Director of Strategic Communications

American University; Washington; Hybrid; USD 103,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

American University in Washington, DC seeks a strategic communications leader for the Kogod School of Business. You will guide branding, content strategy, web oversight, and cross‑campus collaboration to elevate the school’s reputation and impact.

Supervisory responsibility for designers and coordinators accompanies a focus on budget, vendor management, and performance metrics. Responsibilities include directing media relations, coordinating with AU Communications, and ensuring alignment with

Qualifications

• Required Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree and 8–10 years of relevant experience.
• Preferred Education and Experience: Master's degree.

Responsibilities

• Communication: Lead branding, messaging, and visual identity for the Kogod School of Business and oversee integrated campaigns; support budget and vendor coordination.
• Media Relations: Develop media strategy, work with AU Communications, and train faculty for media opportunities.
• Administration/Management: Direct staff workflows, manage contracts and budgets, and liaise with campus marketing and IT to ensure brand alignment.

Skills

Branding

Content strategy

Web management

Media relations

Administration/Management

Team leadership

Acting Strategically

Leading and Inspiring People

Developing Plans

Evaluating and Implementing Ideas

Display Creativity

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree (preferred)

Job description

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University

Department:

Kogod School of Business

Time Type:

Full time

Job Type:

Regular

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Work Modality:

Hybrid 01 (On Campus 3-4 Days/Week)

Union:

Excluded

Job Description:

Summary:

Leads the School's communications efforts, which include developing communication plans; design and production of integrated communication campaigns; administration of communication budgets; management of external vendor relationships; and collaboration with university offices including University Communications and Marketing. The position guides the brand and reputation of the school with an eye on positioning, message impact, alignment with other university communications, and adherence to brand standards. The position works collaboratively with internal and external partners, vendors and agencies and directs the communications of KSB including presentations and reports on behalf of the Dean. The position will hold primary responsibility for Kogod website content. This position is responsible for managing direct reports as well as student workers.

Essential Functions:

1.) Communication

Branding: Establish, advance, and execute messaging and identity for the Kogod School of Business, in coordination with university identity standards. Develops the School's visual identity and designs and produces integrated marketing collateral materials that promote academic programs, services, and faculty.

Content: Direct a refined content strategy for business school. Ensure competitive positioning, search optimization, efficient use of resources, and communication workflow among program offices, faculty departments, and other key stakeholders. Works closely with the assistant dean and senior staff to identify communication priorities. Collaborates in the production of all publications; including video, print publications (collateral materials), email newsletters, and others.

Web: Includes oversight for kogod.american.edu, social media channels, email campaigns/communications, multimedia, externally hosted websites, and apps. Monitoring of Kogod's reputation online, including inclusion or exclusion from other digital portals and forums.

Communication: Manage KSB communications to internal and external constituencies including reports, presentations and messages by the Dean. Review and vet KSB messaging for signature/special events (Orientation, Commencement, Lecture Series) in conjunction with KSB Senior Leadership and Events team.

2.) Media Relations

Work with AU Communications, PR partner, and media outlets to coordinate opportunities for KSB faculty and staff in the media and in any public space.

Develop media relations strategy for KSB faculty and staff. Provide media training in conjunction with the University Communications.

Assist Kogod faculty in creating a strategy to communicate the public impact of their scholarship.

3.) Administration/Management

Direct workflow of communications staff.

Manage contracts, including bidding, negotiating, invoicing, and vendor evaluation. Issue Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and evaluate responses.

Liaison across campus and within School, working with University's marketing, media relations, publications and information technology offices to coordinate resources and ensure compliance with campus wide efforts. Involved and counsel on school activities related to image, visuals, and rankings.

Supervisory Responsibility:

Supervises the following position(s): Senior Designer, Communications Manager, Social Media Coordinator, Senior Digital Designer, and Senior Videographer.

Competencies:

• Acting Strategically.
• Evaluating and Implementing Ideas.
• Displaying Creativity.
• Developing Plans.
• Leading and Inspiring People.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

Full-time.

35 hours per week.

Salary Range:

$103,000.00 - $115,000.00 annually.

Required Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree.

8 - 10 years of relevant experience.

Preferred Education and Experience:

Master's degree.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

Deep understanding of online marketing and communications, specifically writing for the web, social media and project management experience.

Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills. Ability to communicate and build long term relationships with on campus and off campus partners, vendors and agencies and coordinate with on campus resources.

Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines while paying close attention to detail.

Proficient computer skills including the Microsoft office suite, Adobe Suite, web graphics, video editing, database development, and the tools required to fulfill the position's responsibilities as technology evolves.

Ability to manage and prioritize m