Director of Communications - Marketing Services

Job Description:

The Director of Communications, in partnership with the Vice President for Communications and Marketing, leads the development and execution of a comprehensive communications strategy that advances the University's strategic priorities and elevates its reputation among internal and external audiences. This role sets the vision, standards and direction for content creation and distribution, ensuring that University stories, research and impact reach the broadest and most relevant audiences.

The Director leads a high-performing central communications operation and serves as a key integrator across a distributed network of communicators embedded in schools and colleges, as well as in units such as alumni affairs, advancement, student affairs, enrollment and athletics, among others.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Oversee the planning, creation and editorial direction of content, guiding writers and communicators to produce compelling, audience-focused storytelling that advances the University's brand and visibility.
  • Establish and lead a strategic, goal-oriented content operation aligned with institutional priorities, ensuring consistency, quality and impact across all communications.
• Direct the distribution of news and information across channels - including University websites and newsletters, print, online and broadcast media, digital platforms and emerging formats - to maximize awareness and engagement.
  • Collaborate closely with the Director of Marketing and teams responsible for digital media (photo/video), social media and marketing to align messaging, campaigns and content distribution within an integrated marcomm strategy.
• Partner with communicators across the University, including those embedded in schools and colleges and in units such as alumni affairs, advancement, student affairs, enrollment, athletics and other departments, to ensure coordination, consistency and amplification of institutional messaging.
  • Strengthen the University's external presence by expanding media opportunities, elevating faculty and leadership as thought leaders, and increasing placements in regional, national and global outlets.
• Set and enforce communications standards, including voice, messaging, and adherence to AP and local style, ensuring consistency across schools, units and platforms.
• Provide editorial leadership, including content review, coaching and quality control, with a strong understanding of the news cycle and the ability to ensure timely, accurate and relevant output.
  • Partner with University leadership and key stakeholders to shape institutional messaging, provide strategic counsel and support high-profile communications, including issues management and public statements.
  • Collaborate across campus to support major institutional communications initiatives, ensuring integration and consistency across audiences and channels.
  • Collaborate with the Public Information Officer and University leadership on crisis communications. Oversee the effective use of communications technologies, data and analytics to inform strategy, measure performance and continuously improve outcomes.
  • Lead operational excellence within the communications function, including workflow management, tool adoption and the development of best practices for campus communicators.
• Lead and manage direct reports/team providing guidance, support, and performance feedback to assure goals, programs, activities, and personnel practices are consistent with and contribute to the University's mission. Lead employees for maximum performance and dedication, fostering a positive and productive work environment. Complete performance management feedback and goals timely and per requirements, offering constructive feedback and developing improvement plans.
• Other reasonable duties as assigned.

Functional and Supervisory Relationships:

• Reports to Vice President, Communications and Marketing
• Supervises the following positions: (2) Associate Directors

Job Requirements:

• Strategic leadership and sound editorial judgment.
• Compelling storytelling across multiple formats and audiences.
• Strong media relations and external communications experience.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Strong command of AP style, editing standards and the news cycle.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with platforms such as The Conversation, Merit, CampusESP (or similar audience engagement tools), and other higher education-focused content distribution channels.
• Applicants must demonstrate an ability to develop inclusive and equitable relationships within our diverse campus community.
• Applicants must demonstrate an ability to support diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and belonging relative to their role.

Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in English, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing or related field from a college or University accredited by the US Department of Education or internationally recognized accrediting organization.
• Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in communications, including managing staff and editorial oversight.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in higher education communications or a similarly complex, mission-driven environment.
• Demonstrated experience designing and managing email newsletters, with a strong understanding of audience segmentation, performance metrics (e.g., open rates, click-through rates, conversions) and continuous optimization.
• Experience using analytics to inform content strategy, distribution decisions and audience growth.

Working Environment:

• Typical office environment

Additional Information:

Professional Rank and Salary Grade: Senior Staff Associate, SL5, $100,000-110,000.

Special Note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. If you currently need sponsorship or will need it in the future to maintain employment authorization, you do not meet eligibility requirements. Additionally, please note that UAlbany is not an E-Verify employer.

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, without exception, prepare, publish and distribute an Annual Security Report. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University's crime statistics for the past three years; and disclosures regarding the University's current campus security policies. The University at Albany's Annual Security Report is available in portable document format [PDF] by clicking this link

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Application Instructions:

Applicants MUST submit the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover letter stating all the required minimum qualifications and any of the applicable preferred qualifications
• List of 3 professional references with e-mail addresses and telephone numbers
• A portfolio of writing samples

Note : After submitting your resume, the subsequent pages give you instructions for uploading additional documents (i.e. cover letter etc.).

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Closing date for receipt of applications: June 15.