Sr. Director, Communications

University of North Carolina Greensboro•Fort Collins, CO

59d

About The Position

The senior director for communications serves as a senior leader within University Communications, overseeing UNCG's editorial strategy and execution across institutional channels. Reporting to the vice chancellor for strategic communications, the senior director leads the University's content strategy, manages the editorial process, and ensures messaging is coordinated, timely, and aligned with institutional priorities. This role is responsible for integrating innovative practices and emerging technologies-including generative AI tools-into editorial workflows to improve efficiency, increase audience engagement, and enhance storytelling. The senior director manages and mentors communications staff, provides senior-level writing and editing, coordinates with the senior director for marketing on content calendars and visual asset needs, and leads high-profile communications initiatives. The role also oversees major content rollouts, maintains University editorial guidelines, and serves as a key member of the University's crisis communications team.

Requirements

Relevant post-baccalaureate degree required with three years or greater of related professional experience in marketing, communications, journalism, public affairs, or a related field.
For candidates demonstrating comparable professional backgrounds, will accept a relevant undergraduate degree and five years or greater of relevant experience in substitution.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated ability to lead content strategy and manage complex editorial workflows.
Superior writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
Experience coordinating with marketing and creative teams on integrated campaigns.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively across units.
Understanding of AI tools and their application in communications workflows, with the ability to integrate them thoughtfully and strategically.
Flexible nature, with the ability to adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment.
Experience in higher education or a large, complex organization.
Proficiency with content management systems, editorial calendars, and digital publishing tools.
Experience managing issues and participating in institutional crisis response.
Experience supervising and mentoring staff.

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and oversee an integrated content strategy that supports the University's strategic communications goals.
Provide senior-level copy editing and proofreading to ensure high-quality, accurate, and brand-consistent content.
Maintain and update editorial guidelines to reflect evolving best practices.
Evaluate and incorporate emerging technologies, including AI-driven tools, to enhance content planning, creation, and distribution.
Manage the work of department communications staff, ensuring alignment with central messaging and strategy.
Provide guidance, training, and editorial support to communications staff.
Facilitate regular meetings and content planning sessions to ensure timely and coordinated rollouts.
Encourage professional development and foster a culture of innovation and adaptability.
Lead content planning, writing, and rollout for high-visibility University initiatives.
Serve as a key member of the crisis communications team, preparing and deploying rapid-response messaging in coordination with leadership.
Integrate data-driven insights and new digital tools to improve messaging effectiveness.
Participate on internal committees as required.
Coordinate with the marketing director to align content calendars, reinforce marketing campaigns, and determine visual asset needs.
Oversee regular updates to the University homepage and manage content-driven events such as "Week at the G".
Ensure digital content is optimized for engagement, accessibility, SEO, and analytics.
Leverage AI-driven analytics to better understand audience behavior and inform content strategy.
Provide hands-on writing support for leadership, high-profile projects, and urgent communications needs.
Develop feature stories, announcements, and other written materials for multiple platforms.
Adapt messaging for diverse audiences while maintaining the University's tone, voice, and brand integrity.