Director of Communications

Duties and Responsibilities:

Applicants are encouraged to include 2–3 samples of their professional communications work. For each sample, please include a short description outlining:
- The challenge or opportunity addressed,
- The applicant’s role in the project, and
- How the communication supported or advanced the institution’s goals.

Auburn University at Montgomery reserves the right once interviewing has begun to stop accepting applications.

• Develop and execute a comprehensive university communications strategy that advances AUM’s reputation and fosters strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Serve as the university’s lead communications strategist and primary media spokesperson.
• Counsel the Chancellor, senior leadership, and campus departments on communication matters and institutional messaging.
• Oversee the development of key messages, public statements, executive speeches, and talking points.

• Manage proactive media engagement and responses to public inquiries.
• Cultivate relationships with local, regional, and higher education media outlets.
• Lead the drafting and distribution of press releases, media advisories, and statements on behalf of the university.
• Coordinate communications in times of crisis, ensuring timely, accurate, and transparent information sharing.

• Develop and oversee effective internal communication systems to keep faculty, staff, and students informed about key initiatives, policies, and achievements.
• Create platforms for open dialogue and ensure alignment between campus leadership and the broader community.
• Lead initiatives to promote institutional culture, collaboration, and employee engagement through clear and consistent communication.

• Identify and share stories that highlight AUM’s academic excellence, research, and community impact.
• Partner with university divisions to promote achievements, milestones, and strategic priorities through compelling narratives and clear communication.
• Ensure all communications reflect AUM’s values of inclusivity, excellence, and student success.

• Serve as or coordinate AUM’s official spokesperson during emergencies and sensitive situations.
• Develop and maintain crisis communication protocols and training.
• Collaborate with university leadership and public safety to ensure readiness for potential communication challenges.
• Lead and mentor a communications team responsible for media relations, writing, and internal communications.
• Foster collaboration with departments across the university to maintain message alignment and efficiency.
• Manage relationships with external communications consultants or agencies when needed.

• Demonstrated expertise in strategic communications, media relations, and crisis management.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling abilities across a variety of platforms and audiences.
• Strong leadership, project management, and team development skills.
• Ability to communicate complex issues clearly, accurately, and with professionalism.
• Knowledge of higher education environments and an understanding of shared governance and campus communications dynamics.

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public affairs, or media relations.
• Proven success developing and implementing strategic communication plans.
• Experience serving as an organizational spokesperson and advising senior leadership.
• Strong writing portfolio demonstrating versatility and strategic impact.

• Experience in higher education or large public-sector communications.
• Familiarity with digital communication tools, media monitoring, and crisis communication software.
• Understanding of issues management, public perception analysis, and institutional reputation strategy.

Located in Alabama’s vibrant state capital, Auburn University at…