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Oregon State University · 2 days ago

Senior Director of Communications

Corvallis, OR

Full-time

Hybrid

Director/Executive

$110K/yr - $124K/yr

7+ years exp

Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers, and change-makers. The Senior Director of Communications is responsible for shaping and advancing the College of Engineering’s reputation and strategic communications, leading a team to enhance the college's impact and thought leadership through innovative communication strategies.

EducationNon ProfitUniversities

Growth Opportunities

Responsibilities

Works in a highly dynamic and innovative environment to create strategic communications strategies, brand reputation plans, and brand messaging platforms that strengthen the college’s brand position with external stakeholders to increase awareness of and financial support for the college’s mission; attract high-quality and diverse students, faculty, and staff to our programs; generate recognition for COE faculty and outreach programs; and enhance government, industry and employer relations

Key activities include:

Work with the Executive Director of External Relations and the college leadership team to identify college goals that would be positively impacted through strategic communications programs

Lead the creation, implementation, and ongoing refinement of the college’s brand reputation plan

Develop and execute integrated communications strategies that strengthen the college’s brand position and reputation among external stakeholders

Lead the creation of the college’s brand messaging platform, ensuring consistency and alignment with university and college brand guidelines

Oversee personnel and budget responsible for producing communications pieces that supports brand and reputation efforts

Champion innovation in communications by evaluating and adopting emerging technologies, platforms, and best practices to keep the college’s messaging fresh, relevant, and effective

Analyze various data sources to determine the most effective communications strategies and formulate long-term and short-term plans to improve brand recognition and reputation

Manage and administer the budget for communications plans

Utilize data analytics to inform communications decisions

Provide executive communications leadership for the dean and college leadership team, including speeches, presentations, op-eds, correspondence, and digital content

Develop and manage executive messaging for major announcements, strategic initiatives, and external relations priorities

Collaborate with the OSU Foundation, Alumni Association, and other partners to support philanthropy, alumni, and donor engagement

Ensure the dean’s digital and social media presence is current, relevant, and strategically positioned

Cultivate relationships with key stakeholders across the college’s schools, university leadership, industry, etc. to provide tools that will allow them to serve as brand ambassadors

Serve as a central liaison for college-led communications activities within academic units, college research centers and institutes

Lead proactive communications campaigns to enhance visibility and reputation

Lead a communications team structure that actively promotes proactive engagement with college faculty, students, etc., to ensure the right stories are being told to elevate the college’s brand

Develop and implement training and resource programs for faculty, staff, and students to strengthen their capacity as effective communicators and advocates for the college’s brand

Monitor and assess the effectiveness of stakeholder engagement initiatives, using data and feedback to refine strategies and maximize impact on brand reputation and program visibility

Provide leadership, supervision, and direction for assigned communications staff

Hire, train, and develop team members; set goals and evaluate performance

Manage communications budget and resources to maximize operational efficiency

Foster a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive team culture

Research, leverage, and implement artificial intelligence technologies to improve team efficiencies

Participate in service activities for the college, university, and profession

Maintain awareness of best practices and trends in executive communications, brand stewardship, and higher education

Qualification

Communications StrategyBrand ManagementExecutive CommunicationsTeam LeadershipData AnalyticsPublic RelationsSocial Media ProficiencyDiversity CommitmentInterpersonal SkillsProject ManagementCollaboration SkillsCommunication Skills

Required

Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, or related field

At least seven years of progressively responsible experience in communications

Demonstrated experience leading comprehensive communications and public relations strategies to advance organizational goals

Experience supervising and developing professional staff in a collaborative, collegial environment

Outstanding written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills

Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects under tight deadlines

Demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity

Experience collaborating directly with senior-level administrators or executives

Ability to use sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and exercise editorial discretion

Proficiency with technology, social media, and communications platforms

Preferred

Experience in higher education or similar environment

Experience with executive communications

Experience with brand stewardship and storytelling for diverse audiences

Experience utilizing artificial intelligence to improve efficiencies without sacrificing authenticity

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.

Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.

Retirement savings paid by the university.

A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.

Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.

Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.

Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.