Director of Communications

Posting Details

Position Information

Job Title

Director of Communications

Position Type

Staff

Job Description

The Director of Integrated Communications is a senior leader responsible for developing, executing, and overseeing a comprehensive communications strategy that enhances the university's reputation, supports institutional priorities, and engages diverse audiences. This role ensures consistent and cohesive messaging across all channels, including media relations, marketing, digital platforms, internal communications, and crisis management, while aligning with the university's mission, values, and brand identity.

Reporting to the Associate Vice President (AVP) for Strategic Communications and Marketing, the Director plays a vital role in developing consistent messaging, securing earned media, and producing impactful content that highlights the McMurry experience. The Director oversees publication management, media relations, and multimedia storytelling that elevate the University's visibility with internal and external audiences. The position supervises professional and student staff, manages freelance contributors, and serves as a strategic advisor for University-wide communications.

Essential Duties Summary

Strategic Communications Leadership

Collaborate with the AVP to develop and implement the University's overarching communications strategy.

Create and drive integrated communication strategies that engage key audiences, support major events and initiatives, and strengthen enrollment and philanthropic outcomes.

Work collaboratively across departments to amplify voices and elevate stories that support University priorities.

Maintain a University-wide communication matrix outlining communication types, tools, audiences, and responsible parties.

Serve as a member of the McMurry Emergency Response Team (MERT), assisting in crisis communications planning and execution.

Media Relations & Public Affairs

Cultivate strong relationships with local media to ensure accurate, consistent, and timely coverage of McMurry's people, programs, and initiatives.

Expand outreach into regional feeder markets to increase visibility with prospective students and families, especially in areas critical to enrollment.

Proactively pitch compelling stories aligned with University priorities, securing coverage that enhances reputation and strengthens community ties.

Prepare and coach faculty, staff, and leadership to serve as subject-matter experts for interviews, providing them with talking points, key messages, and practice opportunities.

Draft and distribute press releases and media advisories and coordinate press conferences, interviews, and media events.

Support crisis communication efforts by drafting media statements and ensuring consistent, accurate messaging.

Content Creation & Storytelling

Serve as the University's lead copywriter and editor, producing and refining news releases, feature stories, media advisories, speeches, scripts, and the alumni magazine (The Messenger).

Serve as producer and director for institutional video and photography projects, including concept development, scriptwriting / storyboarding, and directing shoots.

Write, edit, and produce stories across web, print, and media outlets while stewarding the University's brand and editorial standards.

Provide guidance, quality control, and strategy for email communications distributed through the University's HTML email platform.

Operations & Innovation

Apply strong project management skills to set timelines, coordinate people, manage resources, and keep projects and campaigns on track.

Leverage digital tools and analytics to improve workflows, content review processes, and audience engagement.

Stay current on trends in higher education communications, digital storytelling, and media relations to continuously innovate McMurry's approach.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, or related field.

Seven to 10 years of progressive communications experience in higher education, nonprofit, agency, or corporate settings, with at least three years in a leadership role.

Proven experience in media relations, including pitching, coordinating interviews, and preparing spokespeople.

Excellent writing, editing, message development, and verbal communication skills.

Familiarity with crisis communications and issues management.

Demonstrated proficiency in video and digital media production with working knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud programs (Premiere Pro, After Effects, Photoshop) and related tools.

Experience with HTML email platforms, project management tools, and standard office software.

Proven project management skills : ability to set timelines, coordinate people, manage resources, and ensure successful execution of multiple projects simultaneously.

Minimum Required Education

Bachelor's degree

Preferred Qualifications

Master's Degree

Physical Demands

Special Conditions for Eligibility

Strategic Communication

Leadership & Collaboration

Project Management

Brand Stewardship

Organizational Agility & Adaptability

Crisis & Media Relations

Integrity & Professional Conduct

Judgment & Decision-Making

Salary

Competitive

EEO Statement

Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action

McMurry University is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the university community and prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, age, genetic information, disability or veteran status, in employment or the provision of services, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is also prohibited pursuant to University policy.

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number

AS1007P

Number of Vacancies

Desired Start Date

11 / 01 / 2025

Posting Open Date

10 / 05 / 2025

Close Date

Open Until Filled

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please apply at :