Director for Communications & Information Technology Services
Company: University of Georgia
Job Location: Athens, Georgia
Category: Communications, Marketing, and Public Affairs
Type: Full-Time
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Position Summary
Reporting to the Vice President for Student Affairs, the Director for Communications and Information Technology Services is an integral member of the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and serves as the Division's senior leader for communications, marketing, brand management, digital engagement, and information technology services. The position provides strategic leadership in developing and executing integrated communication, marketing, and technology initiatives that advance the Division's mission, support institutional priorities, and enhance the student experience.
The Director provides leadership and supervision for communications, digital engagement, and information technology staff; establishes division-wide strategies and priorities; and oversees the planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of communication and technology services. Working collaboratively with Division leadership, UGA Marketing & Communications (MARCOMM), Enterprise Information Technology Services (EITS), and other campus partners, the Director develops innovative, integrated solutions that strengthen student engagement, improve operational effectiveness, promote the Division's brand and reputation, and support informed decision-making through technology and strategic communications.
Preferred Qualifications
- Masters degree in Mass Communications or similar field.
- Five to seven years of progressively responsible leadership experience in communications, marketing, digital engagement, information technology, or a related field, preferably within higher education or another complex organization.
- Experience developing and implementing comprehensive communications, marketing, and branding strategies.
- Experience using assessment, analytics, and data to inform communication strategies and organizational decision making.
Job Duties/Responsibilities
(40%) Strategic Communications and Brand Management
- Develop, coordinate, and oversee implementation of Division and departmental communication plans, policies, and reports.
- Inform the public and campus community of Student Affairs' innovative programs, positive developments, employee achievements, student and student organization accomplishments, and other goodwill information.
- Direct the Division's marketing and advertising strategy, including oversight of promotional campaigns and media placement.
- Oversee development and production of Student Affairs videos.
- Serve as the Division's liaison to MARCOMM, providing strategic direction for media relations, executive communications, and responses to media inquiries.
- Represent the Division of Student Affairs on the University's Core Strategic Communications Team.
- Lead the Division's brand strategy to ensure consistent messaging, visual identity, and alignment with University standards across all communication platforms.
- Plan, coordinate, and oversee design and production of Division and departmental publications, marketing, and advertising materials (to include Annual Update).
- Plan and oversee design and production of Division website development and maintenance and Student Affairs social media efforts.
- Plan and conduct market and public opinion research to test mechanisms and determine potential for marketing success. Work with Student Affairs directors, administrators, faculty, and staff in identifying and packaging the Division's marketable assets.
- Stay abreast of and maintain Division's compliance with all public statutes, laws, and policies related to intellectual property, copyright, and trademarks.
(30%) Leadership & Staff Supervision
- Provide strategic leadership, direction, and oversight for the Division's Communications, Digital Engagement, and Information Technology functions, ensuring alignment with the Division's mission, strategic priorities, and University initiatives.
- Directly supervise the Assistant Director for Communications, Digital Engagement Lead, and Information Technology Lead, including hiring, onboarding, performance management, coaching, and professional development.
- Actively promote and participate in the development, retention & engagement of each staff member.
- Provide indirect leadership and oversight for professional staff, student assistants, graduate assistants, and other personnel within the Communications, Digital Engagement, and Information Technology units.
- Establish departmental goals, priorities, and performance expectations; allocate resources; and monitor progress to ensure the effective execution of communications and technology initiatives.
- Serve as a member of the Student Affairs Leadership Team (SALT), contributing to divisional strategy, organizational planning, policy development, and executive decision-making.
(20%) Digital Engagement and Information Technology
- Lead the strategic direction for digital student engagement and technology-enabled services that enhance the student experience.
- Advance integrated digital engagement strategies that leverage technology and data to improve personalized student communication and support.
- Provide oversight for the implementation of technology solutions that improve student access to services, enhance engagement, and increase operational effectiveness across the Division.
- Direct and align the Division's digital engagement and information technology functions to promote integrated service delivery, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Represent the Division of Student Affairs on various campus-wide councils and advisory groups in relation to information technology, including the Student Technology Fee Advisory Committee.
(10%) Other Administrative Duties
- Maintain comprehensive knowledge of the Division's mission, strategic priorities, and institutional goals to inform communications and technology initiatives.
- Serves as the division's lead and primary contact for Open Records requests.
- Support communications and marketing efforts for divisional development and fundraising initiatives.
- Conduct research and/or gather information related to new programs or initiatives.
- Create reports, letters, presentations, and other written documents for the Vice President and others.
- Collaborate with others to plan and coordinate select events for the Vice President and for the Division.
- Represent the Division at University and Student Affairs meetings, events, and initiatives, as appropriate.
- Serve on Division and University committees, task forces, and special initiatives.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Vice President/Associate Vice President.
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