Director, Crisis Communications

Location: Posting Location - William & Mary

Job Requisition

JR102129 Director, Crisis Communications (Open)

Department

CC00253 WM001 | WMUA | University Communications

Job Family

Staff - Communications

Worker Sub-Type

Regular (benefited)

Job Requisition Primary Location

Discovery 2

Primary Job Posting Location

Posting Location - William & Mary

Job Description Summary

Mission Statement

In the Office of University Advancement, we create the conditions for opportunity – human, financial, & experiential – by garnering and stewarding the resources that advance William & Mary.

Position Summary

The Director of Crisis Communications leads the implementation and ongoing development of university-wide crisis communications strategies. Reporting to the Executive Director of Media Relations and housed in the Office of University Communications, the Director provides strategic counsel to senior leaders and partners across campus to ensure timely, accurate, and coordinated communications during emergencies and sensitive situations.

The Director collaborates closely with Public Safety – including William & Mary Police, Emergency Management, the President's Office, Student Affairs, University Counsel, Information Technology, and other university leaders to develop and execute crisis communication plans, preparedness initiatives, and emergency messaging. The position operates with a high degree of independence and professional judgment, managing complex, time-sensitive, and highly visible communications that may significantly impact institutional reputation and stakeholder trust.

The Director will lead and foster a culture of belonging and trust that embraces all people and perspectives and ensures alignment with William & Mary’s institutional values and strategic priorities. This is a hybrid position based in Williamsburg, Virginia, which offers a flexible work environment.

Please review the full position description with all job duties under the “Featured Job Opportunities” on the University Advancement recruitment website: https://advancement.wm.edu/come-work-with-us/open-positions/

About the University

Founded by Royal Charter in 1693, William & Mary is America’s first university. The Alma Mater of the Nation brings together the breadth of a public liberal arts and sciences education with the innovation of a preeminent global research university. Here, curiosity deepens into wisdom, shaping lives of meaning, distinction and purposeful impact. For more than 300 years, the university has convened great minds and hearts to meet the most pressing needs of our time.

About the Team

The Office of University Communications serves as the central communications office for the university. Within University Communications, the Media Relations team leads the university’s crisis communication response, is responsible for media and other filming requests on campus, serves as the primary link to press and media on all communications fronts, provides media training and, in collaboration with the Content & Strategy and Web Development & Strategy, coordinates university-wide promotional efforts. The office also works to promote and celebrate the work of faculty, staff and students and to promote the overall vision, mission and brand of William & Mary.

Job Description

Special Instructions

For full consideration, submit application materials by the review date, Monday November 2, 2026. Applications received after the review date will be considered if needed.

Required application materials.

A resume and cover letter are required for this position - please upload both documents with your application.

Please provide 3-5 examples of holding statements or talking points you have prepared including at least one that was prepared with executive-level leadership.

Please provide 1-3 examples of emergency messaging that you were involved with writing or shaping.

William & Mary is currently recruiting for two communications roles: the Director of Crisis Communications and the Director of Media Relations. While each role has distinct responsibilities, candidates may find their skills and experiences are aligned with both opportunities. We encourage applicants to review both positions and, if interested, apply for both roles.

Salary

$85,000 to $90,000, commensurate with experience and internal alignment.