As assistant vice president for strategic communications in the Office of Public Affairs, Jeff Falk spearheads Rice University’s efforts to be a leader in integrated, institutional communication among higher education institutions across the world. Falk is committed to advancing the university’s brand visibility, impact, credibility and global market share through creative and proactive public/media relations and social media initiatives. During the 2023 international search for a vice president of Public Affairs, Falk served as interim vice president, leading the division in creating and deploying organizational communication strategies to further enhance the university’s goals as a premier institution.

Falk joined Rice in 2012 as associate director of national media relations. He became director of national media relations in 2019 and moved into the role of director of news and media relations in 2022. Appointed the assistant vice president for strategic communications in December 2023, Falk now oversees the university’s talented news and media relations department and leads communications and public relations efforts for the president, provost and executive vice president for research. He serves as the university’s principal media spokesperson and also is a member of the Crisis Management Team, assisting with emergency notifications to students, faculty and staff.

Prior to his service at Rice, Falk was assistant director of the University of Minnesota’s central media relations office from 2010 to 2012. He began his career in communications and public relations in government, serving as deputy press secretary to Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty from 2003 to 2005 and as communications director for Minnesota State Auditor Rebecca Otto from 2007 to 2008.

Falk currently serves as vice chair of the board of directors of The Alliance, a leading Houston nonprofit organization for welcoming and empowering those who face financial, educational, health, language or cultural barriers to realizing their dreams.

Falk earned his bachelor’s degree from Macalester College and a master’s degree in strategic communication from the University of Minnesota. Born in Bremen, Germany, he is a dual citizen of the United States and Germany.