Officials from the Office of Communications and Marketing are quiet on the status of filling its executive director vacancy following a period of increased press attention due to pro-Palestinian campus protests.
Former Executive Director of Media Relations Josh Grossman left the University in August after serving in the role for almost three years, according to his LinkedIn. Officials posted a job listing for the position in July, which they removed by the end of the month.
Members of the media relations team are responsible for the University’s public communications regarding all of GW’s schools and units.
“The George Washington University’s Office of Media Relations is the primary source for sharing news at the university for both the media and the GW community alike,” OCM’s website states. “Our job is to help tell the thousands of potential GW stories in the most accurate, as well as most up-to-date and compelling, manner as possible.”
A University spokesperson declined to comment on whether the office has hired a new executive director and, if so, when they will begin working. The spokesperson also declined to comment on if the responsibilities of the office’s six current media relations staff members have changed to accommodate for its lack of an executive director.
The University spokesperson said OCM staff work daily to support the University’s strategic priorities and “protect and enhance the University’s reputation” through various communications channels and publications, social media, creative design, marketing services and media relations.
“The media relations team handles both proactive and reactive media relations, which ranges from pitching daily tip sheets on faculty experts and developing ways to highlight faculty research while also fielding numerous media inquiries from outlets locally, nationally and internationally,” the spokesperson said in an email.
Former Menior Media Relations Specialist Rachel Larris left their posts in June 2023 and September 2023, respectively, according to web archives.
Over the last few months, major news publications including the New York Times, the Washington Post, BBC, Fox News, the Hill and NBC News have reported on pro-Palestinian protests at GW and asked the University for comment on the spring encampment and the students Metropolitan Police Department officers arrested in University Yard in May. The Hatchet, which also utilizes the OCM office, sent more than 10 requests for comment during the nearly two weeklong encampment.
The spokesperson declined to comment on if and how the office has prepared for the influx in media attention that could follow another potential wave of large protests on campus. Pro-Palestinian students hosted their first protest of the school year, where they rallied outside the on-campus residence of University President Ellen Granberg and marched to U-Yard on Thursday, which also marked GW’s first day of fall classes.
Grossman said it was an honor to be part of GW’s communications team and that he will miss the people and professionals he worked with.
“Being able to tell the many amazing stories about students and faculty was the best part of my time here,” Grossman said in a message. “I believe firmly that this great University has an exciting future ahead.”
