Director of Communications and Digital Operations

Washington State University; Pullman (WA); On-site; USD 78,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Employee tuition waiver

Job summary

Washington State University in Pullman, WA, seeks a Director of Communications and Digital Operations to lead a merged IT and Communications entity. The role requires strategic oversight of technology services, enterprise information systems, media relations, and digital engagement to align with college priorities and academic missions.

The Director will unify functions, supervise staff, administer budgets, and represent the college with university partners while advising on crisis

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required with seven years of progressively responsible experience spanning IT and communications/media relations.
• Master’s degree may substitute for up to one year of experience; education in related field preferred.
• Experience in higher education leadership spanning IT and communications is valued.

Responsibilities

• Unifies ITS and Communications into a single department and sets an integrated technology and communications strategy.
• Oversees operations, staff, and budgets across both functions.
• Advises the Dean and Executive Manager on technology, communications, reputation management, and crisis response.
• Represents the College with university partners such as ITS, News & Information Services, and University Publishing.

Skills

Leadership experience

Exceptional writing

Public speaking

Crisis communication

Media relations

Cross-functional collaboration

Budget management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in information technology, information systems, communications, computer science, business administration, public administration, or related field

Master’s degree may substitute for up to one year of required experience

Job description

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on:November 8, 2026If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.Available Title(s):1155-NN_ADMINPRO - DirectorBusiness Title:Director of Communications and Digital OperationsEmployee Type:Admin. ProfessionalPosition Details:The Opportunity:Under the direction of the Dean, the Director of Communications and Digital Operations provides leadership, management, and operational oversight for the College’s merged Information Technology and Communications organization, encompassing information technology services, enterprise information systems, strategic communications, media relations, brand management, web operations, and digital engagement activities.The Director unifies previously separate ITS and Communications functions into a single department, exercising broad independent judgment in setting an integrated technology and communications strategy aligned with College priorities. The Director oversees departmental operations, supervises professional and support staff across both functions, administers consolidated departmental budgets, manages technology and communications resources, and ensures reliable delivery of services supporting academic, research, outreach, and administrative functions across the College.The Director serves as a key advisor to the Executive Manager and the Dean on matters where technology and communications intersect – including reputation management, crisis and issues communication, data-informed decision-making, and the College’s public-facing digital presence – and represents the College with university partners such as ITS, News & Information Services, and University Publishing.Additional Information:This is a full time ( 100% FTE), permanent position. This position is overtime exempt.Monthly Salary: $7,000.00 - $9,403.52 | Commensurate with experience and qualifications. The anticipated hiring range is up to $9,000 per month.In accordance with RCW 49.58.110 , the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.Benefits: WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts; training and development; and employee tuition waiver. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for AP staff and Total Compensation .Required Qualifications:Positions require a Bachelor’s degree in information technology, information systems, communications, computer science, business administration, public administration, OR related field AND seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience spanning both information technology and communications/media relations functions, which included at least three (3) years of supervisory or management experience with responsibility for personnel and budget. Any combination of relevant education and professional experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year‐for‐year basis. A Master’s degree in a related field may be substituted for up to one (1) year of the required experience. Education and experience can be tailored to fit the specific organizational entity/directorial assignment.Proven leadership experience and ability to manage cross-functional teams spanning technical and communications disciplines.Exceptional writing, editing, and public speaking skills.Experience with media relations and crisis communication.Preferred Qualifications:Master’s degree in a related field.Higher education leadership experience spanning both IT and communications functions.Budget administration experience across multiple functional areas.Experience leading organizational change or the integration of merged departments or teams.Familiarity with state college systems and public education policy.Experience with digital analytics and communication technologies.Position Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for work visa sponsorshipAbout Department/College/Area/ Campus - https://ceshs.wsu.edu/Area/College: College of Education, Sport and Human Sciences (CESHS)Department Name: CESHS IT/CommunicationsLocation: Pullman, WAApplication Instructions: Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements.1) Resume2) Cover LetterExternal candidates , upload all documents in the “Application Document” section of your application.Current WSU Employees (internal candidates) , before starting your Workday application, please use these instructions to update your education and experience in your worker profile in Workday . Internal candidates, upload all documents in the “Resume/Cover Letter” section of your application.Documents may be submitted as one file or separate files. Applicants are encouraged to upload as a PDF, if possible.Reference contact information will be requested later in the recruitment process through Workday.Background Check: This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34 , engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.Time Type:Full timePosition Term:12 MonthWashington State University encourages all qualified candidates to apply, including members of the military and veterans, and persons with disabilities.WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or [e-mail] .Notice of Non-DiscriminationIn matters of admission, employment, housing or services, or in the educational programs or activities it operates, WSU does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, mental disability, sensory disability, use of a trained service animal, age, religion, creed, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, honorably discharged veteran, member of the military, or immigration or citizenship status except as authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract.Inquiries about the application of federal and state laws and regulations (including inquiries regarding the application of Title IX, ADA/Section 504, and implementing regulations), as well as reports and complaints of discrimination and harassment, can be made verbally or in writing to WSU’s Compliance and Civil Rights, the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, or both.More information, resources, and contact information are available here: https://ccr.wsu.edu/notice-of-nondiscrimination/