Strategic Communications Lead — Media, Storytelling & Crisis

Nebraska Wesleyan University; Lincoln (NE); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life insurance

Disability benefits

Retirement

Seven weeks vacation & holidays

Tuition discount for dependents

Job summary

Nebraska Wesleyan University is seeking an Associate Director of Communications to lead NWU's media relations and craft content for diverse audiences. The role partners with the Director of Marketing and Communications and the Chief of Staff to advance the university's reputation and keep the campus community well informed.

The position includes supervising one digital marketing staff member and shaping NWU's editorial direction across channels, websites, and social media, with occasional

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, public relations, communications, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 3–5 years in public relations, communications, media relations, or related field.
• Proven ability to write clearly across formats—news releases, features, institutional statements, web content, and social media.
• Experience building relationships with journalists and managing media inquiries.
• Strong editing and proofreading with rigorous attention to detail.
• Comfort serving as a spokesperson or preparing others to do so.
• Experience managing communications during sensitive or crisis situations.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate across campus stakeholders and represent the university professionally.

Responsibilities

• Lead NWU's media relations efforts and cultivate journalist relationships.
• Write and distribute news releases, advisories, and feature pitches for earned coverage.
• Provide editorial direction for NWU's website, internal communications, and marketing materials.
• Develop talking points, statements, and communication frameworks for university leadership.
• Supervise digital marketing staff and shape the content pipeline across channels.
• Collaborate across Marketing & Communications and with campus partners to implement integrated strategies.
• Work extended hours as needed, including evenings and weekends.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Media relations

Spokesperson

Editing & proofreading

Content writing

Crisis communications

Project management

Interpersonal skills

Relationship building

Storytelling

LinkedIn

Education

Bachelor's degree in journalism/public relations/communications

Tools

Content Management System

Web editing

LinkedIn management

Job description

Nebraska Wesleyan University is seeking an Associate Director of Communications to lead NWU's media relations and craft content for diverse audiences. The role partners with the Director of Marketing and Communications and the Chief of Staff to advance the university's reputation and keep the campus community well informed.

The position includes supervising one digital marketing staff member and shaping NWU's editorial direction across channels, websites, and social media, with occasional