Director of Communications

Job Posting:

JR100742 Director of Communications (Open)

Department:

Marketing & Communications, PM

Position Type:

Regular

Open Date:

01-09-2025

Close Date:

03-09-2025

$115,000 - $125,000

Job Description:

The Director of Communications will lead the university’s communications strategy, ensuring that the institution’s key messages are effectively conveyed to a variety of internal and external audiences.The Director will be responsible for overseeing the development and execution of strategic communications plans, managing crisis communications, and ensuring consistent, compelling messaging across all university communications channels.

The Director of Communications will work closely with the Vice President for Marketing & Communications to align communication efforts with institutional goals and values. This individual will oversee a team of communications professionals and collaborate with departments across the university to strengthen the university's reputation, engage key stakeholders, and support student recruitment efforts.

This position is a full-time role with the expectation that additional hours, including nights and weekends, may be necessary to meet deadlines, manage crisis situations, adhere to media deadlines, support special events, and manage key communications initiatives during peak periods.

Responsibilities:

• Strategic Communications Leadership: Develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy that aligns with the university’s mission, goals, and brand. Lead messaging efforts for internal and external communications, ensuring that all materials reflect the university’s values and priorities.
• Team Management & Collaboration: Manage and mentor a team of communications and social media professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, creativity, and accountability. Work closely within the Division of Marketing & Communications and cross-functional teams across the university to ensure cohesive messaging, branding, and alignment of communications efforts.
• Brand & Reputation Management: Ensure that all communications efforts contribute to the positive development of the university’s brand and public image. Regularly assess the university’s reputation and recommend strategies for improving public perception and increasing brand awareness.
• Media Relations: Build and maintain strong relationships with local, regional, and national media. Serve as the university’s primary spokesperson when needed and coordinate media inquiries, press releases, and public statements. Proactively pitch stories to media outlets that enhance the university’s visibility and reputation.
• Crisis Communications: Lead the university’s communications efforts during crises or emergencies, working closely with the Vice President for Marketing & Communications and other senior leadership to craft and deliver key messages. Ensure that crisis communications are clear, consistent, and transparent, addressing the needs of all stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, and the public.
• Internal Communications: Oversee internal communications strategies to keep faculty, staff, and students informed and engaged with university news, updates, and initiatives. Develop and manage communication channels such as newsletters, intranet, emails, and social media to ensure timely, relevant information is shared.
• Content Development & Messaging: Oversee and help to create content for the university’s website, social media channels, newsletter and publications, speeches, and other communication materials. Ensure messaging is clear, engaging, and aligned with the university’s brand and strategic objectives.
• Social Media & Digital Strategy: Manage the university’s social media presence, working with the marketing team to develop and implement effective digital strategies. Monitor engagement, respond to inquiries, and promote the university’s activities, achievements, and events online.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, or a related field.
• 8-10 years of Communications experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership role, preferably in higher education or a similar field.
  
  
• Proven experience in crisis communications, including message development and media relations during sensitive situations.
• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with the ability to craft clear, compelling messages for diverse audiences.
  
  
• Excellent interpersonal and public speaking skills, with the ability to represent the university effectively in media interviews, presentations, and meetings.
• Expertise in media relations, social media, and digital communications strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and lead a communications team, with a focus on professional development and team cohesion.
• Familiarity with communications tools, software, and analytics (e.g., social media management platforms, media monitoring tools, and content management systems).
• Creative, strategic thinker with a strong understanding of the higher education landscape and the ability to manage multiple, competing priorities.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  
  
• Not Currently Available

Conditions of Employment:

• Not Currently Available

Additional Job Information:

Benefits include medical, dental, prescription, long-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment insurance and life insurance; paid time for paid sick leave, annual leave, and personal leave; 12 paid holidays per year, tuition remission; employer-funded pension and supplemental retirement accounts

Bowie State University shall not discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, age, ancestry or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, marital status or veteran status. All policies, programs, and activities of Bowie State University are and shall be in conformity with all pertinent Federal and state laws of nondiscrimination including, but not limited to: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Equal Pay Act of 1963, the Age Discrimination Act, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Federal Executive Order No. 11375, and Article 49B of the Annotated Code of Maryland. This commitment applies in all areas and embraces faculty, staff, and students.

Equal opportunity of access to academic and related programs shall be extended to all persons. Bowie State University shall have as its firm objective equal opportunity in recruitment and hiring, rate of pay, all other promotions, training, retention and dismissals, for all employees and applicants for employment. The University will stress equal access for employees and applicants for employment to all programs and services provided by the University both on and off campus. The University will also provide equal opportunity and an atmosphere of nondiscrimination with respect to women and members of minority groups in all its operations. In addition, the University shall promote equal opportunity and equal treatment through a positive and continuing Affirmative Action Program.

The University makes, and will continue to make, reasonable accommodations to promote the employment of qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans, unless such accommodations would impose an undue hardship on the University's business.

In addition, employees and applicants will not be subjected to harassment, intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination because they have engaged in, or may have engaged in, activities such as filing a complaint, assisting or participating in an investigation, compliance review or hearing, or opposing any act or practice made unlawful, or exercising any other right protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended or the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, as amended.