Director of Communications & External Relations

Auburn University; Auburn (AL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Auburn University’s College of Human Sciences seeks a Director of Communications & External Relations to lead strategy and execution across alumni relations, media, and outreach. You will supervise a team and partner with college leadership to raise visibility and engagement with diverse audiences.

You will direct marketing, public relations, and events, manage content and media requests, and oversee budgeting and reporting to the Dean. This role shapes the college’s external voice and impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, marketing, or related field.
• 10 years experience in external relations and communications in academia/related sectors.
• 2 years supervising full-time employees.

Responsibilities

• Develops strategy, in collaboration with the college's leadership, in establishing and maintaining relationships with external key partners and promoting the success of the college.
• Directs and manages marketing, communications, public relations, and general college external relations programs and college events.
• Serves as an initial point of contact for media requests and works closely with the University's Office of Communications and Marketing and the Office of Advancement.
• Organizes and leads the execution of the college wide initiatives and major events as assigned by the Dean.
• Leads, motivates, develops, trains, and supervises the communications unit within the college in branding and communications related to the college's programs.
• Oversees responsible staff for management of the college website to maintain accurate, up-to-date information and directs the generation of news release copy, publication materials, social media, and electronic media submissions and releases.
• Develops and manages departmental budget along with the Dean to include developing, reviewing, and approving financial reports, vouchers, and acquisitions.

Skills

External relations

Communications

Leadership

Budget management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Relations

Job description

Overview

The College of Human Sciences is hiring for a Director of Communications & External Relations This role develops and implements strategy in the execution of all communications, building relationships with alumni and other stakeholders, and media relations to communicate programs and successes of the college or school. This position leads, motivates, and supervises a team that executes the planned strategy in reaching and engaging current and new audiences.

Responsibilities

• Develops strategy, in collaboration with the college's leadership, in establishing and maintaining relationships with external key partners and promoting the success of the college. Provides overall management and direction for external engagement with college alumni and stakeholders. Develops and grows alumni and stakeholder relationships through activities including lecture series, alumni events, award programs, etc.
• Directs and manages marketing, communications, public relations, and general college external relations programs and college events.
• Serves as an initial point of contact for media requests and works closely with the University's Office of Communications and Marketing and the Office of Advancement. Ensures communication products are of the highest quality and contain approved and appropriate content.
• Organizes and leads the execution of the college wide initiatives and major events as assigned by the Dean. Coordinates, manages, and directs special projects and provides facilitation of proposal preparation and presentation including remarks, as required by the Dean.
• Leads, motivates, develops, trains, and supervises the communications unit within the college in branding and communications related to the college's programs.
• Oversees responsible staff for management of the college website to maintain accurate, up-to-date information and directs the generation of news release copy, publication materials, social media, and electronic media submissions and releases.
• Develops and manages departmental budget along with the Dean to include developing, reviewing, and approving financial reports, vouchers, and acquisitions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, or related field.
• 10 years of experience in external relations and communications industry related to academic, media, marketing, and/or public relations.
• 2 years of experience supervising full time employees.

Contract Type

Continuing

Why Work at Auburn?

• Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence: We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
• We’re Here for You: Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
• Sweet Home Alabama: The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.
• Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education?

Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement

It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance's website to learn more.

Posted Date

9/17/2026