External Affairs Manager

University of Kentucky; Lexington (VA); On-site; USD 58,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Kentucky seeks a Director of Communications for the College of Pharmacy. This role leads strategic communications, develops content across web, social media, email newsletters, and publications, and advises leadership on internal, external and crisis communications.

It also supports alumni engagement, donor communications and college events. The director manages projects from planning to completion, ensuring alignment with brand guidelines and accessibility standards, while

Qualifications

• BA required.
• 4 yrs related experience.
• Experience with editorial/reputation management preferred.
• Strong writing/editing skills and ability to manage multiple channels.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic communications for the College of Pharmacy and support alumni engagement.
• Develop and manage content across web, social media, email, newsletters, publications, photography, and video.
• Advise the dean and college leadership on internal, external and crisis communications; manage projects end-to-end.
• Support donor communications and college events; liaise with university, healthcare and professional partners.

Skills

Writing

Editing

Communications

Content management systems

Photography

Video editing

Education

BA

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Job Title: External Affairs Manager

Requisition Number: RE55484

Working Title: Communications Manager

Department Name: 3R100:PR and Strategic Communications

Work Location: Lexington, KY

Grade Level: 47

Salary Range: $58,302-96,179/year

Type of Position: Staff

Position Time Status: Full-Time

Required Education: BA

Click here for more information about equivalencies: https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies

Required Related Experience: 4 yrs

Required License/Registration/Certification: None

Physical Requirements: Standing and/or sitting for long periods of time. Travel.

Shift: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm; nights and weekends as needed.

Job Summary: The College of Pharmacy is seeking a Director of Communications to lead strategic communications and support alumni engagement for the college. This position develops, implements and assesses a comprehensive communications strategy that advances the college’s mission, priorities and reputation in pharmacy education, clinical practice, research and outreach. The director develops and manages content across web, social media, email, newsletters, publications, photography, video and other digital and print channels. The position advises the dean and college leadership on internal, external and crisis communications, manages projects from planning through completion and ensures work aligns with University of Kentucky editorial, brand, accessibility and federal guidelines. The role also supports alumni communications strategy, donor-related communications and college events and serves as a liaison to university, healthcare and professional partners.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities: Writing, editing, communications, content management systems, photography, and video editing.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? Yes

Deadline to Apply 09/01/2026

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination.

The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

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