Director of Communications

About the Role

The Director of Communications leads the university’s comprehensive communications strategy, advancing Hollins’ reputation, visibility, and brand. As the university’s primary storyteller, this position crafts and amplifies narratives that celebrate student success, faculty excellence, and the distinctive Hollins experience, engaging prospective students, families, alumnae/i, donors, and the broad community. Overseeing media and public relations, the director builds strong partnerships with journalists and external collaborators to elevate the university’s voice and strengthen trust. Serving as both strategic communicator and brand ambassador, the role ensures mission-driven, cohesive messaging that drives enrollment, philanthropy, and institutional impact. This position reports to the Interim Vice President for Marketing and Communications and supervises the Senior Graphic Designer.

Specific duties include the following:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy that advances the university’s mission, values, and strategic priorities.
• Serve as the university’s primary storyteller, producing and overseeing written, visual, and multimedia content that highlights Hollins’ distinction and impact.
• Lead media and public relations efforts, cultivating strong relationships with journalists and outlets to increase visibility and earn media opportunities.
• Serve as editor of the Hollins Magazine and Class Letters, guiding editorial planning, content development, and production for storytelling excellence and engagement.
• Provide leadership to the Senior Graphic Designer to deliver integrated visual and editorial storytelling that strengthens the university’s brand and inspires engagement.
• Draft and edit communications, including communications plans, speeches, statements, and marketing content, ensuring clarity, transparency, and alignment with strategic priorities.
• Ensure consistency of tone, messaging, and brand standards across all communication channels and platforms, including proofreading for accuracy, style, and adherence to the university’s editorial standards.
• Collaborate closely with colleagues in Enrollment Management, Institutional Advancement, Academic Affairs, and Student Success, Well-Being, and Belonging to deliver coordinated, mission-aligned campaigns and initiatives.
• Provide strategic communications support for major announcements, events, and institutional initiatives while fostering a culture of open, responsive, and mission-driven communication.
• Serve as a strategic advisor in managing crisis and issues communications, including message development, rapid response, and media training for leadership.
• Lead proactive media and public relations strategies to strengthen visibility, reputation, and earned media presence.
• Ensure timely, accurate, and transparent responses to media inquiries and sensitive issues through effective cross-divisional coordination.
• Oversee collaboration with external partners to assist in creating high-impact content.

Position Qualifications

Successful applicants must have the following qualifications and experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or related field.
• Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, or media strategy.
• Knowledge of accessibility standards and editorial best practices for inclusive, brand-aligned content.
• Strong understanding of brand management and the ability to ensure consistency across visual, editorial, and digital expressions.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing strategic communications plans that advance organizational goals and strengthen reputation.
• Proven experience in media relations, including cultivating relationships, securing earned media coverage, and managing media inquiries.
• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills across print, digital, and multimedia platforms.
• Proven ability to serve as a credible spokesperson and advisor to senior leadership.
• Experience leading and mentoring professional staff in communications roles.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Preferred candidates will have the following:

• Master’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or related field.
• Experience in higher education, at an advertising agency, or with an in-house marketing and communications team.
• Established relationships with regional and national media and an understanding of higher education’s media landscape.

Application Process

Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to hollinshr@hollins.edu. Candidates are encouraged to comment in their cover letter on how their contributions will further the university’s efforts to ensure the success and inclusion of all members of its community. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Semi-final candidates will be asked to submit contact information for three references.

About Hollins

Hollins University is dedicated to academic excellence, creativity, belonging, and preparing students for lives of purpose. Hollins provides an outstanding and academically rigorous undergraduate liberal arts education for women and entrepreneurial and innovative graduate programs for all in a gender-inclusive environment. The university promotes opportunities for research, study abroad, and leadership training, and offers real-world experience through global internships supported by an extensive alumnae/i network.