Director, Media Relations & Strategic Communications

Job Summary/Basic Functions

Eastern Kentucky University seeks a dynamic, strategic, and highly skilled communications professional to serve as the Director of Media Relations and Strategic Communications. This position will lead the development and execution of high-level communications strategies that advance institutional priorities, support executive leadership messaging, and strengthen engagement with internal and external stakeholders. The position reports directly to the Executive Director of Strategic Communications under the Executive Vice President and maintains a close collaborative relationship with the Vice President for Public Affairs and Chief Marketing Officer.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, public affairs, marketing, political science, or related field.

Experience: Minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications, public affairs, government relations, executive communications, higher education communications, media or related fields.

Job Duties

• 30% - Media Relations - Serve as media relations lead and as an additional University Spokesperson.
• 20% - Strategic Communications & Messaging - Develop and execute strategic communications plans supporting institutional priorities and executive initiatives.
• 10% - Executive Communications - Provide direct communications support to the Executive Vice President and senior leadership.
• 30% - Public Affairs & Government Relations - Collaborate with Public Affairs leadership on communications related to government relations, public policy, advocacy initiatives, and legislative engagement.
• 10% - Digital & Content Strategy - Develop content for digital platforms, executive social media engagement, newsletters, websites, and public-facing communications.