Strategic Communication Associate Dir

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 53,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY is seeking a Strategic Communication Associate Director to provide senior-level public relations counsel, strategic planning, and media relations for assigned colleges and university priorities.

The role serves as a liaison to Student Success, supervises a communications staff member, and collaborates with leadership to identify opportunities and execute communications plans. On-site work with a standard schedule and on-call rotation is required.

Qualifications

• Senior-level public relations counsel and strategic communications planning.
• Supports colleges, units, and university priorities with writing and media relations.
• supervises a communications staff member within Student Success.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior PR counsel and strategic communications planning for assigned colleges and units.
• Lead media relations, writing, and email communications for internal and external audiences.
• Collaborate with leadership to identify opportunities and maintain continuity in the Public Relations team.

Skills

Communication skills

Public relations

Education

BA

Job description

Posting Details

Job Title

Strategic Communication Associate Dir

Requisition Number

RE56465

Department Name

3R100:PR and Strategic Communications

Work Location

Lexington, KY

Grade Level

46

Salary Range

$53,061-87,526/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

5 yrs

Required License/Registration/Certification

None

Physical Requirements

Extended periods in front of a computer workstation; performing repetitive motion tasks; ability to travel across campus for meetings, etc.

Shift

Monday-Friday; 8:00am-5:00pm. Must also participate in an on-call rotation. Nights and weekends as needed.

Job Summary

This position provides senior-level public relations counsel, strategic communications planning, writing, media relations and email communications support for assigned colleges, units and university priorities. The position serves as the primary Public Relations liaison to the Office for Student Success and supervises a communications staff member supporting units within Student Success. The associate director works closely with communicators and leadership to identify communications opportunities, develop and execute plans, respond to media requests and produce content for internal and external audiences. The position also serves as a senior resource within the Public Relations team, providing leadership and communications support as needed and helping maintain continuity of operations in the absence of the Campus Public Relations Director.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Excellent communication skills. Public relations experience.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

Yes

Deadline to Apply

11/29/2026

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

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.