Strategic College Engagement Director

University of Kentucky; Lexington (VA); Hybrid; USD 74,000 - 122,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangements

Exceptional benefits

Collaborative campus culture

Job summary

The University of Kentucky is seeking a Director of College Engagement and Strategic Communications to provide strategic leadership for communications partnerships across the university’s colleges and academic units.

This role guides communication strategy, strengthens stakeholder partnerships, oversees communications teams, and ensures consistent, high-impact storytelling that advances the university’s mission and reputation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required with 7+ years of related experience.
• Proven ability to lead college-level communications and align with institutional priorities.
• Strong writing, editing, and messaging capabilities.
• Experience in a large, complex university or organization.
• Supervisory experience and ability to manage multiple teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead communications strategies that support university priorities.
• Advise deans and academic leaders on communication plans.
• Develop editorial calendars across colleges.
• Ensure messaging and branding adhere to university standards.
• Evaluate impact using audience insights and metrics.
• Oversee a collaborative, high-performance communications team.
• Improve planning, coordination, and delivery processes.

Skills

Leadership in strategic communications

Relationship-building

Editorial planning

Messaging consistency

Team management

Budget & project management

Data-driven communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft 365

Asana

Job description

The University of Kentucky is seeking a Director of College Engagement and Strategic Communications to provide strategic leadership for communications partnerships across the university’s colleges and academic units.

This role guides communication strategy, strengthens stakeholder partnerships, oversees communications teams, and ensures consistent, high-impact storytelling that advances the university’s mission and reputation.