Assistant Director of Internal Communications

Department University Communications and Marketing

Metropolitan State University of Denver, a vibrant, mission-driven public university in the heart of downtown Denver, seeks a strategic, collaborative communications leader to help transform how we connect with employees across the institution.

The assistant director of internal communications leads strategies, standards, platforms and processes that help MSU Denver employees receive timely, relevant and actionable information. Reporting to the senior director of communications in the office of University Communications and Marketing, this position oversees internal communication channels, manages communication-platforms and administers mass communication policy. The assistant director also advises university leaders and communicators and guides the work of an internal communications specialist.

Roles and responsibilities include:

Internal Communications Strategy and Governance – 50%

• Partners with the senior director to develop, evaluate and implement the University’s internal communications strategy.

• Administers internal mass communication policy, criteria and processes, including reviewing requests to communicate with large or cross-functional audiences and recommending improvements to communications standards and practices.

• Provides strategic direction on audience, message, timing, sender and channel based on relevance, urgency, communication volume and institutional priorities.

• Serves as the University Communications and Marketing business owner for Marketing Cloud Engagement, CRM platform and other enterprise communication systems, helping establish communication priorities, business requirements and governance in alignment with relevant law, policies and best practices.

• Collaborates with platform administrators within Information Technology Services and Digital Strategy to implement business rules, platform improvements, user adoption and training.

• Coordinates with communicators across colleges, schools and branches to improve alignment, reduce duplication and clarify institutional and departmental communication responsibilities.

• Develops and maintains criteria documents, toolkits, reference materials and other resources to assist campus leaders and communicators in effective strategic communication.

• Uses platform analytics, research and audience feedback to evaluate communication effectiveness and recommend improvements.

Internal Communication Content and Channel Oversight – 30%

• Provides strategic and editorial direction for the Early Bird employee newsletter and website, Faculty-Staff Hub and other UCM-managed internal channels.

• Guides the internal communications specialist in planning, developing and publishing employee communications and content.

• Establishes strategic priorities, processes, calendars and criteria for internal communication channels.

• Writes, edits and/or reviews high-priority employee and leadership communications as needed.

• Ensures internal communications are accurate, accessible and aligned with University priorities and standards.

Issues Management and Crisis Communication – 10%

• Serves as a core member of the University’s crisis communications team.

• Develops processes and oversees internal communications regarding emergencies, urgent operational disruptions and other high-impact Universitywide matters.

• Coordinates with University and Auraria Campus partners to support timely and consistent communication.

Supervisory and other duties– 10%

• Supervises the internal communications specialist, student employee and other assigned staff or contractors.

• Sets priorities, assigns work, provides strategic and editorial guidance, and supports employee development and performance.

• Leads cross-functional internal communication and communication-platform initiatives and represents UCM on relevant University committees and working groups.

• Manages assigned projects, platform-related vendor relationships and resources.

• Participates in professional development and performs other duties as assigned.

Competencies

• Demonstrates values-based leadership by modeling CADRE values, building trust through self awareness and emotional intelligence, seeking feedback, and navigating conflict productively.
• Ensures operational effectiveness by managing priorities, time, and resources responsibly, adhering to policies, delivering measurable results, and meeting performance expectations.
• Aligns individual work with team and departmental goals by contributing to shared priorities, seeking clarity, and adapting to change in support of the 2030 Strategic Plan.
• Practices collaboration by communicating clearly, checking for understanding, building strong relationships, and engaging diverse perspectives to achieve shared outcomes.
• Advances equity and belonging with awareness of culture and potential biases, listens openly to diverse perspectives, contributing to respectful and inclusive work relationships.
• Innovates by developing professional skills, staying informed on relevant trends, and identifying opportunities to improve processes and outcomes.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing or a related field.

• At least five years of progressively responsible professional experience in communications, public relations, marketing or a related field.

• Demonstrated experience developing, implementing and evaluating strategic communications plans that support organizational goals and engage multiple audiences.

• Experience managing digital communications platforms, such as content management systems, email marketing platforms, employee intranets or other internal communications channels.

• Experience developing or implementing communications processes, standards, guidelines or governance practices to support effective and coordinated communications.

• Experience using audience insights, engagement metrics and other data to evaluate communications effectiveness and inform strategic decisions.

• Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex information into clear, accessible and engaging communications.

• Experience coordinating communications projects, managing competing priorities and guiding work across multiple teams or stakeholders.

Important Note: Successful applicants will ensure their cover letters and resumes clearly demonstrate that their work experience describes how they meet ALL required qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least seven years of progressively responsible communications experience, including three years developing and executing internal communications strategies in a large or complex organization.

• Experience supervising employees, providing editorial or strategic direction and supporting professional development.

• Experience leading organizational change initiatives, communications transformation projects or the implementation of new communications systems and processes.

• Experience establishing or administering internal communications governance, including policies, approval processes, audience segmentation, distribution standards or channel management.

• Advanced knowledge of enterprise communications platforms, such as Salesforce Marketing Cloud, WordPress, Microsoft 365, employee intranets, CRM platforms or comparable systems.

• Experience developing integrated communications strategies across multiple channels, including email, web, collaboration platforms and digital signage.

• Experience advising senior leadership on employee communications, organizational change and crisis communications.

• Experience overseeing content operations, including employee news, content planning, editorial calendars and publishing workflows.

• Experience working in higher education, government, nonprofit organizations or other large, decentralized institutions.

Our commitment to CADRE At MSU Denver, we are committed to our CADRE values: Community, Access, Diversity, Respect, and Excellence. We strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment where all community members are valued and belong. Our dedication to breaking down barriers to education, fostering open dialogue, and promoting world-class scholarship ensures that we provide exceptional services and innovative learning opportunities for our students, faculty, and staff.

Work Schedule Information Full-time, 40 hours per week Exempt Days of the Week: Mon – Fri 8-5 Evenings and Weekend Work: Rarely; as needed Schedule: In-person with limited hybrid flexibility. Travel: Rarely

Salary for Announcement Under Colorado law, MSU Denver is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account a variety of factors including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $75,000-$83,000.

This position is paid monthly and is eligible for MSU Denver benefits.

Instructions to Apply To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by: November 25, 2026 11:59pm (MT) For full consideration, please submit the following documents: Resume Cover letter describing interest in this role and relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position

3 professional references will be required of the finalist. One reference must be a prior supervisor.

Official transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire

Closing Date Open Until Filled

Posting Representative Sophia J Montano Posting Representative Email [email protected] Benefits The University’s benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans and other programs, such as access to a long-term disability (LTD) plan. Visit MSU Denver’s benefits website to learn more.

For a brief overview, please see: https://www.msudenver.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSU-Benefit-Summary.pdf.

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at [email protected].

Background Checks Metropolitan State University of Denver is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To Assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background checks on all finalists for positions at the University prior to employment.

Diversity Statement Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.

We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.