Director of Communications

Concordia University Wisconsin

Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran higher education institution committed to the holistic development of students—mind, body, and spirit—for lives of service to Christ in the Church and the world. Learn more at cuw.edu.

https://www.cuw.edu

Position Details

Director of Communications
Job
Full-time
Office/WFH
100% remote
5/28/2025
Southeast Wisconsin
Mequon, WI

The Director of Communications at Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor (CUWAA) leads strategic media relations and content development to enhance the university's reputation and brand. This role utilizes data-driven decision-making and analytics to evaluate communication effectiveness, ensuring alignment with the university's strategic goals. The Director will also ensure that communications are cohesive, targeted, and support broader marketing goals and initiatives.

For full consideration, please submit a portfolio of 3-5 samples that demonstrate their written communications skills (e.g., news releases, internal messaging, marketing copy, blogs).

  • Develop and implement strategic communication plans to enhance university visibility and reputation across all platforms, aligning with the broader marketing strategy.
  • Collaborate with university leadership, faculty, and staff to identify and promote key stories, themes, and initiatives that support CUWAA's goals and strategic priorities.
  • Write and distribute news releases, pitch stories to media outlets, and respond to media inquiries promptly.
  • Build and maintain relationships with media representatives, ensuring a positive and consistent presence in news outlets.
  • Monitor media mentions and placements, providing regular reports and actionable insights on earned media performance, including key performance indicators (KPIs) and ROI metrics.
  • Use data and analytics to inform content strategy, adjusting efforts to optimize audience engagement and communication outcomes.
  • Identify and craft compelling stories that highlight the university's mission, people, programs, and initiatives.
  • Use analytics to inform content strategy and optimize communication efforts.
  • Support internal stakeholders with media training and communications resources.
  • Serve as a backup to the Assistant Vice President for University Marketing and Communications in crisis communication and assist in maintaining the crisis communication plan.
  • Because the unit is collaborative and dynamic, on occasion, other duties may be assigned.

    Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

    • Superior writing, editing, and storytelling abilities with strong attention to detail.
    • Proficiency in media relations, crisis communications, and content strategy.
    • Strong organizational and time-management skills.
    • Understanding of brand management and the ability to create consistent messaging.
    • Familiarity with AP style and industry-standard communication practices.
    • Supportive of the mission and values of Concordia University Wisconsin/Ann Arbor and the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS)

    Education & Experience

    • Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, journalism, or a related field required.
    • 5-7 years of experience in communications, media relations, or public relations.
    • Experience developing content for various communication channels, including print, web, and social media.
    • Demonstrated ability to build relationships with the media and other key stakeholders.

    This is a full-time, exempt (salary) position. The starting wage may be determined upon education and/or experience. Concordia University benefit options include, but are not limited to the following:

    • Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
    • Personal Spending Account, Flexible Spending Account, and/or Health Savings Account
    • Disability and Survivor Plan
    • Retirement Pension Plan
    • Retirement 403(b) Savings Plan
    • Basic Life and Supplemental Life Insurance
    • Accidental Death and Dismemberment Coverage
    • Critical Illness and Accident Insurance
    • Tuition waiver benefits (available for employees and their qualified dependents)

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