Senior Director of University Communication

The Senior Director of University Communication leads a team of communication professionals responsible for the development and execution of a comprehensive communication plan that aligns with and advances the mission and strategic goals of Marquette University and its academic units. On both a daily and long-term basis, this includes proactive internal communication, media relations, social media, constituent communication and all crisis-related communication. The Senior Director for University Communication also provides counsel to senior administrators on public issues, both in the anticipation of public reaction and the preparation of responses. The Senior Director of University Communication develops long-term communication strategy with the university’s senior leadership and key stakeholders throughout the university and directs a team that implements media, internal communication and social media plans.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Working collaboratively with the Vice President for Marketing and Communication, identify opportunities to advance the university’s reputation and successfully manage high-profile communications.
2. Provide strategic leadership and prepare key messages on important topics and issues that impact the university.
3. Direct the university’s communication response to critical situations.
4. Provide leadership communication for issues management.
5. Serve as primary university spokesperson.
6. Train key spokespeople on behalf of university.
7. Write and/or edit publications, articles, speeches, websites and other communication vehicles.
8. Oversee media relations, including knowledge of local, regional and national media.
9. Provide overall direction for internal communication, and the delivery of information to faculty, staff and students.
10. Ensure the strategic use of new media to engage and communicate with various constituencies.
11. Provide counsel and assistance for marketing and communication initiatives.
12. Understand and keep abreast of best practices in all aspects of public relations and higher education marketing.
13. Serve on the senior leadership team for marketing and communication.
14. Supervise and mentor team members to foster success and professional development.
15. Utilize timely metrics to assess progress.
16. Be on-call regularly, including evenings and weekends, for issues/emergencies.
17. Plan resources and budgets allocated for communication.
18. Perform other duties and responsibilities as required, assigned, or requested.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree required. 
• The ideal candidate will have at least seven years of senior-level communication strategy, public relations, and leadership experience. 
• Knowledge of local and national print, broadcast and online media. 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. 
• The ability to manage multiple projects and thrive under pressure. 
• A desire and ability to work in a team atmosphere, often negotiating various perspectives. 
• Ability to lead, mentor and develop a team of communication professionals. 
• Ideal candidate must be a creative thinker with exceptional judgement who is highly motivated, with a strong sense of responsibility, accountability and responsiveness, and a person with values compatible with and supportive of Marquette’s mission as a culturally diverse, Catholic, Jesuit University.

Marquette University offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 403(b), paid vacation and sick time, and tuition remission.