Director of Communications and Public Relations

Centenary University exists to transform lives, build futures, and change the world. Guided by the University's strategic priorities, Student Success, University Vitality, and World Engagement, the Director of Communications and Public Relations is a strategic storyteller and communications leader responsible for advancing the visibility, reputation, and brand of Centenary University through compelling content, media relations, and integrated communications planning. Reporting to the Vice President for Advancement & Communications, this role will lead the development and execution of a comprehensive public relations and communications strategy that supports institutional priorities, student recruitment, alumni engagement, fundraising, and community awareness. This individual must be an exceptional writer, proactive strategist, and strong relationship builder who can identify and elevate the stories that make Centenary unique, including its personalized student experience, nationally recognized equine program, strong career outcomes, student support services, and distinctive academic offerings. Key Responsibilities 1. Strategic Communications Planning Develop and implement a comprehensive annual communications and public relations strategy aligned with University priorities. Create a proactive editorial/content calendar for internal and external communications. Collaborate with senior leadership to align messaging with institutional goals, enrollment priorities, advancement initiatives, and campus events. Track communications metrics and recommend improvements to increase reach, engagement, and impact. Outcome: A clear, coordinated communications plan that strengthens Centenary's brand, visibility, and stakeholder engagement. 2. Content Development and Storytelling Serve as lead writer/editor for institutional communications, ensuring high-quality, compelling, and brand-aligned messaging. Write and edit news stories, feature articles, press releases, talking points, speeches, email campaigns, donor communications, and promotional materials. Develop compelling stories that highlight: student success and outcomes faculty expertise and innovation alumni achievements signature programs (Equine, Theatre, Counseling, Education, Business, etc.) campus culture and student support services Ensure all communications reflect Centenary's mission, values, and voice. Outcome: Consistent, engaging storytelling that effectively communicates the Centenary experience and differentiators. 3. Internal Communications Produce and distribute weekly internal newsletters and updates for faculty, staff, and campus stakeholders. Develop regular communications that improve transparency, morale, and institutional alignment. Partner with HR, Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, and Enrollment to support timely communication needs. Help create communication templates and best practices for campus departments. Outcome: Stronger internal communication, increased campus awareness, and improved employee engagement. 4. External Communications and Media Relations Produce and distribute weekly or bi-weekly external newsletters and updates for alumni, parents, donors, and community stakeholders. Serve as a primary media relations contact for the University. Build and maintain strong working relationships with local, regional, and higher education media outlets. Proactively pitch stories, press releases, and expert commentary opportunities. Monitor media coverage and identify opportunities to increase visibility. Support crisis communications and issue management as needed. Outcome: Enhanced institutional reputation, increased positive media coverage, and stronger external awareness. 5. Faculty and Campus Partnership Development Build strong collaborative relationships with faculty, deans, coaches, and staff to surface meaningful stories and initiatives. Attend key campus events, academic showcases, and student programs to identify content opportunities. Serve as a communications resource and trusted partner across departments. Train and guide campus partners on messaging and storytelling best practices. Outcome: A strong campus storytelling culture with consistent identification of impactful stories. 6. Brand Stewardship and Digital Content Support Ensure consistent brand voice, messaging, and visual identity across all communications. Collaborate with marketing, social media, web, and design teams to amplify content across platforms. Support website content updates, digital campaigns, and promotional storytelling efforts. Assist with photography/video planning and content collection as needed. Outcome: Stronger institutional brand consistency and more effective multichannel communications. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field (Master's preferred). Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in public relations, communications, journalism, or higher education marketing/communications. Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with a strong portfolio of published work. Experience developing strategic communications plans and managing multiple priorities. Strong media relations experience and demonstrated success securing earned media. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships across diverse constituencies. Experience with email marketing platforms, content management systems, and social media tools preferred. Ability to work both strategically and hands-on in a fast-paced environment. Key Competencies Exceptional Writing and Editing Strategic Thinking and Planning Media Relations and Public Presence Storytelling and Brand Awareness Relationship Building and Collaboration Project Management and Organization Creativity and Initiative Sound Judgment and Professionalism