Director of Communications and Digital Operations

Washington State University•Pullman, WA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Dean, the Director of Communications and Digital Operations provides leadership, management, and operational oversight for the College’s merged Information Technology and Communications organization. The organization encompasses information technology services, enterprise information systems, strategic communications, media relations, brand management, web operations, and digital engagement activities. The Director unifies previously separate ITS and Communications functions into a single department and exercises broad independent judgment in setting an integrated technology and communications strategy aligned with College priorities. The Director oversees departmental operations, supervises professional and support staff across both functions, administers consolidated departmental budgets, manages technology and communications resources, and ensures reliable delivery of services supporting academic, research, outreach, and administrative functions across the College. The Director serves as a key advisor to the Executive Manager and the Dean on matters where technology and communications intersect, including reputation management, crisis and issues communication, data-informed decision-making, and the College’s public-facing digital presence. The Director also represents the College with university partners such as ITS, News & Information Services, and University Publishing. This is a full-time (100% FTE), permanent, 12-month position. It is overtime exempt. The monthly salary range is $7,000–$9,403.52, commensurate with experience and qualifications; the anticipated hiring range is up to $9,000 per month. The position is located in Pullman, Washington, and is not eligible for work visa sponsorship.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in information technology, information systems, communications, computer science, business administration, public administration, or a related field, and seven years of progressively responsible professional experience spanning information technology and communications/media relations functions, including at least three years of supervisory or management experience with responsibility for personnel and budget. Relevant education and professional experience may be substituted for the educational requirement year for year; a related master’s degree may substitute for up to one year of required experience.
Proven leadership experience and ability to manage cross-functional teams spanning technical and communications disciplines.
Exceptional writing, editing, and public speaking skills.
Experience with media relations and crisis communication.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a related field.
Higher education leadership experience spanning both IT and communications functions.
Budget administration experience across multiple functional areas.
Experience leading organizational change or the integration of merged departments or teams.
Familiarity with state college systems and public education policy.
Experience with digital analytics and communication technologies.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership, management, and operational oversight for the College’s combined Information Technology and Communications organization.
Unify ITS and Communications functions into a single department and establish an integrated technology and communications strategy aligned with College priorities.
Oversee departmental operations and supervise professional and support staff across technology and communications functions.
Administer consolidated departmental budgets and manage technology and communications resources.
Ensure reliable delivery of services supporting the College’s academic, research, outreach, and administrative functions.
Advise the Executive Manager and Dean on intersecting technology and communications matters, including reputation management, crisis and issues communication, data-informed decision-making, and the College’s public-facing digital presence.
Represent the College with university partners, including ITS, News & Information Services, and University Publishing.