Associate Director of Communications

Department D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) Job Title Job Title Associate Director of Communications Location Campus Commitment to On-Campus Experience Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in-person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus. Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy. Pay Range Pay Range $76,100 - $92,200 Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses. Staff Level S5 FLSA Status FLSA Status Exempt Hours Standard University business hours 8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year) 8:00am – 4:30pm (summer) Hours may vary based on operational needs. Job Type Job Type Full-time Unionized Position Code Not Applicable Job Description The Associate Director of Communications develops high-quality editorial content and manages earned media initiatives for the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University. Reporting to the Executive Director of Marketing and Communications, this position produces long-form and high-visibility communications, develops strategic media pitches, and supports external brand positioning in alignment with established Institute and University strategy. The Associate Director translates complex research, policy, programmatic, and organizational information into clear, credible, and compelling narratives for media, executive, partner, stakeholder, and public audiences. The successful candidate will be an exceptional writer and editor with significant media relations experience, strong pitching capabilities, sound editorial judgment, and the ability to identify timely stories and opportunities within the news cycle. The position works closely with leaders, researchers, and subject matter experts across IVMF , coordinates with Syracuse University communications colleagues, and provides day-to-day direction to a small number of assigned staff or contributors. Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, public affairs, or a related field. Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in communications, journalism, media relations, public relations, public affairs, or a related discipline. Significant experience writing and editing long-form, executive-level, organizational, or public-facing communications. Demonstrated experience developing strategic media pitches, working with reporters, securing earned-media coverage, and preparing subject matter experts or organizational leaders for interviews. Experience interviewing leaders, researchers, program professionals, participants, or external partners and translating those conversations into compelling written content. Experience managing multiple communications projects, deadlines, stakeholders, and approval processes. Experience managing, providing direction, feedback, or oversight to staff members, freelancers, contractors, student employees, or other contributors. Skills and Knowledge Exceptional writing, editing, interviewing, pitching, and storytelling skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, credible narratives. Strong editorial and strategic judgment – identifying newsworthy stories, customizing pitches by outlet/audience, and connecting organizational expertise to current events. Ability to translate organizational priorities into actionable communications plans and build visibility in a competitive, resource-conscious environment. Sound judgment on sensitive or fast-moving communications issues, without oversimplifying technical/research content. Strong collaboration and project-management skills across a matrixed organization; ability to give editorial feedback and coordinate a small team. Familiarity with media monitoring, databases, and analytics/measurement tools. Knowledge of and/or relationships within the military/veteran-connected, workforce, higher education, or public policy ecosystem preferred. Responsibilities Writing and Editorial Development Develop and edit long-form, executive-level, and high-visibility communications, including feature stories, opinion pieces, contributed articles, executive remarks, institutional narratives, research and impact stories, reports, press releases, statements, talking points, briefing materials, web content, award submissions, and partner communications Interview leaders, researchers, program staff, participants, alumni, and partners; translate complex research, policy, programmatic, and technical information into accurate, substantive, audience-appropriate narratives Review content for editorial quality, clarity, consistency, and alignment with IVMF and Syracuse University standards Media Relations and Strategic Pitching Manage proactive earned-media efforts that increase relevant national, regional, trade, and local coverage of IVMF research, programs, partnerships, experts, and impact Develop targeted, timely, reporter-specific pitches; cultivate journalist relationships; respond to media inquiries; coordinate interviews and briefing materials; and support spokesperson preparation Identify opportunities beyond organizational announcements by connecting IVMF expertise, research, data, and outcomes to breaking news, emerging trends, broader public conversations, and reporter interests Evaluate earned-media opportunities and results based on audience relevance, message alignment, quality of coverage, and institutional value Brand Messaging and Thought Leadership Develop messaging and narrative content that communicate IVMF’s expertise, impact, and differentiators within established brand and organizational strategy Support the positioning of Institute leaders, researchers, and subject matter experts through bylined content, executive commentary, media engagement, speaking opportunities, research promotion, and partnership communications across military and veteran, workforce, entrepreneurship, higher education, research, philanthropic, and public policy audiences Communications Coordination and Workflow Support Partner with colleagues across research, programs, policy, development, partnerships, and executive leadership to identify communications needs, gather information, and coordinate content development Support editorial planning, content intake, review processes, deadlines, and cross-functional workflows Provide day-to-day direction, editorial feedback, and work coordination for assigned staff or contributors Coordinate with Syracuse University communications teams on shared media and messaging priorities News Monitoring and Rapid-Response Communications Monitor news coverage, policy developments, workforce trends, and emerging issues affecting IVMF and the military- and veteran-connected community Identify timely opportunities to connect IVMF research, programs, and expertise to the news cycle, and develop responsive pitches, statements, talking points, FAQs, and other supporting materialsElevate sensitive, high-profile, or reputational matters to the Executive Director of Marketing and Communications and support approved responses Physical Requirements Not Applicable Tools/Equipment Not Applicable About Syracuse University Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience. The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit About the Syracuse area Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal. EEO Statement Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities. Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members. Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect. #J-18808-Ljbffr Syracuse University