Director, Institutional Engagement & Communications

Details•Troy, NY

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Institutional Engagement and Communications will lead Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's internal communications strategy to strengthen understanding, alignment, and engagement around institutional priorities. Reporting to the Chief Marketing Officer, this position will serve as lead campus storyteller and connector by developing and executing communications that engage faculty, staff, and campus partners to RPI Forward, institutional initiatives, and organizational change. The director serves as a trusted communications advisor to senior leadership, oversees executive communications, and builds a coordinated communications network across schools and administrative units. By fostering transparency, collaboration, inclusion, and informed campus advocacy, the position supports RPI's goals of enrollment growth, research excellence, alumni engagement, and institutional reputation. Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the first technological research university in the United States. We bring creativity, science, and technology together to address society's greatest challenges. We cultivate exceptional problem-solvers by immersing them in a culture of rigorous inquiry, disciplined practice, and hands-on application. Our strategic plan, RPI Forward, charts a pioneering course for the next era of RPI. Explore the RPI Forward plan. ↗︎ Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, RPI is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or a related field.
Minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in institutional, executive, employee, or organizational communications.
Experience advising senior leaders and developing executive-level communications strategies.
Demonstrated success leading communications initiatives in support of complex organizational change.
Applicants must meet the stated minimum education and experience requirements.
Exceptional writing, editing, presentation, and project management skills.
Strong relationship-building, strategic planning, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Knowledge of strategic communications, employee engagement, organizational change, and executive communications principles.
Knowledge of communication planning, content strategy, and multi-channel communication platforms.
Ability to develop and execute communications strategies that support institutional priorities and organizational transformation.
Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, compelling messages for diverse audiences.
Strong executive communications skills, including speechwriting, presentations, talking points, and leadership messaging.
Ability to advise senior leaders on communication strategy, message development, and stakeholder engagement.
Demonstrated ability to lead communications for organizational change, sensitive issues, and high-profile initiatives.
Strong relationship-building and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence and work effectively across academic and administrative units.
Excellent project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Ability to analyze communication metrics, audience feedback, and engagement data to inform continuous improvement.
Knowledge of issues management, crisis communications, and reputation management principles.
Proficiency with digital communications platforms, content management systems, collaboration tools, and Microsoft Office applications.
Strong judgment, discretion, and ability to manage confidential and sensitive information.
Ability to foster trust, collaboration, and a culture of transparency, engagement, and continuous improvement.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in communications, public administration, higher education, or a related field.
Experience working in higher education, research institutions, or similarly complex organizations.
Experience supporting executive leadership, institutional transformation, and enterprise-wide change initiatives.
Experience with crisis communications, employee engagement strategies, communications analytics, and digital communication platforms.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement the Institute's employee and community communications strategy.
Create communications that explain institutional priorities, decisions, and progress.
Manage internal communications channels, editorial planning, and engagement opportunities.
Ensure communications are clear, timely, accessible, and audience-centered.
Advise senior leaders on strategic messaging and executive communications.
Develop speeches, presentations, talking points, and institutional messages.
Lead communications for organizational, academic, and policy changes.
Coordinate messaging across campus partners to support effective change management.
Build understanding of RPI's mission, strategy, and brand among faculty and staff.
Equip campus leaders with messaging and communications resources.
Partner with marketing, enrollment, advancement, and academic leadership to align internal and external communications.
Promote institutional achievements and strengthen employee engagement as a driver of reputation.
Lead a campus-wide network of communications professionals.
Establish communication standards, planning processes, and best practices.
Support issues management, crisis communications, and leadership response planning.
Monitor communications effectiveness and recommend continuous improvements using analytics and stakeholder feedback.