the director will elevate the College’s visibility, strengthen key partnerships, and amplify its national and global presence; all while advancing Hamilton’s mission.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary contact for media inquiries.

• Serve on the Hamilton Emergency Response Team as the PIO.

• Work with the V.P. for Communications and Marketing to manage crisis communications.

• Meet with the media relations consultant and manage relationship.

• Leads ongoing media training for leadership, faculty and key staff.

• Works with student workers and the student newspaper editorial staff.

• Works with the President’s Office and Director of Community Relations on media opportunities.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communication strategy in alignment with the college’s mission and long-term goals.

• Partner with the V.P. for Communications and Marketing, faculty, and department leaders to ensure media and public engagement initiatives advance institutional priorities and enhance visibility.

• Build and sustain strong relationships with local, national, and international media outlets across print, broadcast, and digital platforms to position the college as a leading source of expertise and innovation.

• Proactively identify, shape, and pitch high-impact stories that highlight the relevance and societal impact of Hamilton’s research and thought leadership.

• Work with communications and marketing colleagues to develop strategy across multiple platforms, including news stories, podcasts, video, and social media to amplify reach and engagement.

• Evaluate and adapt media pitches into well-crafted stories, and write for the Hamilton news site, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and alignment with institutional priorities and editorial standards.

• Build relationships with faculty members who are recognized and sought out for their expertise on newsworthy topics. Meet regularly with faculty and key administrators to uncover potential stories. Partner with them to refine and present research materials and other stories for external audiences.

• Travel with the president, deans, or other key faculty members to conduct editorial backgrounders and/or meet with education reporters in key markets when appropriate.

• Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the reach, effectiveness, and impact of communication strategies.

• Regularly review periodicals that serve Hamilton’s target markets to determine regional and national issues to target media placements (op-eds, features, backgrounders, etc.) accordingly.

• Assist with the planning and execution of special events that enhance the college’s visibility and reputation.

• Make a reasonable effort to become involved in the Hamilton community.

• Some evenings and weekends will be required as needed.

• Additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field strongly preferred.

• Experience: Minimum of 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, media relations, or strategic storytelling in a complex academic or non-profit environment.

• Proven record of shaping and executing communications strategies that elevate visibility and institutional reputation.

• Proven track record of successful media outreach and relationship building with local and national media.

• Demonstrated success managing high-profile, media campaigns.

• Experience collaborating with others to develop cohesive, cross-disciplinary communications.

• Familiarity with social media platforms and digital communication strategies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience producing podcasts, email newsletters, and videos preferred.

• Experience in the field of journalism preferred.

• The ideal candidate will have experience in media relations for higher ed.

• A deep understanding of the liberal arts is a plus

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Exceptional ability to translate complex concepts into accessible, compelling narratives for diverse audiences.

• Strong editorial judgment and strategic thinking skills, with a demonstrated ability to align communications with institutional priorities.

• Excellent writing, interpersonal, and project management skills combined with creativity and initiative.

• Ability to balance multiple high-stakes projects in a fast-paced environment with diplomacy, precision, and discretion.

Application Process: Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and at least two writing samples through the application portal. Applications will be accepted until Friday, May 15, 2026.

Compensation Range:

$88,000 - $110,000

EEO Policy:

Benefits:

For Benefits Information, please navigate to the following link:

Employment - Work at Hamilton - Hamilton College