Director, Media Relations & Communications

To help us do this work, The Times is hiring a Director of Media Relations & Communications to support rapid response and issues management communications throughout the organization. You will advance and defend the reputation of the New York Times and its employees by creating and executing media relations strategies during emerging issues and high-stakes situations. You will be part of a team that develops and executes comprehensive rapid response strategies, handles complex media inquiries, and provides expert counsel to senior leadership on sensitive communications matters. The ideal candidate possesses exceptional judgment, a deep understanding of the media landscape, strong writing and communication skills, and the ability to thrive under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

This is a hybrid role based either in our New York City headquarters or our Washington, San Francisco or Los Angeles bureaus, reporting to the Executive Director of Media Relations and Communications. You can typically expect to come into the office 3 days per week. This position requires regular after hours, weekend and on-call work.

Responsibilities:

Rapid Response & Media Relations: As a senior spokesperson for The New York Times, you will act as a primary media contact for urgent inquiries, implementing a robust rapid response framework and protocols to manage breaking news and critical issues across all media channels (traditional, digital, social). You will draft and rapidly disseminate accurate, consistent, and impactful statements, Q&As, talking points, and other communications materials under tight deadlines.

Issues Management: Working with colleagues across the communications team, you will develop and execute comprehensive issues management communications plans, collaborating with internal subject matter experts to gather accurate information and develop informed responses to complex issues.

Media Monitoring & Reporting: You will work closely with other members of the rapid response team to identify, monitor, analyze and respond to potential threats and opportunities in the media landscape, responding quickly to identified issues and creating plans to respond to them. You will also be responsible for reporting on your efforts in collaboration with the communications operations team. 

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree and 10+ years of increasing experience in media relations, public affairs, or corporate communications, with a significant focus on rapid response and issues management. 
• Proven track record of successfully managing high-profile, sensitive, and complex media situations, with a strong understanding of the evolving media landscape, including traditional, digital, and social media platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and critically under pressure, making sound judgments and rapid decisions, with experience advising and collaborating with senior executives on communications strategy.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders. 
• Experience managing a team of seasoned crisis communicators, helping them make decisions and guiding their strategic approach. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Prior experience working at a media organization, agency, campaign or large corporation with international reach and prominent presence on social media.

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Additional Compensation and Benefits:

For roles in the U.S., dependent on your role, you may be eligible for variable pay, such as an annual bonus and restricted stock. Benefits may include medical, dental and vision benefits, Flexible Spending Accounts (F.S.A.s), a company-matching 401(k) plan, employee stock purchase plan, paid vacation, paid sick days, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement and professional development programs.

For roles outside of the U.S., information on benefits will be provided during the interview process.