Director of Communications

Job Type

Full-time

Description

We are currently hiring for a dynamic and experienced Director of Communications to join our team at Joyce University on our Draper, Utah campus. The Director of Communications at Joyce University will amplify our brand story, unite our voice, and will propel Joyce into becoming the first name in nursing education in the United States. This leader will craft and execute a dynamic communications strategy that showcases our mission, vision, values, and goals-resonating with audiences both inside and outside the institution. By shaping the University's message, ensuring consistency at every touchpoint, guiding public relations efforts, empowering student communications, and forging influential stakeholder relationships, this individual will drive greater brand recognition, deeper engagement, and a reputation that consistently elevates Joyce as the leader in nursing education.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU:

• Self-Directed PTO policy
• Paid holidays
• 401k with employer match
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Fully paid short term disability
• Long term disability
• Life Insurance
• Professional Development
• Education assistance

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

External Communications and Reputation Management:

• Leads all media relations efforts, including managing agency relationships, drafting press releases, responding to media inquiries, and proactively seeking opportunities for positive earned media.
• Works collaboratively with Marketing to ensure external communication efforts supports the broader brand strategy, ensuring consistency in voice, tone, and style.
• Establishes and maintains relationships with community organizations, industry experts, and other external stakeholders to enhance the University's visibility and credibility.
• Develops strategies to monitor, analyze, and respond to external sentiment-such as social media, review platforms, and other public forums-to enhance university's brand presence.
• Creates systematic processes for responding to online reviews and stakeholder feedback in a timely, constructive manner that upholds the university's reputation.

Strategic Planning and Leadership:

• Develops and implements an integrated communications strategy that aligns with Joyce University's mission, brand position, and strategic priorities.
• Partners with executive leadership, faculty, and staff to ensure that messaging is relevant, timely, and aligned with the student journey and organizational objectives.
• Provides mentorship, leadership, and development across the university, increasing the communication competency across functions.

Internal Communication and Campus Engagement:

• Designs and implements student communication strategies-from enrollment and orientation to ongoing academic support and campus updates-to enhance the student experience and foster a sense of community.
• Supports operations in developing and maintaining internal communication channels that keep faculty, staff, and administrators informed of institutional initiatives, policies, and achievements.

Systems and Compliance:

• Collaborates with IT and other departments to ensure communication infrastructure is reliable, user-friendly, and capable of scaling as institutional needs evolve.
• Ensures that all communications meet legal and regulatory requirements, including FERPA, Title IX, accreditation standards, and other relevant higher education guidelines.

Crisis Communications and Issue Management:

• Develops and maintains crisis communication protocols and tools, ensuring rapid, transparent, and cohesive responses to emergencies or sensitive situations.
• Serves as a primary spokesperson and coordinates with executive leadership during crisis events to safeguard the University's reputation and maintain stakeholder trust.

Requirements

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• A minimum of 6 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, preferably within higher education or a similar environment.
• Proven track record of developing and executing integrated communication strategies that improve organizational reputation and stakeholder engagement.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and presentation skills, with a keen understanding of appropriate messaging for diverse audiences.
• Strong leadership, project management, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels of the institution.
• Familiarity with higher education regulatory requirements and experience ensuring messaging alignment with these standards.
• Proficiency with communication technologies, analytics tools, and content management systems.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY POLICY:

Ameritech provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Salary Description

$90,000 - $100,000 Annually