Senior Director for University Communications

Responsibilities

• Lead University-wide communications and marketing strategies that advance institutional priorities, strengthen SPU's brand, and engage internal and external audiences.
• Serve as a strategic communications advisor to University leadership, including the President's Cabinet and Office of the President, on executive messaging, media relations, and crisis communications.
• Guide institutional storytelling, messaging, editorial standards, and content development across digital, print, and multimedia platforms.
• Write, edit, and develop compelling communications that reflect SPU's distinctive mission, values, and educational experience.
• Direct the University's website and digital communications strategy, ensuring an engaging user experience, consistent messaging, and effective integration with digital advertising.
• Oversee social media, photography, videography, and digital content strategies that strengthen audience engagement and institutional visibility.
• Partner closely with Undergraduate and Graduate Admissions to develop integrated marketing and communications strategies that support enrollment goals.
• Use analytics, audience insights, and performance measures to evaluate effectiveness and continuously improve marketing outcomes.
• Lead, mentor, and develop an eight-member communications team responsible for marketing, web, design, multimedia, writing, publications, and media relations.
• Collaborate with University Advancement to develop alumni and parent communications, fundraising appeals, case statements, and other materials that inspire engagement and philanthropic support.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, business, or a related field.
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, marketing, public relations, or a related field, including at least three years of supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated success developing and executing strategic communications and marketing initiatives, preferably in higher education or a similarly complex organization.
• Exceptional writing, editing, storytelling, and verbal communication skills, including proficiency with AP style.
• Strong leadership skills with demonstrated success building, mentoring, and managing collaborative, high-performing teams.
• Experience overseeing digital marketing, website content, social media, and integrated communications campaigns.
• Ability to translate institutional priorities and audience insights into compelling messaging, actionable strategies, and measurable outcomes.
• Strong project management, organizational, and budget management skills, with the ability to balance multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Familiarity with content management systems, CRM platforms, digital analytics tools, and emerging AI applications for marketing and communications.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, sound judgment, and the ability to build trusted relationships with senior leaders and stakeholders across an organization.

Preferred

• Master's degree in communications, marketing, business, or a related field.
• Experience in Christian higher education or another faith-based organization, particularly one integrating Christian faith and learning.
• Degree from a college or university that integrates Christian faith and learning such as a Council for Christian Colleges & Universities member institution.
• Experience supporting enrollment marketing, advancement communications, executive communications, or institutional crisis communications.
• Advanced experience in one or more specialized areas, including digital media, web strategy, photography, videography, or social media marketing.
• Experience with Sitecore, WordPress, Jira, Slate CRM, Workday, or AI-powered communications tools.

Benefits

• Benefits: SPU offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees and their families. Benefits currently include healthcare coverage, retirement benefits, health savings account contributions for eligible employees, tuition benefits for employees and qualified dependents, and other programs that support employee well-being and professional success. Benefit plans and eligibility are subject to change and will be provided at the time of hire.