Director of Media and Public Relations / 630

Position Description:Corporate public relations • Work closely with SVP Communications and Government Relations to establish external communication goals and strategies • Work with senior management team to develop key messages and identify opportunities for positive PR • Plan and write press releases and other outward facing communications and conduct proactive media outreach • Leverage new media to further PR objectives Coordination of divisional PR activity • Work with senior marketing execs and other leaders in business units and with the SVP of Sales and Marketing to coordinate PR activities and messaging across the divisions • Work with same to identify and plan around appropriate PR opportunities • Provide PR support for divisional marketing teams and help manage use of external PR resources Media relations • With support from SVP Communications and Government Relations, serve as primary U.S. press contact for the company on non-financial matters • Field press inquiries and coordinate company responses • Support and advise management in handling sensitive communication matters including inquiries from the press, interest groups, and members of the public • Provide crisis management support Community relations • Provide communications support for company-supported philanthropic foundation • Help to guide and coordinate community outreach initiatives Qualifications:• Strong working knowledge of corporate public relations and media relations • Excellent written and oral communication skills • Proactive mindset and ability to think and act independently • Ability to interact directly with senior managament and to work collaboratively and effectively at many levels within the organization • Ability to handle sensitive issues under pressure and provide sound counsel to management • Willingness to work hands-on in small department Bachelor’s degree and 8+ years hands-on corporate public relations experience. Must have proven track record in driving successful corporate public relations strategies and significant experience in media relations as on-the-record spokesperson. Experience in publishing or other business serving the pre-K-12 education market. View Jobs for "Houghton Mifflin Harcourt" | Learn more about "Houghton Mifflin Harcourt"