Director of Communications

Brown University; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision

Tuition assistance

Retirement plans

Wellness programs

Employee discounts

Job summary

Brown University invites applications for Director of Communications in the Office of the Dean of the Faculty. The role shapes messaging across faculties, campus partners, alumni, and donors, and oversees a distributed team of communications professionals.

The Director develops announcements, presentations, and digital content, guiding standards and ensuring alignment with university priorities. Strong writing, editing, and relationship-building are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of professional communications experience.
• Experience in higher education or complex organizations preferred.
• Master’s degree or equivalent combination required.
• Excellent writing and editing using MLA and Associated Press styles.
• Ability to lead multiple projects and teams.
• Proficiency with MS Office and Google Workspace.
• Ability to analyze data and present insights.

Responsibilities

• Develops announcements, messages, and strategic content.
• Oversees internal and external communications for DOF.
• Leads a team of 1+ direct reports; mentors staff.
• Collaborates with Provost, HR, and other offices.
• Manages events and faculty development initiatives.
• Ensures messaging aligns with university priorities.

Skills

Strategic communications

Executive writing

Stakeholder engagement

Editing and proofreading

Media relations

Project management

Team leadership

Education

Master’s degree in communications or related field

Bachelor’s degree plus relevant experience

Job description

Job Description

The Director of Communications in the Office of the Dean of the Faculty (DOF) is a communications strategist and thought partner responsible for developing communications and engagement strategies supporting the Dean’s Office and guiding professional communications standards for the academic units reporting to the Dean. Reporting to the Dean of the Faculty with a dotted-line reporting to the University’s Senior Vice President for Communications, the Director leverages exceptional writing, research, and editing skills to advance the DOF’s and University’s priorities by coordinating and developing messages, announcements, and strategic content across the full range of communications platforms.

The Director leads the development of announcements, presentations, and other mission-focused communications, ensuring they reach internal and external audiences including, but not limited to, faculty, students, staff, alumni, parents, and donors. The Director is a collaborative and impact-focused manager of internal and external communications who also maintains a community of practice for the more than 35 communications staff distributed across academic units reporting to the Dean of the Faculty, providing guidance in communications strategy and approaches, while also guiding continuous professional development on best practices. This position will have 1 or more direct reports.

Aligned with goals of enhancing academic excellence, building community, and promoting operational excellence, the Director plans and executes a small portfolio of events and activities, including faculty development and leadership programs. With a well-developed understanding of the University and its people, the Director supports the work done across the wide range of fields in the DOF portfolio. The DOF supports and oversees over 60 academic units (departments, centers, programs, and institutes); houses more than 800 faculty, 400 staff, and 1500 graduate students; delivers roughly three-quarters of the undergraduate instruction at Brown; and produces world-class research from the arts, humanities, social sciences, and physical sciences.

The Office of the Dean of the Faculty also oversees university-wide processes for faculty appointment, reappointment, tenure, and promotion. The Director coordinates closely with the Office of the Provost, Office of University Communications, Advancement Communications, and other offices, developing and maintaining relationships with University Human Resources colleagues from across the University to ensure effective, clear, and consistent messaging that advances the institution’s priorities and cultivates a diverse and inclusive community.

The Director of Communications in the Office of the Dean of the Faculty is expected to work occasional nights and weekends, aligned with special events that occur at times during the academic year, as well as special projects. Candidates selected for initial and final rounds of interviews will be asked to complete a professional writing exercise.

Education and Experience Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years of professional experience in communications, speechwriting, journalism, public relations, or a related field required.
• Prior experience in a university setting or similar complex organization is strongly preferred.
• Master’s degree in a related field, or bachelor’s degree plus an equivalent combination of education and related experience required.
• A deep understanding of higher education and the governance structures of a university.
• A track record of successful execution and implementation of complex communications strategies and projects.
• Excellent writing and editing skills, including proficiency in MLA and Associated Press writing styles.
• Capacity to leverage key attributes of decisiveness, accuracy, originality, and creativity.
• Full proficiency in standard software products, including the Microsoft Office suite and Google applications.
• Proficiency with web content management systems and tools for digital communications.
• Ability to work with data and generate graphs and charts for reports and presentations.
• High attention to detail.
• All offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background check and education verification satisfactory to Brown University.

Why Brown?

Brown University is a leading research university that is distinguished by its student‑centered learning and deep sense of purpose. Our students, faculty, and staff are driven by the idea that their work will impact the world. Brown University offers a flexible work/life balance, summer hours, winter break, and a comprehensive Benefits package, including time off and annual paid holidays.

• Benefit offerings include health, dental, vision, tuition assistance, retirement, wellness, employee discounts, and more.

Submission Guidelines

The designated Position Work Location for each position determines the approved modality of work. Positions are classified based on the operational and business needs of the department and may be designated as on-site, hybrid, or remote. Employees with a designated position work location as remote must reside and perform their work in a state where Brown University is registered to do business. Brown University is a registered employer in the following states: Rhode Island, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Washington, D.C. Please note that to be considered for a staff position at Brown University, you must submit a separate application for each position you wish to be considered for. Applications are reviewed only for the specific position to which they are submitted and are not automatically considered for future openings. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Contact

Still Have Questions? If you have any questions you may contact [e-mail].

Employer Information

Brown is an E-Verify Employer.

EEO Statement: Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law. Welcome!

Founded in 1764, Brown is a leading institution for education, discovery, and global intellectual progress as well as one of the largest employers in Rhode Island. Working at Brown brings more than just a paycheck and generous benefits; it offers an opportunity to contribute to a greater good. Join us in supporting the pursuit of knowledge and individual growth that defines higher education and enriches our community.

Additional Information: You can find detailed information about our salary ranges on our website.