Senior Director for University Communications

Seattle, WA (On-site)

$117K/yr – $119K/yrSenior Level10+ years expFull time

Posted 2 hrs ago

Job Summary

Lead institutional marketing and communications at Seattle Pacific University, owning branding, digital marketing, website strategy, media relations, and executive communications while translating university priorities into messaging and measurable outcomes; mentor a high-performing team and partner with senior leaders.

  • Own branding and integrated communications strategies across channels
  • Drive digital marketing and website strategy to support enrollment and engagement
  • Collaborate with senior leaders on executive communications and crisis messaging

Job Description

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.
  • An established portfolio in print, digital, video, social media, and media relations.
  • 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.

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.
Seattle Pacific University logo

Seattle Pacific University

Ranked a “Best National University” by U.S. News & World Report for the eighth year in a row, Seattle Pacific University is a Christian university where more than 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students are equipped to anticipate and shape the future in a thriving, world-class city. Graduates are invited to join the SPU Alumni LinkedIn group for more opportunities to connect.

Seattle, Washington, USA
1.4K employees (81 in marketing)

Salaries

Posted range

$117K/yr – $119K/yr

Taken straight from the job posting.

Communications median pay in the United States

$93K/yr

Most pay falls between $70K and $137K. Based on 6,065 salaries.

See all Seattle Pacific University salaries

Marketing Team

Marketing Team Size
46 (3% of company)
Median Tenure
7.2 years
Marketing Roles Posted (Last 30 Days)
1

Traffic Signals

Monthly Visitors
377.8K
Monthly Google Ads Budget
$58.7K
Traffic Source Mix
Search
43.2%
Direct
49.9%
Referral
5.4%
Social
0.7%
Paid
0.8%

Headcount Trend

Current headcount: ~1.4K
Seattle Pacific University logo

Senior Director for University Communications

Seattle Pacific University · Seattle, WA · On-site