Director, Academic Affairs Communications

Grand Valley State University • Grand Rapids, MI

2d • $75,000

About The Position

Grand Valley State University seeks a Director of Academic Affairs Communications to provide strategic, high-level communications support to two academic colleges (Seidman College of Business and College of Computing) and to contribute to division-wide communications strategy within the Division of Academic Affairs. This role is part of a collaborative Academic Affairs Communications Team and works closely with college deans, senior leaders, faculty, staff, and university partners. The Director initiates and implements integrated communications campaigns that elevate the visibility, reputation, and impact of academic programs, research, and initiatives. The role provides strategic and crisis communications counsel to college leadership; leads multi-channel internal and external communications efforts; and supports messaging, branding, storytelling, and reputation management. The Director also leads communications strategy and execution for signature college events and provides strategic oversight of web, digital, print, and social media platforms. As a member of the Academic Affairs Communications Team, this position collaborates across colleges and units to ensure cohesive, inclusive, and data-informed messaging aligned with institutional priorities and university brand standards. The successful candidate will bring exceptional writing and editorial skills, demonstrated experience leading integrated communications campaigns, expertise in project management and executive communications support, and the ability to work effectively across diverse constituencies. Experience with crisis communication, digital platforms, and collaborative team environments is essential. As a part of the Academic Affairs Communications Team, this position supports two college deans and their leadership teams with high-level communications support. This role is responsible for initiating and implementing integrated communication campaigns to elevate the visibility, reputation, and impact of the represented colleges. This position leads college-wide branding efforts, internal and external multi-channel communications and cross-campus collaboration. This role works closely with college leadership, faculty, staff, university partners, and external stakeholders to deliver strategic, inclusive and data-informed communications. In addition, this position will participate in and help lead strategic communications, marketing, creative strategy, storytelling, and content development for the Division of Academic Affairs as part of a divisional leadership team.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in marketing, communications, public relations, or related field.
• At least seven (7) years of professional experience in marketing, communications, or related areas.
• Demonstrated experience initiating, implementing, evaluating, and leading integrated communications campaigns.
• Experience in crisis communication and strategic communication.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Expertise in project management and executive communication support.
• Experience in managing digital platforms and executing digital campaigns.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively interact with multiple constituencies.

Nice To Haves

• Ten (10) years of professional experience in marketing, communications, or related areas.
• Experience supervising and managing others, including facilitating work teams.
• Experience in event planning or event management.
• Proficiency in software systems like Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, and Content Management Systems.
• Experience in higher education and/or academic communications.

Responsibilities

• Strategic and Executive Communications Provides dean and associate deans with strategic and crisis communications counsel.
• Supports the dean and college communication efforts.
• Develops brand strategy and reputation management initiatives.
• Creates strategic initiatives for internal and external audiences.
• Integrated Communications Campaigns Initiates, develops, and implements integrated internal and external communications plans for college programs, research, and other initiatives.
• Using audience, community and industry analysis, develops strategies and tactics to position and amplify the work of college faculty, staff and students.
• Partners with the Academic Affairs Communications Team, University Communications, and University Marketing to produce stories and material that tell the college story and grow the college brand.
• Develops, writes, and edits engaging content for multiple platforms and audiences, including news stories, newsletters, websites, and promotional materials.
• Project Management Supports project management for signature college events and leads communications strategy and execution for those events.
• Provides strategic oversight for the college’s website, social media presence, and publications.
• Leads promotional projects including print, video, digital, and social media campaigns.
• Provides direction for marketing creative, communications strategy, and promotional materials.
• Division of Academic Affairs Communications Serves as a strategic resource across the Division of Academic Affairs, providing consultation and guidance to other colleges or units as needed to ensure alignment, consistency, and excellence in divisional communications.
• Collaborates with the Academic Affairs Communications Team to design and implement communications and marketing initiatives that advance divisional priorities and enhance visibility across the university and in the broader community.
• Develops storytelling and content strategies that highlight innovation, collaboration, and impact across colleges, divisions, and community and industry partners.
• Supports creative strategy and cross-college coordination to ensure cohesive, values-based messaging and alignment with university-wide communication and branding efforts.
• Perform other duties as required/assigned by leadership.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, life insurance, generous employer retirement contributions, wellness resources and tuition waiver effective on date of hire.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director