AACSB International is the global standard-setting body for business education, strengthening the world’s business schools through accreditation, thought leadership, and transformative learning.  

With more 2,000+ member organizations and more than 1,000 accredited business schools in over 100 countries and territories. AACSB is committed to achieving positive societal impact through business education. Synonymous with the highest standard of excellence since 1916, AACSB leads with its core values: members first, inclusivity, global unity, excellence, and curiosity. 

As the Director of Public Affairs, you will serve as the strategic leader responsible for shaping and executing AACSB International’s global public affairs strategy. This role is central to elevating AACSB’s profile as a trusted global voice in business education, advancing its policy and advocacy priorities, and protecting and enhancing the organization’s reputation worldwide. 

The Director is both a strategist and hands-on leader—driving high-level external engagement with international organizations, industry leaders, policymakers, regulators, and media, while preparing leadership for high-impact public appearances. The role oversees media relations, advocacy campaigns, and issues management, ensuring AACSB is well positioned to shape public dialogue on business education. 

The Director supervises the Public Relations Manager, manages the Public Affairs budget, and provides strategic counsel to the CEO, Executive Team, and Board on public affairs matters.

How you will contribute:

External Communications and Reputation Management 

• Serve as AACSB’s primary public affairs contact and prepare leadership for media interviews, speaking engagements, and engagement in other high-profile events.
• Develop strategic media engagement plans that enhance AACSB’s visibility as a global thought leader.
• Lead crisis communication planning and execution, including rapid response to issues impacting AACSB’s reputation.
• Oversee the creation of high-impact communications, including press releases, public letters, policy briefs, fact sheets, speeches, talking points, and op-eds.
• Effectively collaborate working with a range of internal /external stakeholders to garner relevant data sources in support of policy statements/positioning.
• Manage proactive reputation-building initiatives and risk mitigation strategies. 

Strategic Leadership and Global Advocacy 

• Develop, execute, and communicate a global public affairs strategy that aligns with AACSB’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Lead the organization’s efforts to shape global and regional policy conversations impacting business education.
• Identify and act on opportunities to elevate AACSB’s influence in international regulatory and public policy forums.
• Advise executive leadership on emerging policy developments and strategic positioning.
• Manage engagement with external government relations and PR firms to achieve advocacy and communications objectives. 

Stakeholder Engagement 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with policymakers, regulatory agencies, international organizations, and business education stakeholders.
• Coordinate representation for AACSB at global policy events, international conferences, and high-level meetings.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure alignment of public affairs messaging with organizational priorities. 

Media Relations and Campaign Management 

• Direct media relations strategy and oversee engagement with global media outlets.
• Develop integrated campaigns to increase awareness of AACSB’s global advocacy priorities and impact.
• Monitor international media coverage, analyze trends and sentiment, and provide leadership with actionable insights.
• Supervise the Public Relations Manager in tactical execution of media outreach and content production. 

Policy Monitoring and Analysis 

• Track and analyze international legislative, regulatory, and geopolitical trends affecting business education.
• Provide timely intelligence and policy analysis to AACSB leadership.
• Position AACSB as a proactive and credible voice in shaping global education policy discussions. 

Budget and Team Leadership 

• Develop and manage the Public Affairs budget to support strategic priorities and maximize impact.
• Demonstrate leadership through working cross-functionally with Thought Leadership, Marketing, and Data teams to achieve organizational goals.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate the Public Relations Manager, fostering professional growth and high performance.
• Build organizational capacity in public affairs and advocacy communications. 

Required Skills and Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Communications, International Relations, Journalism, or a related field.
• 7–10 years' experience in public affairs, global policy engagement, strategic communications, or media relations.
• At least 3 years of supervisory experience. 
• Demonstrated experience leading global advocacy strategies and reputation management initiatives. 
• Strong understanding of legislative, regulatory, and international policy landscapes. 
• Proven track record of managing high-profile communications and media relations. 
• Experience preparing executives for media interviews and global speaking engagements. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including speechwriting and strategic messaging that can be demonstrated during the interview process. 
• Ability to manage and communicate status of complex projects effectively. 
• Proficiency with media monitoring and advocacy tools. 

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Public Policy, Communications, International Relations, Journalism, or a related field.
• Experience within an association, nonprofit, or international organization
• Experience in higher education, business, or related disciplines.
• Supervisory experience with exempt-level employees.

Why join AACSB? 

AACSB takes pride in its engaging and inclusive work environment that promotes collaboration and individual development. Our employees say AACSB’s benefits, location, flexible work, and their colleagues are the primary drivers that attract and keep them with the organization.