Director of Communications - Office of Communications and Marketing

About University at Albany:
The University at Albany is a Carnegie-classified Research 1 institution driven by academic excellence, pioneering research and scientific discovery, and service to community. UAlbany's world-class faculty experts and approximately 17,500 students are creating new knowledge in fields such as artificial intelligence, semiconductor engineering, atmospheric and environmental sciences, cybersecurity, public health, public administration and social welfare while deepening our understanding of our world through scholarship and creative activity in the social sciences and humanities. As one of the most diverse public research institutions in the nation, the University is a national leader in public engagement, educational equity and social mobility. For over 180 years, UAlbany has molded bright, curious and engaged students and launched them toward success.

Located in Albany, New York, New York State's capital, the University is convenient to Boston, New York City, and the Adirondacks.

Job Description:
The Director of Communications, in partnership with the Vice President for Communications and Marketing, leads the development and execution of a comprehensive communications strategy that advances the University's strategic priorities and elevates its reputation among internal and external audiences.

Serving as a senior communications strategist and advisor, the Director anticipates opportunities and emerging issues, shapes institutional messaging and ensures that communications resources are aligned with the University's most important goals. The Director leads media relations, internal and executive communications, crisis and issues management, and institutional content strategy.

The Director leads a high-performing central communications operation and serves as a key integrator across a distributed network of communicators. Working closely with Marketing, Digital Media, Social Media and campus partners, the Director strengthens the University's ability to reach priority audiences through coordinated messaging, audience strategy, technology, data and effective channel management.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop and lead an integrated university communications strategy aligned with institutional priorities, reputation goals and needs of internal and external audiences
• Oversee the planning, creation and editorial direction of content.
• Provide editorial leadership, including content review, coaching and quality control, with a strong understanding of the news cycle and provide timely, accurate output.
• Develop an audience centered channel and distribution strategy across university websites, newsletters, media relations, social media, digital platforms, print and emerging formats.
• Lead and manage direct reports/team providing guidance, support, and performance feedback to assure goals, programs, activities, and personnel practices are consistent with and contribute to the University's mission. Lead employees for maximum performance and dedication, fostering a positive and productive work environment. Complete performance management feedback and goals timely and per requirements, offering constructive feedback and developing improvement plans.
• Other reasonable duties as assigned

Functional and Supervisory Relationships:

• Reports to: Vice President, Communications and Marketing
• Supervises the following positions: (2) Associate Directors

Job Requirements:

• Media Landscape & Relations: Knowing how newsrooms operate, how to pitch journalists, and how to maintain contacts across local, trade, and national outlets.
• Communications Frameworks: Familiarity with measurement and analytics tools to tie PR and marketing activities directly to business outcomes.
• Persuasive and executive writing; leadership and team management skills, interpersonal and counseling skills.
• Applicants must demonstrate an ability to develop inclusive and equitable relationships within our diverse campus community.
• Applicants must demonstrate an ability to support diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and belonging relative to their role.

Requirements:
Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in English, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing or related field from a college or University accredited by the US Department of Education or internationally recognized accrediting organization.
• Ten years of communications experience, with seven or more years of progressively responsible experience in communications, including managing staff and editorial oversight. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in higher education communications or a similarly complex, mission-driven environment.
• Demonstrated experience designing and managing email newsletters, with a strong understanding of audience segmentation, performance metrics (e.g., open rates, click-through rates, conversions) and continuous optimization.
• Experience using analytics to inform content strategy, distribution decisions and audience growth.

Working Environment:

• Typical office environment

Additional Information:
Professional Rank and Salary Grade: Senior Staff Associate, SL5, $105,000 - 115,500.

Special Note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. If you currently need sponsorship or will need it in the future to maintain employment authorization, you do not meet eligibility requirements. Additionally, please note that UAlbany is not an E-Verify employer.

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, without exception, prepare, publish and distribute an Annual Security Report. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University's crime statistics for the past three years; and disclosures regarding the University's current campus security policies. The University at Albany's Annual Security Report is available in portable document format [PDF] by clicking this link http://police.albany.edu/ASR.shtml

Pursuant to New York Labor Law §194-a, the University will not seek, request, or rely upon an applicant's wage or salary history in determining whether to interview, hire, or establish compensation for an applicant. Applicants are not required to provide wage or salary history information as a condition of employment consideration. Salary history may only be verified in the limited circumstances permitted by law.

THE UNIVERSITY AT ALBANY IS AN EO/AA/IRCA/ADA EMPLOYER

Please apply online via https://albany.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=205149

Application Instructions:
Applicants MUST submit the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover letter stating all the required minimum qualifications and any of the applicable preferred qualifications
• List of 3 professional references with e-mail addresses and telephone numbers

Note: After submitting your resume, the subsequent pages give you instructions for uploading additional documents (i.e. cover letter etc.).

Preference will be given to applications received by October 21.