Strategic University Communications Director

Marquette University Clg-Nurse; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Marquette University seeks a Senior Director of University Communication to lead a team shaping university-wide messaging across topics and audiences. The role involves proactive media relations, crisis communication, and executive counsel, guiding internal and external communications aligned with the university’s mission.

You will partner with senior leaders to advance reputation, oversee Marquette Today, and coordinate college/unit messaging with a centralized team for consistency and impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, public relations, political science, English or writing
• 10+ years of related experience
• Ability to lead working groups with success
• Ability to work autonomously
• Effective written and verbal communicator
• Experience developing communication plans involving multiple stakeholders and multiple channels
• Crisis communication and issues management experience
• Strong situational awareness and emotional intelligence
• Strong knowledge of AP Style guidelines
• Media relations skills and interview preparation
• Experience working with outside vendors and agencies for specific projects

Responsibilities

• Supervise team members who drive proactive, strategic media relations and internal communication, including daily oversight of Marquette Today
• Direct a communication team that develops and implements external and internal communication strategies
• Supervision of centralized marketing and communication employees and crisis support
• Direct the university’s communication response to critical situations as primary spokesperson and lead for issues management
• Develop long-term communication strategy with senior leadership and stakeholders
• Direct the university’s media relations efforts and provide social media counsel
• Guide presidential communication strategy and coordinate crisis response
• Oversee internal communication including Marquette Today and brand voice
• Lead and mentor team members, manage budgets and vendor contracts
• Provide metrics to assess progress and opportunities for improvement

Skills

Leadership

Crisis communication

Media relations

AP Style knowledge

Strategic communications

Internal communications

Stakeholder engagement

Verbal communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications/Public relations/Political science/English or writing

Tools

Microsoft Office 365

Job description

Marquette University seeks a Senior Director of University Communication to lead a team shaping university-wide messaging across topics and audiences. The role involves proactive media relations, crisis communication, and executive counsel, guiding internal and external communications aligned with the university’s mission.

You will partner with senior leaders to advance reputation, oversee Marquette Today, and coordinate college/unit messaging with a centralized team for consistency and impact.