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Director of Strategic Communications

Work type: Officer of Administration

Categories: Communications/Public Relations/Marketing, Journalism/Communication, Student Life/Services

Department: Division of Student Life

Appointment Type and Duration: Regular, Ongoing

Salary: $95,000 - $105,000 per year

Compensation Band: OS-OA09-Fiscal Year 2025-2026

FTE: 1.0

Application Review Begins

October 27, 2025; position open until filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

1. A cover letter summarizing your interest and how you meet or exceed the requirements of the position.

2. A resume with detailed employment history, including the month and year for the start and end dates of each role.

Department Summary

The Division of Student Life supports the university’s academic mission and strategic plan through comprehensive programs and services that promote and advance student learning and success while fostering an inclusive and vibrant campus community. Student Life includes four major portfolios, the Office of the Dean of Students, Experiential Learning & Engagement, Health & Wellbeing, and Division Administration. Key programs and departments within the division include but are not limited to University Health Services, Erb Memorial Union, Physical Education & Recreation, Parent and Family Programs, Major Student Events (Commencement, Homecoming, University Day), Fraternity and Sorority Life, Counseling, Health Promotion, Multicultural and Identity Based Support Services, Student Government Engagement & Success, Student Conduct and Community Standards, and Support for Students in Crisis and Students of Concern.

Position Summary

The Director of Strategic Communications will lead the division’s communication strategy and vision, building and executing a proactive plan to strengthen the division’s efforts regarding student success, ensuring alignment with divisional and institutional goals. Reporting to the division’s Associate Vice President & Chief of Staff, the director will ensure that timely communication is responsive to and in alignment with the vice president’s values, goals and objectives. The work is often fast-paced and deadline-driven, requiring strong organizational skills, collaboration and cross-functional coordination. This position requires exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and collaboration skills to advance the division's mission and strengthen the student experience. The director must be able to handle short-term, deadline-oriented tasks while also making progress on longer-term priorities.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations or a closely related field.

• Five years professional experience in communications, with at least two of those years in a complex, fast-paced organization.

• One year of professional experience with direct supervision of staff.

Professional Competencies

• Exceptional writing and editing ability, including the ability to analyze and synthesize complex material and communicate it in a clear and compelling manner.

• Ability to develop strategic ideas and transform those ideas into results using conceptual communication plans.

• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate and work effectively with a wide variety of people across multiple constituencies or communities.

• Ability to manage confidential or sensitive information and issues responsibly.

• In-depth understanding of communication strategy and best practices in a variety of media.

• Digital literacy, including proficiency in project-management, CRM, mass email and other software tools, and willingness and ability to keep abreast of the latest in communications technology.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s in communications, public relations, or related field.

• Experience working in a student affairs or higher education.

• Experience directly supervising staff in a communications and/or marketing setting.

FLSA Exempt: Yes

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visitour website (https://hr.uoregon.edu/about-benefits) .

The University of Oregon is an equal-opportunity institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, pleaseemail us ([email protected]) or call 541-346-5112.

UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy (including pregnancy-related conditions), age, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, familial status, citizenship, service in the uniformed services (as defined in federal and state law), veteran status, expunged juvenile record, and/or the use of leave protected by state or federal law in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures arelisted here (https://investigations.uoregon.edu/reporting) .

In compliance with federal law, the University of Oregon prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and services. The Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is availableonline (https://clery.uoregon.edu/annual-campus-security-and-fire-safety-report) .

Advertised: October 6, 2025 Pacific Daylight Time

Applications close: