Director for Communications & Information Technology Services

University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plan: TRS or ORP

Job summary

The University of Georgia seeks a Director for Communications and Information Technology Services to lead the Division's strategic communications, digital engagement, and technology functions. Reporting to the Vice President for Student Affairs, this role guides branding, media relations, and IT initiatives across campus partnerships.

You will supervise staff, develop integrated plans, and advance the student experience through innovative communications and technology.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent plus 12 years of professional experience, including 5 years in supervision.
• Experience in strategic communications, marketing, and branding.
• Knowledge of analytics and data-informed decision making.
• Experience with digital engagement and IT services in higher education.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for Division's communications, digital engagement, and IT functions.
• Oversee planning and execution of integrated communication and technology initiatives.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration with MARCOMM, EITS, and campus partners.
• Mentor staff and manage budgets and resources.

Skills

Strategic communications

Marketing

Brand management

Digital engagement

IT services

Leadership

Staff supervision

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor's degree + 12 years experience

Masters in Mass Communications or similar

Job description

Director for Communications & Information Technology Services

University of Georgia

Posting Details

• Posting Number: S15586P
• Working Title: Director for Communications & Information Technology Services
• Department: VPSA-VP for Student Affairs
• Posting Type: External
• Retirement Plan: TRS or ORP
• Employment Type: Employee
• Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible
• Full/Part time: Full Time
• Posting Date: 08/11/2026
• Open until filled: Yes
• Location of Vacancy: Athens Area
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Some nights and weekends may be necessary.
• Special Instructions: We are unable to offer a work visa sponsorship for this position. You must be authorized to work in the U.S. to apply.

About University of Georgia

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state's flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

Position Information

• Classification Title: Comms Director-Coll/Div
• FLSA: Exempt
• FTE: 1.0

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent plus 12 years of professional experience to include 5 years of supervisory experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree in Mass Communications or similar field.
• Five to seven years of progressively responsible leadership experience in communications, marketing, digital engagement, information technology, or a related field, preferably within higher education or another complex organization.
• Experience developing and implementing comprehensive communications, marketing, and branding strategies.
• Experience using assessment, analytics, and data to inform communication strategies and organizational decision making.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Vice President for Student Affairs, the Director for Communications and Information Technology Services is an integral member of the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and serves as the Division's senior leader for communications, marketing, brand management, digital engagement, and information technology services. The position provides strategic leadership in developing and executing integrated communication, marketing, and technology initiatives that advance the Division's mission, support institutional priorities, and enhance the student experience.

The Director provides leadership and supervision for communications, digital engagement, and information technology staff; establishes division-wide strategies and priorities; and oversees the planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of communication and technology services. Working collaboratively with Division leadership, UGA Marketing & Communications (MARCOMM), Enterprise Information Technology Services (EITS), and other campus partners, the Director develops innovative, integrated solutions that strengthen student engagement, improve operational effectiveness, promote the Division's brand and reputation, and support informed decision-making through technology and strategic communications.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Demonstrated knowledge of strategic communications, marketing, branding, media relations, and digital engagement best practices.
• Knowledge of information technology services, digital platforms, data governance, and emerging technologies that support organizational effectiveness and student success.
• Ability to develop and implement comprehensive communication and technology strategies that align with institutional priorities.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills, including the ability to recruit, develop, coach, and evaluate professional staff while fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Ability to build and maintain productive relationships with senior leaders, faculty, staff, students, and external partners.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to prepare executive-level communications and present complex information to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and lead cross-functional initiatives.
• Ability to analyze information, assess organizational needs, and make sound, data-informed decisions.
• Knowledge of website management, content management systems, social media platforms, and digital communication tools.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and manage sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.

Physical Demands

Typical for office environment.

Position Responsibilities & Additional Selection Criteria

Is driving a responsibility of this position? No

Is this a Position of Trust? Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? Yes

Does this position require a P-Card? No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) Yes

Credit and P-Card Policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

EEO Policy Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([e-mail]).

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Strategic Communications and Brand Management

• Develop, coordinate, and oversee implementation of Division and departmental communication plans, policies, and reports.
• Inform the public and campus community of Student Affairs' innovative programs, positive developments, employee achievements, student and student organization accomplishments, and other goodwill information.
• Direct the Division's marketing and advertising strategy, including oversight of promotional campaigns and media placement.
• Oversee development and production of Student Affairs videos.
• Serve as the Division's liaison to MARCOMM, providing strategic direction for media relations, executive communications, and responses to media inquiries.
• Represent the Division of Student Affairs on the University's Core Strategic Communications Team.
• Lead the Division's brand strategy to ensure consistent messaging, visual identity, and alignment with University standards across all communication platforms.
• Plan, coordinate, and oversee design and production of Division and departmental publications, marketing, and advertising materials (to include Annual Update).
• Plan and oversee design and production of Division website development and maintenance and Student Affairs social media efforts.
• Plan and conduct market and public opinion research to test mechanisms and determine potential for marketing success. Work with Student Affairs directors, administrators, faculty, and staff in identifying and packaging the Division's marketable assets.
• Stay abreast of and maintain Division's compliance with all public statutes, laws, and policies related to intellectual property, copyright, and trademarks.

Percentage of time: 40

Leadership & Staff Supervision

• Provide strategic leadership, direction, and oversight for the Division's Communications, Digital Engagement, and Information Technology functions, ensuring alignment with the Division's mission, strategic priorities, and University initiatives.
• Directly supervise the Assistant Director for Communications, Digital Engagement Lead, and Information Technology Lead, including hiring, onboarding, performance management, coaching, and professional development.
• Actively promote and participate in the development, retention & engagement of each staff member.
• Provide indirect leadership and oversight for professional staff, student assistants, graduate assistants, and other personnel within the Communications, Digital Engagement, and Information Technology units.
• Establish departmental goals, priorities, and performance expectations; allocate resources; and monitor progress to ensure the effective execution of communications and technology initiatives.
• Serve as a member of the Student Affairs Leadership Team (SALT), contributing to divisional strategy, organizational planning, policy development, and executive decision-making.

Percentage of time: 30

Digital Engagement and Information Technology

• Lead the strategic direction for digital student engagement and technology-enabled services that enhance the student experience.
• Advance integrated digital engagement strategies that leverage technology and data to improve personalized student communication and support.
• Provide oversight for the implementation of technology solutions that improve student access to services, enhance engagement, and increase operational effectiveness across the Division.
• Direct and align the Division's digital engagement and information technology functions to promote integrated service delivery, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Represent the Division of Student Affairs on various campus-wide councils and advisory groups in relation to information technology, including the Student Technology Fee Advisory Committee.

Percentage of time: 20

Other Administrative Duties

• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of the Division's mission, strategic priorities, and institutional goals to inform communications and technology initiatives.
• Serves as the division's lead and primary contact for Open Records requests.
• Support communications and marketing efforts for divisional development and fundraising initiatives.
• Conduct research and/or gather information related to new programs or initiatives.
• Create reports, letters, presentations, and other written documents for the Vice President and others.
• Collaborate with others to plan and coordinate select events for the Vice President and for the Division.
• Represent the Division at University and Student Affairs meetings, events, and initiatives, as appropriate.
• Serve on Division and University committees, task forces, and special initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Vice President/Associate Vice President.

Percentage of time: 10