Director Public Relations (E6135)

Job Summary

The Director of Public Relations is responsible for establishing and leading a modern, proactive media relations operation for IEEE. This role elevates IEEE's public presence by securing meaningful, high‑impact coverage across business, lifestyle, technology, and general‑interest media. The Director develops and executes a comprehensive media strategy that positions IEEE's leaders, experts, and Organizational Units as authoritative voices on the technologies shaping society.

This is a senior, outward‑facing role requiring exceptional judgment, strong media relationships, global experience, and the ability to identify compelling narratives-even in places where others may not immediately see a story.

Reporting to the Sr. Director, PR and Communications, this position will manage two (2) direct reports.

Key Responsibilities

• Enterprise Media Strategy- Develop and execute a proactive media strategy that increases IEEE's visibility and positions the organization as a leading voice on technology, innovation, and societal impact.
• Executive Media Relations and Media Training- Lead media engagement for IEEE's Executive Director, Presidents, and senior leaders; prepare briefings, talking points, and message frameworks.
• Media Outreach- Build and maintain strong relationships with reporters and editors across lifestyle, business, and general‑interest outlets to broaden IEEE's reach beyond traditional technology press.
• Thought Leadership Development- Identify and elevate IEEE experts as authoritative voices on emerging trends, standards, and innovations.
• Trendspotting & Story Identification- Monitor the news cycle and cultural landscape to uncover opportunities where IEEE can contribute insight, even when the story is not immediately obvious.
• Enterprise Collaboration- Partner with Organizational Units to support priority initiatives, align messaging, and coordinate enterprise‑level media opportunities.
• Message Development- Craft and refine media messages, Q&As, and positioning statements that reflect IEEE's voice and strategic priorities.
• Measurement & Reporting- Track media performance, sentiment, and impact; provide insights that inform strategy and demonstrate value.
• #LI-Hybrid

Travel Information

• 15-25% Domestic and International

Education

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience Req
• Master's or other advanced degree Pref

Work Experience

• 10-15 years Experience in media relations, public relations, or strategic communications. Req

Skills and Requirements

• Demonstrated success securing coverage in top‑tier business, lifestyle, and general‑interest media.
• Strong relationships with reporters and editors across multiple beats.
• Agency experience is a plus.
• Proven ability to identify compelling story angles and develop narratives from complex or technical subject matter.
• Experience supporting senior executives and preparing leaders for interviews and public appearances.
• Exceptional writing, pitching, and message‑development skills.
• Technology background or familiarity with innovation ecosystems is helpful but not required.
• Experience in global or mission‑driven organizations is a plus.

Other Requirements:

As defined in IEEE Policies, individuals currently serving on an IEEE board or committee are not eligible to apply.

PLEASE NOTE: This position is not budgeted for employer-sponsored immigration support, this includes all persons in F (both CPT and OPT), J, H, L, or O status.

For information on work demands and conditions required for this position, please consult the reference document, ADA Requirements. This position is classified under .

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

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Disclaimer: This job description is proprietary to IEEE. It outlines the general nature and key features performed by various positions that share the same job classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties and qualifications required of all employees assigned to the job. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or re-assign duties to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodations or other business reasons.