Who we are

Why Rensselaer? Our dynamic global community of changemakers includes some of the world’s leading researchers, students, alumni, and faculty who ask the important questions and devise the scientific and technological innovations that make the world a better place for all of humanity. Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, Rensselaer is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, and one of the world’s fastest supercomputers. 

Rensselaer faculty and alumni include more than 145 National Academy members, six members of the National Inventors Hall of Fame, six National Medal of Technology winners, five National Medal of Science winners, three astronauts, and a Nobel Prize winner in Physics. With nearly 200 years of experience advancing scientific and technological knowledge, Rensselaer remains focused on addressing global challenges with a spirit of ingenuity and collaboration. To learn more, please visit www.rpi.edu.

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Job Summary

As leader of the Media Relations function, the incumbent will be one of RPI’s chief storytellers. The ideal candidate will be pivotal in raising awareness of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute as an esteemed institution of academic excellence, groundbreaking research and global community influence and impact. The incumbent will build and lead a news team that develops and broadcasts relevant and engaging stories that advance the Institute in top tier national consumer media outlets and scholarly publications. The leader for media relations also directs all aspects of the university’s media relations program, supervises staff, provides strategic and sound media relations counsel to RPI leadership, and thought leaders, cultivates strong relationships with members of the media, and serves as a university spokesperson.

Requirements

Hiring may be at the level of an Associate Vice President or Assistant Vice President, depending on the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate.

All candidates must have a bachelor’s degree (master’s preferred) in journalism or mass communications, or a public relations degree from a journalism program. A master’s degree is preferred.  All candidates must be proficient with current technology and be superb communicators both orally and in writing, and have a deep understanding of issues relating to higher education, research, and the communities in which RPI operates.

Assistant Vice President candidates must also have five (5) or more years of work experience, during which they will have demonstrated fluency in high-level news writing and AP style, a history of exhibiting sound editorial judgement.  Experience must include at least three (3) years working in a media relations leadership position in a higher education or comparable setting Candidates must have experience in leading a team and a demonstrated comfort level interacting with senior level officials in a professional setting.  At the Assistant VP level, candidates are expected to have had some experience in handling the press, issues and crisis management, and/or running external PR agencies.

As Associate Vice President, candidates will meet all the criteria listed above, and will have a proven expertise in strategic media relations.  An Associate VP candidate will be an experienced leader who has a history of successfully aligning their team's activities with institute goals. Candidates at this level will have broad experience across all media relations functions, including crises and issues management, press management, and managing PR consultants.

Relevant combinations of education, training and experience may be considered.

Starting Salary/Rate

Expected hiring range:

• Candidates qualified to compete as an Associate Vice President for Media Relations can expect a hiring range between $160,000 - $170,000.
• Candidates who are qualified to complete as a Assistant Vice President can expect a hiring range between $145,000 - $155,000. 

Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate’s qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. The expected hiring ranges are provided as Rensselaer’s good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.

Application instructions

Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile. Please be ready to upload your resume and cover letter.

If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact careers@rpi.edu.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Rensselaer is committed to providing a safe and healthy living, learning, and working environment for its faculty, staff and students.  As such, we strongly recommend that faculty, staff and students obtain a COVID-19 vaccination and remain current with available boosters to protect themselves, as well as to protect vulnerable members of the community.

Total Compensation and Benefits Information

Rensselaer’s Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Rensselaer is recognized locally and nationally for the depth and breadth of its compensation and benefits program. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu).

We welcome candidates who will bring diverse cultural, ethnic, national and international perspectives to Rensselaer’s work and campus communities.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity, Race/Gender/Veterans/Disability Employer.