Director of Communication

The Director of Communications plays a critical role in shaping and sharing Assumption University's narrative. This individual will lead external communications, manage media relations, and develop proactive strategies to increase visibility and reputation. They will also oversee the university's social media channels, ensuring consistent and engaging digital presence. The Director will contribute to crisis communications, ensuring timely and effective responses to emerging issues, while also supporting key internal communications efforts. With a passion for managing the development of creative and compelling content, the Director will work closely with the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer to amplify Assumption's mission and values through strategic messaging across diverse platforms, contributing to the university's broader enrollment, advancement, and brand-building goals.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Develop and implement an external communications strategy to elevate the visibility and reputation of Assumption University.
• Manage media relations, acting as the primary point of contact for media inquiries, developing relationships with journalists, and securing coverage in local, regional, and national outlets.
• Oversee the university's social media presence, ensuring content is up-to-date, engaging, and reflective of the institution's mission and values.
• Direct the development of creative and compelling content across digital and traditional platforms, working with internal teams and external vendors as needed.
• Oversee crisis communications, ensuring swift, clear, and accurate responses to urgent issues while protecting the university's reputation.
• Collaborate with the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer and university leadership on internal communications to keep stakeholders informed of key initiatives and announcements.
• Craft compelling messaging and content that aligns with the university's mission, values, and strategic goals.
• Prepare press releases and media advisories, and contribute to talking points, opinion pieces and speeches for university leadership.
• Monitor media coverage and report on the impact of communications strategies, providing insights and recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Act as a spokesperson when necessary, representing the university with professionalism and clarity.
• Manage relationships with external PR agencies and consultants as needed.
• Support key events and initiatives by providing communications planning and execution.
• Maintain up-to-date crisis communications plans and media contact lists.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Proven experience managing media relations and securing press coverage at various levels.
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with the ability to adapt tone and style for different audiences and platforms.
• Demonstrated experience handling crisis communications and navigating sensitive issues with discretion.
• Experience managing and developing individuals, providing appropriate levels of direction and feedback.
• Excellent organizational, project management, and time-management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and cross-functionally, with a proactive, team-oriented mindset.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, both internally and externally.
• High level of professionalism and confidence in acting as a university spokesperson when required.
• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in communications, media relations, or public relations. Higher education experience is a plus.
• Must be willing to contribute actively to the mission of the University as well as show respect for the Catholic and Assumptionist identity of Assumption University.

SCOPE:

• The Director works within the Office of Integrated Marketing and collaborates closely with the President's Office, as well as faculty and staff across the university.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Sitting, standing, walking, and bending are required of this position. Use of a computer keyboard and computer screen for periods of time with close vision and the ability to adjust visual focus plus manual dexterity are required.

MENTAL DEMANDS: The mental demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Examples of mental demands include reading (documents), detailed work, confidentiality, language, math, reasoning, oral communications, written communications, customer contact, multiple concurrent tasks, constant interruptions, and performing calculations when necessary.