DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS in Seattle, Washington

Req #: 243188

Department: UW ADVANCEMENT – TACOMA

Appointing Department Web Address: https://www.washington.edu/advancement/careers/

Job Location Detail: Hybrid Eligible – 4 days in office, 1 day telework

Posting Date: 02/05/2025

Closing Info:
Closes On 02/20/2025

Salary: $8,977 – $9,343 per month

Shift: First Shift

Notes:
As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For a complete description of our benefits for this position, please visit our website, click here. (https://hr.uw.edu/benefits/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/02/benefits-professional-staff-librarians-academic-staff-20230701_a11y.pdf)

Writing samples will be requested during the recruitment process for this position. Please have a link or document ready to share when the University Advancement Recruiting office reaches out.

As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.

UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

For over 160 years, the University of Washington has been a hub for learning, innovation, problem solving and community building. Supporting this legacy and important public mission—with the goal of making the UW the world’s greatest public university, as measured by positive impact—guides everything we do in University Advancement (https://www.washington.edu/advancement/) . Bringing together development; alumni and stakeholder engagement; marketing and communications; and advancement operations, we advance the UW’s impact by developing meaningful connections that foster pride, advocacy and philanthropic support.

The University of Washington Tacoma is an urban-serving university that fosters a thriving and equitable society by educating diverse learners and expanding knowledge through partnership and collaboration with all our communities. UW Tacoma’s commitment to diversity is central to an environment where students, staff, faculty and South Sound residents find abundant opportunities for intellectual, personal and professional growth.

The UW Tacoma Advancement team has an exciting opening for a Director of Communications. This is a full-time, permanent position.

The Director of Communications serves as a key leader in advancing the University of Washington Tacoma’s reputation, visibility and engagement through strategic and innovative communication efforts. This role partners with the Associate Vice Chancellor to advance UW Tacoma’s branding and communications initiatives, with a particular focus on strategic communications, public relations, issues-based communications, and content development. The Director of Communications will supervise a content specialist and collaborate with a talented team of marketing professionals and creators to ensure all university communications reflect a unified brand and effectively reach key audiences.

What You Will Do: Strategic Communications Leadership (50%)

• Collaborate with UW Tacoma leadership to ensure all communications reflect the broader institutional goals, including donor engagement, student recruitment, alumni relations and community partnerships.
• Support executive communications, including speech writing, campus updates and community outreach materials.
• Serve as a lead for crisis communications, managing sensitive issues and media relations during emergencies or high-profile situations.
• Provide strategic counsel to campus leadership and offer media training for key personnel.

Public Relations & Media Relations (25%)

• Serve as the primary media contact and UW Tacoma spokesperson, as appropriate.
• Design and implement public relations campaigns to enhance UW Tacoma’s visibility in local, regional and national media.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with media outlets, journalists and key partners to generate positive coverage and mitigate potential risks.
• Oversee the development and distribution of press releases, media advisories and other external-facing communications.

Content Development and Collaboration (25%)

• Oversee editorial content, ensuring quality, consistency and adherence to style guidelines across all platforms.
• Provide day-to-day management, mentoring and support to the cross-functional team of marketing and communication professionals, including content creators, social media managers and digital strategists.
• Develop and supervise the writing team, including permanent staff, temporary student assistants and freelance writers.
• Lead diverse teams to execute integrated marketing and communication initiatives that drive key institutional outcomes.
• Develop and manage an internal communications plan to foster transparency and engagement across campus, ensuring all staff and faculty are informed and aligned with institutional objectives.
• Create content that fosters a positive, inclusive campus.
• Serve on divisional and UW wide committees and other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism or a related field with at least four years of experience with demonstrated leadership in strategic communications.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration. What You Bring:

• Strong writing, editing and verbal communication skills, with experience crafting compelling narratives for various audiences.
• Experience in crisis communications and media relations, including serving as a spokesperson and handling high-profile situations.
• Proficiency in digital communications, including managing web content, email marketing and social media platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to manage teams and foster a collaborative, inclusive work environment.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Familiarity with multimedia content creation, including video production, graphic design and photography.
• Proficiency in content management systems (e.g., Drupal, WordPress) and analytics tools for tracking communications performance.

What You Can Expect:

• Cubicle/open workspace environment that may result in higher noise levels and visual distractions.
• Some evening and weekend hours are required, as necessary, on short or limited notice.

Application Process: The application process may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you log into your “My Jobs” page. If you choose to take it later, it will appear on your “My Jobs” page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.

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University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.