University Communications Strategist

The University of West Alabama; Livingston (AL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

University of West Alabama is seeking a Director of Communications to lead strategic institutional messaging, content development, and editorial planning in support of the University's mission and priorities. The role collaborates with Marketing and multiple divisions to ensure timely, accurate, and engaging communications that protect and enhance the University’s reputation.

The Director will guide internal communications, oversee editorial planning, and provide strategic counsel on

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Five+ years in communications, public relations, journalism, content development, marketing communications, or related field.
• Two+ years leading projects, teams, programs, or communication initiatives.
• Experience developing and implementing communication strategies and content initiatives.
• Experience collaborating with multiple stakeholders and managing competing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of the University's communications strategy, aligning with priorities and leadership objectives.
• Serve as the primary authority on institutional messaging, voice, tone, and communication standards.
• Support public relations to align across platforms and audiences.
• Provide strategic counsel to senior leadership on initiatives and sensitive issues.
• Oversee planning and distribution of communications across internal and external channels.
• Direct editorial strategy, content planning, and storytelling to communicate priorities and impact.
• Lead internal communications to support employee engagement and organizational alignment.
• Oversee communications related to milestones, academic initiatives, and major announcements.
• Collaborate with divisions to ensure messaging alignment and brand consistency.
• Partner with Marketing to apply brand standards and audience engagement strategies.
• Establish editorial standards, workflows, and governance for consistency and responsiveness.

Skills

Strategic communications

Stakeholder management

Content strategy

Editorial planning

Public relations

Crisis communications

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, English, Marketing, or related field

Master's degree (preferred) in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Higher Education Administration or related field

Job description

University of West Alabama is seeking a Director of Communications to lead strategic institutional messaging, content development, and editorial planning in support of the University's mission and priorities. The role collaborates with Marketing and multiple divisions to ensure timely, accurate, and engaging communications that protect and enhance the University’s reputation.

The Director will guide internal communications, oversee editorial planning, and provide strategic counsel on