Dir of College Engagement and Strat Comm

Compensation

$

Hours Per Week

40

Number Of Positions

1

Job Description

University of Kentucky

Equal Employment Opportunity/M/F/disability/protected veteran status.

Posting Details Posting Details

Job TitleDir of College Engagement and Strat CommRequisition NumberRE55475Working TitleDepartment Name3R100:PR and Strategic CommunicationsWork LocationLexington, KYGrade Level49Salary Range$73,861-121,888/yearType of PositionStaffPosition Time Status Full-TimeRequired EducationBA

Click here for more information about equivalencies:https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalenciesRequired Related Experience7 yrs

Required License/Registration/CertificationNone

Physical RequirementsRegular sitting at a computer workstation for extended periods of time; performing tasks with intermittent repetitive motion (such as typing); and occasionally standing or walking with objects weighing up to 10 pounds, as well as lifting, pushing, and/or pulling objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

ShiftMonday-Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm

Job SummaryLead Strategic Communications That Advance Institutional Priorities

The University of Kentucky is seeking a Director of College Engagement and Strategic Communication to provide strategic leadership for communications partnerships across the university’s colleges and academic units.

This role serves as a key connector between college leadership and the Division of Marketing & Strategic Communication, helping align college-level communications with institutional priorities. The successful candidate will guide communication strategy, strengthen stakeholder partnerships, oversee communications teams, and ensure consistent, high-impact storytelling that advances the university’s mission and reputation.

What You’ll Do

• Lead communications strategies that support university priorities and college-specific goals

• Serve as a strategic advisor to deans, academic leaders, and campus stakeholders

• Develop and manage editorial planning processes that align communications efforts across colleges

• Ensure messaging, branding, and communication activities are consistent with university standards

• Evaluate communication effectiveness using audience insights, engagement metrics, and performance data

• Build and lead a collaborative communications team focused on high-quality service and strategic impact

• Develop processes and operating models that improve communication planning, coordination, and delivery

• Serve as a senior resource for complex stakeholder needs, issues management, and communications planning

What You’ll Bring

• Experience leading strategic communications, marketing, or public relations initiatives

• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills

• Ability to develop and execute communication strategies in a large, complex organization

• Experience managing teams, budgets, projects, and organizational priorities

• Strong writing, editing, and message development capabilities

• Strategic thinking, sound judgment, and a collaborative leadership style

• Ability to analyze communication effectiveness and use data to drive continuous improvement

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree

• 7 years of related experience

What’s In It for You

• Meaningful impact: Help shape how the university communicates its mission, priorities, and achievements

• Strategic leadership: Influence communications planning across multiple colleges and academic units

• Professional growth: Lead high-visibility initiatives in a dynamic higher education environment

• Hybrid flexibility: Opportunity for hybrid work arrangements with approval

• Collaborative environment: Partner with deans, university leadership, and communications professionals across campus

• UK’s Exceptional Benefits - https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fhr.uky.edu%2Femployment%2Fexceptional-benefits-for-university-of-kentucky-staff&data=05%7C02%7CMark.Bevins%40uky.edu%7C016dd451247e4d517a4208defd19f345%7C2b30530b69b64457b818481cb53d42ae%7C0%7C0%7C639226485047468239%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=lHh1ElOmli9ryI1vublXi4lzRr39xsPNzui%2F1YDTGVU%3D&reserved=0

Why Now?

The university is continuing to strengthen alignment between academic units and enterprise communications efforts, creating an opportunity to build stronger partnerships, improve communication effectiveness, and enhance institutional visibility. As colleges work to advance ambitious goals related to education, research, healthcare, and community impact, cohesive communication strategies are more important than ever.

In this role, you’ll help create a unified approach to storytelling and stakeholder engagement while empowering colleges to communicate their unique strengths in ways that support the university’s broader mission and long-term success.

Skills / Knowledge / AbilitiesMicrosoft 365, Asana

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? YesPreferred Education/ExperienceDeadline to Apply09/01/2026Our University CommunityWe value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

Posting Specific QuestionsRequired fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. • Give an example of a process or workflow you created or improved to make communication work more efficiently or consistently. (Open Ended Question)
2. • Describe how you use feedback, data or outcomes to improve communication strategies over time. (Open Ended Question)

Applicant Documents

Required Documents1. Resume

Optional Documents1. Cover Letter

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities

PI286590702

Place of Work

On-site

Requisition ID

RE55475