Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a college wide internal communications strategy that supports organizational goals, enhances transparency, and fosters a sense of shared purpose. Establish and maintain editorial standards, messaging frameworks, and communication protocols.
• Advise the Dean, Chief Strategy Officer, Associate deans, Department chairs, and senior leaders on communication approaches, timing, and messaging.
• Develops, implements, and monitors strategic communication initiatives for designated audiences and internal stakeholders to maximize engagement and strengthen collaboration efforts
• Exercises supervisory authority, including hiring, transferring, suspending, promoting, managing conduct and performance, discharging, assigning, rewarding, disciplining, and/or approving hours worked of at least 2.0 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees
• Identifies, establishes, and directs media relationships and partnerships with internal and external sources
• Act as a liaison for department communications specialist and the Dean's office communication team
• Identifies, proposes, and implements new or revived operational policies and procedures
• Audits and directs day-to-day operational plans to align with strategic initiatives and to meet established objectives
• Lead internal communication planning for major initiatives, policy changes, and organizational updates.

Requirements

• 8+ years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications, public affairs, or media relations
• Proven track record managing high-visibility communications, including crisis and issues management
• Demonstrated experience leading communications strategy for a complex organization (Higher education, nonprofit, government, or large corporate environment)
• Strong attention to detail with ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Experience supervising staff and managing cross-functional teams
• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred, in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or a related field

Preferred

• Experience working in a university or academic setting
• Background collaborating with executive leadership, governing boards, or public officials
• Familiarity with higher education governance, academic culture, and shared governance environments