Sign In

Alfred Ironside

Vice President for Communications, MIT

Alfred Ironside is the Vice President for Communications at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), a position he has held since February 2020.14 In this role, he serves as the chief communications officer for the Institute and advises the president and other senior leaders on effective ways to support and promote MIT's work and reputation globally.1

Career Background

Before joining MIT, Ironside had an impressive career in communications:

  • Ford Foundation: He served as vice president for global communications, overseeing executive communications, messaging, strategic partnerships, and public affairs.1

  • UNICEF: Ironside worked as the chief of media relations, acting as the United Nations' spokesman on issues affecting children and women in conflict and natural disaster situations.1

  • US Diplomatic Service: He spent three years as a press officer in East Berlin, earning commendation for his work during the Berlin Wall crisis.1

  • American Red Cross: Ironside worked as a spokesman for four years.1

Early Career and Education

Ironside's career began in journalism:

  • He started as a news reporter at radio stations in and around Indianapolis and Philadelphia.1
  • In the early 1990s, he helped launch the first Western advertising agency in Bulgaria, serving as its managing director.1
  • He was part of the editorial team that launched the English edition of Ha'aretz, Israel's leading newspaper.1

Regarding his education, Ironside holds:

  • Degrees in political science and journalism from Butler University in Indianapolis
  • A master's in media administration from the Newhouse School and the Graduate School of Business at Syracuse University1

Role at MIT

As Vice President for Communications at MIT, Ironside's responsibilities include:

  • Shaping MIT's overall communications strategy
  • Advising senior leaders across the Institute
  • Overseeing various aspects of MIT's communications, including media relations, crisis communications, and digital brand management23

Ironside's office is located in room 11-400 at MIT, and his contact number is 617-258-5403.2

Highlights

Feb 14 · news.mit.edu
Alfred Ironside named vice president for communications | MIT News
Alfred Ironside named vice president for communications | MIT News
Feb 14 · orgchart.mit.edu
New VP for Communications Alfred Ironside | MIT Organization Chart

Related Questions

What are Alfred Ironside's main responsibilities at MIT?
How did Alfred Ironside's career at the Ford Foundation prepare him for his role at MIT?
What significant achievements has Alfred Ironside had in his career?
How has Alfred Ironside's work impacted MIT's reputation globally?
What challenges has Alfred Ironside faced in his role at MIT?
Alfred Ironside
Alfred Ironside, photo 1
Alfred Ironside, photo 2
Add to my network

Location

New York, New York