"Director of Strategic Communications"

Director of Strategic Communications

Company:
La Salle University

Job Location:
Philadelphia, 19141

Category:
Communications, Marketing, and Public Affairs

Type:
Full-Time

Department: 110003 - University Marketing

Position Summary

The Director of Strategic Communications develops and implements comprehensive strategic messages and communications strategies aimed at increasing the visibility and reputation of the University nationally, regionally, and locally. As a senior member of the University Marketing & Communications division, this position serves as the primary media relations officer and will have University spokesperson responsibilities. The incumbent will oversee the following functions to deliver a clear, consistent message to the University's key stakeholders: strategic messaging, editorial and content strategy, crisis communications, social media, internal communications, and executive communication support.

Essential Duties

• In collaboration with the Vice President of Enrollment Management and Marketing, articulate university wide strategic messages, develop, and implement the communication strategies to convey and reinforce those messages across the University's key internal and external audiences.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive media relations plan with appropriate proactive and responsive strategies to ensure key messages are highlighted and the reputation of the institution is protected and enhanced in all external communications.
• Establish and manage the editorial and content strategy for the University, collaborating with partners across campus to coordinate messaging and better tell the La Salle story through a variety of platforms and channels
• Oversee and execute the University's crisis communications plan, collaborating with Public Safety and University leadership to ensure preparedness and best practices
• Provide executive communications support to the President and University leadership team including the development of remarks, talking points, and written communications.
• Develop the key performance indicators for strategic communications across owned, earned and shared media, consistently measuring and optimizing the effectiveness of the strategies employed
• Manages external vendor and agency partnerships in support of the strategic communications priorities for the University.
• Hire, train, and retain a team of communications professionals.

Secondary Responsibilities

• Manages special projects and/or serve on committees as requested by the Vice President.
• Assist with key University events as needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

# of Direct Reports: 2

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communication, journalism, or a related field.
• 5-7 years of experience in media relations strategy and execution with a track record for successful media placements
• Excellent written and oral communications skill with a keen attention to detail
• Demonstrated success interfacing with individuals at multiple levels of a complex organization with a proven history of professionalism and discretion
• Proven ability to juggle multiple projects, establish priorities, meet deadlines, and ensure quality and accuracy of work
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office, Project Management and Cloud Collaboration software.
• High comfort level in using technology to optimize workflow and business processes.
• Knowledge of and commitment to the mission of La Salle University.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in communication, journalism or a related field.
• Previous experience working in a higher education environment.
• Positive relationships with a professional network of media contacts in the Philadelphia region and/or national higher education landscape.

Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours

• Evening and weekend work may be necessary
• This position serves in an on-call capacity for crisis communications and media relations

Special Instructions to Applicant

La Salle University is dedicated to fostering a welcoming and respectful environment where all individuals can thrive. We seek candidates who will contribute to a positive, inclusive, and supportive community, and who are committed to working collaboratively with students, fostering critical thinking, supporting their success, and helping them realize their full potential.

La Salle University offers its eligible employees comprehensive medical and dental plans, employer paid life and disability insurance, retirement benefits, generous paid time off (vacation, sick leave, and holidays), and tuition benefits such as no cost undergraduate and graduate degree programs for its employees (with no wait period) and no cost undergraduate degree programs for its employees' dependents (after completing the required years of service).

Application Open Date: 10/29/2025

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