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Job Title:

Department:

The Senior Director of Communications and Marketing serves as the lead communications strategist for Ohio State's Office of Academic Affairs (OAA) and provides leadership, supervision, and strategic direction for the Office of Academic Affairs communications team. Reporting to the Chief of Staff, this position develops and executes communications strategies that advance the university's commitment to academic excellence and elevate the impact of the Office of Academic Affairs. The Senior Director serves as a trusted communications advisor to the Provost and OAA leadership team, providing counsel on strategic messaging, executive communications, issues management, and reputational stewardship. The director leads strategic storytelling and integrated communications efforts that effectively communicate academic priorities, institutional initiatives, and organizational impact to internal and external audiences.

55% | Leadership

• Lead the development and execution of communications strategies that advance the priorities of the Office of Academic Affairs (OAA).
• Serve as the principal communications advisor to the Executive Vice President and Provost, Chief of Staff, and senior OAA leadership.

• Provide leadership, supervision, and professional development for communications team staff, fostering a high-performing, collaborative, and service-oriented culture.

• Directs the establishment of goals, metrics, and evaluation processes to measure the effectiveness of communications efforts.
• Oversee the development of speeches, presentations, talking points, messages, reports, and other executive communications.
• Ensure consistent messaging that advances Ohio State's commitment to academic excellence, student success, research impact, faculty distinction, and institutional leadership.

15% | Strategic Content Development and Storytelling

• Direct the creation of high-impact content that communicates the value, outcomes, and impact of academic programs, faculty achievements, student success initiatives, and university priorities.
• Evolve and strengthen existing approaches to communicating academic impact across internal and external audiences.
• Identify emerging opportunities to elevate OAA's leadership in academic excellence and innovation through strategic storytelling.
• Oversee editorial planning and content production across multiple communications channels.

15% | Collaboration and Communications Coordination

• Collaborate with college communicators, University Communications, government relations, student life, research, and other university partners to ensure alignment of messaging and priorities.
• Provide leadership and guidance on communications initiatives that span multiple units.
• Build strong relationships with academic leaders and stakeholders across the university.
• Represent OAA on university communications committees and working groups.

10% | Issues Management

• Develop communications strategies and response plans related to complex academic, operational, and policy matters.
• Advise senior leaders on communications implications of strategic decisions and institutional actions.
• Coordinate with University Communications and other partners during issues management activities.

5% | Operations, Assessment, and Continuous Improvement

• Monitor communications trends, audience insights, and best practices in higher education.
• Manage communications workflows, editorial calendars, and external vendors as needed.
• Support budget planning and resource allocation for OAA communications initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications and Education

Master’s degree in communications, journalism, or a related field.

Experience

• 10+ years of professional experience in relevant communications, public relations, higher education, or related roles working with senior executives.
• Proven success in communications for higher education and/or non-profit organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to influence people to meet goals and deadlines, and work collaboratively with senior leadership, faculty, consultants, colleagues, and other constituents.
• Background overseeing production of communication and marketing materials.
• Knowledge of communications best practices, including technology.
• Experience leading teams, developing talent, and managing staff.
• Technical Skills or Knowledge
• A working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint as well as social media and web tools; ability to create distinctive PowerPoint presentations.

Preferred Competencies

• Proven communications strategist.
• Proven ability to lead and work effectively horizontally and vertically.
• Exceptional project management and organizational skills including the ability to meet external and internal deadlines.
• Outstanding oral and written communications skills for the effective delivery of the Office of Academic Affairs’ priorities.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and set priorities.
• Superior knowledge of grammar, punctuation, spelling, and AP style.
• Strong editing and creativity skills.
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently with a high degree of initiative.
• Extreme attention to detail.
• Ability to pivot quickly and adapt to evolving priorities.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle complex and sensitive information with discretion.
• Ability to translate previous experiences to a higher education environment with constituencies and locations across the state

Additional Information:

The actual salary paid to an individual will vary based on multiple factors, including but not limited to, education, years of experience, internal equity, etc.

Function: Marketing and Communications

Subfunction: Marketing Strategy and Management

Band: Managerial

Level: 4

Location:

Position Type:

Scheduled Hours:

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The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.