Job Description

Concordia University is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and in the world.

Position Summary

The Director of Communications at Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor (CUWAA) leads strategic media relations and content development to enhance the university's reputation and brand. This role utilizes data-driven decision-making and analytics to evaluate communication effectiveness, ensuring alignment with the university's strategic goals. The Director will also ensure that communications are cohesive, targeted, and support broader marketing goals and initiatives.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic communication plans to enhance university visibility and reputation across all platforms, aligning with the broader marketing strategy.
• Collaborate with university leadership, faculty, and staff to identify and promote key stories, themes, and initiatives that support CUWAA's goals and strategic priorities.
• Write and distribute news releases, pitch stories to media outlets, and respond to media inquiries promptly.
• Build and maintain relationships with media representatives, ensuring a positive and consistent presence in news outlets.
• Monitor media mentions and placements, providing regular reports and actionable insights on earned media performance, including key performance indicators (KPIs) and ROI metrics.
• Use data and analytics to inform content strategy, adjusting efforts to optimize audience engagement and communication outcomes.
• Identify and craft compelling stories that highlight the university's mission, people, programs, and initiatives.
• Use analytics to inform content strategy and optimize communication efforts.
• Support internal stakeholders with media training and communications resources.
• Serve as a backup to the Assistant Vice President for University Marketing and Communications in crisis communication and assist in maintaining the crisis communication plan.
• Because the unit is collaborative and dynamic, on occasion, other duties may be assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Superior writing, editing, and storytelling abilities with strong attention to detail.
• Proficiency in media relations, crisis communications, and content strategy.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Understanding of brand management and the ability to create consistent messaging.
• Familiarity with AP style and industry-standard communication practices.
• Supportive of the mission and values of Concordia University Wisconsin/Ann Arbor and the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS)

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, journalism, or a related field required.
• 5-7 years of experience in communications, media relations, or public relations.
• Experience developing content for various communication channels, including print, web, and social media.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with the media and other key stakeholders.

Compensation & Benefits

This is a full-time, exempt (salary) position. The starting wage may be determined upon education and/or experience. Concordia University benefit options include, but are not limited to the following:

• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Personal Spending Account, Flexible Spending Account, and/or Health Savings Account
• Disability and Survivor Plan
• Retirement Pension Plan
• Retirement 403(b) Savings Plan
• Basic Life and Supplemental Life Insurance
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Coverage
• Critical Illness and Accident Insurance
• Tuition waiver benefits (available for employees and their qualified dependents)

Application Instructions

To receive full consideration, all applicants are asked to complete and submit an online employment application through the Concordia University Employment page. To begin, please click the Apply Now section on the job page and then click the Apply For This Position button to begin the application process.

Equal Opportunity Employer

It is the policy of CU to provide equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

The University will not discriminate against or harass any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, pregnancy, national origin (including ancestry), citizenship status, physical or mental disability, age, marital status, gender, veteran or military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, domestic violence victim status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

However, CU is an institution of the LCMS and, to the extent allowed by law, CU reserves the right to give preference in employment based on religion. In addition, preference in holding certain employment positions is given to ordained or rostered ministers of the LCMS. Based on a religious tenet, CU recognizes only male, LCMS ordained Ministers of the Gospel, but recognizes both male and female LCMS Rostered Ministers of the Gospel.

The Human Resources Department has been appointed to manage the equal employment opportunity program, including all equal employment opportunity activities, as required by federal, state and local agencies. If any employee or applicant for employment believes this policy has been violated, he/she must contact the Director of Human Resources.

Concordia University is a HLC accredited, co-educational, liberal arts school offering more than 70 undergraduate majors, over 40 master's degree programs, and 4 doctoral programs. There are also a variety of accelerated evening and e-learning programs.

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