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