Director of Communications & Public Relations

This job was posted by https://www.kansasworks.com : For more information, please see: https://www.kansasworks.com/jobs/13664031 Lead the Voice of WSU Tech Are you a strategic communicator who thrives on storytelling, leadership, and building meaningful connections? WSU Tech is seeking an innovative Director of Communications & Public Relations to help lead the colleges communications efforts, guide day-to-day strategy and execution, and support how our institution is seen by students, employees, partners, and the community. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a talented team while advancing creative communication strategies that elevate WSU Techs brand, strengthen community relationships, and support the colleges mission of transforming lives through education. As Director of Communications & Public Relations, youll work in partnership with the Executive Director of Public Affairs and Communications to support the colleges communications, public relations, digital engagement, social media, and event initiatives. Youll collaborate with campus leadership to develop impactful messaging, support media relations, oversee high-profile events, and ensure consistent, compelling storytelling across all communication channels. This role is ideal for someone who can move between big-picture planning and hands-on execution, bringing clarity, creativity, organization, and strong judgment to a fast-paced communications environment. What You'll Do As Director of Communications & Public Relations, you will provide leadership for the day-to-day planning and execution of WSU Techs communications and public relations efforts. Youll help translate institutional priorities into clear, engaging communication strategies that reach internal and external audiences. Youll also: - Lead and mentor a high-performing communications, social media, digital advertising, and events team. - Develop and execute internal and external communication plans that strengthen WSU Techs reputation and support college priorities. - Support media relations, press conferences, announcements, and public-facing initiatives in partnership with the Executive Director of Public Affairs and Communications. - Oversee major college events and special projects from planning through execution, ensuring they reflect WSU Techs brand, voice, and standards of excellence. - Support executive communications, campaign messaging, speeches, presentations, talking points, and institutional storytelling. - Partner with departments across the college to identify stories, promote programs, support enrollment initiatives, and highlight student, faculty, staff, alumni, and industry success. - Guide social media, digital engagement, and content strategy to ensure consistent, creative, and audience-focused communication across platforms. - Help manage communications planning for institutional campaigns, community initiatives, major announcements, and college-wide projects. - Drive innovative communication strategies using emerging technologies and AI-enabled tools while maintaining brand excellence, accuracy, and authenticity. - Ensure communication projects are organized, on deadline, aligned with strategy, and executed with a high level of professionalism. Requirements What We're Looking For We're seeking a collaborative leader who combines creativity with strategic thinking and has a passion for building strong relationships. Qualified candidates will have: - Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field (Master's degree preferred). - Strong leadership experience managing communications, marketing, public relations, or related teams. - Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling abilities. - Experience with media relations, digital marketing, soc al media strategy, and content development. - Knowledge of digital advertising, analytics, and audience engagement strategies. - Experience managing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment while meeting deadlines. - Familiarity with Canva or similar design platforms. - The ability to responsibly leverage AI tools to improve communication planning, content development, and workflow efficiency.