Associate Director of Communications

Job Summary/Basic Function

The Associate Director of Communications has a strategic mindset and passion for communicating Wright State University's brand. In this role, the Associate Director leads external communications and content strategy under the direction of the Director for Communication and Media Relations. This includes communications, media relations, brand messaging, social media, and more. This role sets the tone for communications content at Wright State, ensuring that what we create - and how we say it - is consistent, compelling, and aligned with our university's mission.

The role oversees a team that includes an assistant director of communication. This team shapes a unified message across channels and formats, strengthening Wright State's approach to brand positioning, media engagement, and social media messaging. The role also collaborates closely with cross-functional teams, including marketing, media, web, and other campus stakeholders to ensure coverage of internal and external messaging within the lens of institutional goals and priorities as well as ensure alignment in positioning for institutional leadership. This role collaborates extensively with outside agencies and freelance writing support.

Minimum Qualifications

• 5+ years progressive experience in marketing, communications, or related field
• Bachelor's degree communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, or English required.
• Creative thinker in developing innovative ideas and solutions to media relations and communication challenges.
• Ability and experience developing relationships with the media, community, and with an internal audience.
• Ability and experience to think strategically - both long and short term.
• Self-starter with strong problem solving and organizational skills who can inspire and direct others in their work.
• Proven ability to shepherd projects from concept to completion, enlisting the support and enthusiasm of others in the process.
• Written communication and strong diplomatic skills are required, as well as the ability to work with senior administration.
• Must be detail-oriented and able to manage multiple projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree
• Experience in higher education

Essential Functions and percent of time

Develops, manages, and implements comprehensive and proactive communications strategies (30%)

• Develop and execute cohesive communications and content strategy aligned with university goals.
• Set the tone and voice for content, including communications, media engagement, and brand positioning.
• Ensure consistency in messaging and voice across all external content formats.
• Lead visibility efforts across earned, owned, and social channels.
• Seek new channels, partnerships, and initiatives to expand Wright State's reach.

Manage media relations, including pitching, press releases, briefings, and events (30%)

• Foster relationships with existing top-tier media outlets and expand media relationships to new outlets and contacts.
• Organize press events, prepare executive spokespeople, and create briefing materials.
• Proactively identify and address potential roadblocks, risks, and reputation challenges.

Supervise and manage professional staff, freelancers, and partner relationships. (25%)

• Manage a team that includes an assistant director of communication.
• Partner with internal teams and campus partners to identify stories that resonate with target audiences.
• Work with freelance writers to expand storytelling efforts.
• Work with outside agencies to enhance visibility, brand awareness, and media exposure.

Non-Essential Functions and percent of time

Oversee the development of original surveys, reports, and data-driven brand positioning initiatives (10%)

• Report on media and content effectiveness, using insights to make recommendations for new content and topics.
• Regularly measure and report on communications performance using defined metrics.

Other duties as assigned. (5%)

Working Conditions

To preserve the safety and security of the campus community and to maintain the integrity of university operations, it is the policy of Wright State University making an employment offer contingent on various background checks, such as a criminal record, credit history when job related and/or education verifications. Additionally, an administrative review shall be conducted whenever the university learns that an employee is charged with or convicted of a crime (except for minor vehicle violations). Frequently asked questions related to background checks may be found on the Human resources website at http://www.wright.edu/human-resources.Effective July 1, 2017, per Policy 7230 Wright State University is tobacco-free. Tobacco use, including the sale, advertising sampling and distribution of tobacco products and tobacco related items is prohibited in all university facilities, on all university owned or leased grounds, university owned or operated residence halls and apartments, and at all university sponsored events regardless of location. Tobacco use is also prohibited in all university vehicles or on any equipment owned, leased or operated by Wright State University. This policy applies to anyone on campus including students, faculty, staff, visitors, consultants, vendors, patients, volunteers, and contractor employees.

First Consideration Date:

03/25/2026

Open Until Filled: Yes

To apply, please visit: https://jobs.wright.edu/postings/22093