Executive Director of Strategic Communications & Content

About the role

John Carroll University is looking for an Executive Director of Strategic Communications & Content to lead its Integrated Marketing and Communications team and its public relations and content strategy. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Marketing and Communications and working closely with the Vice President for Enrollment & Marketing, the role turns university and enrollment growth goals into an annual communications plan, manages the content, design, social media and multimedia team, and leads the EMLT Plus group of managers.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute multi-year and annual strategic communications, PR plans and KPIs linked to enrollment and reputation goals.
• Integrate brand, news and enrollment storytelling across channels, set editorial standards and maintain brand consistency.
• Counsel faculty on media appearances with briefing materials and media training.
• Direct local, regional and national media relations to secure placements in print, broadcast, digital and podcast outlets.
• Support the crisis and issues communications plan and serve on emergency response teams as needed.
• Build thought leadership initiatives such as a faculty speakers bureau, op-ed program and expert source guide.
• Oversee the university newsroom and manage campaigns with University Advancement, including the Alumni magazine.
• Supervise and coach a team of five content, editorial, multimedia, design and social media professionals.
• Lead editorial and content strategy for news, social media, video and the university magazine, and integrate AI tools and Generative Engine Optimization.
• Manage relationships with content, PR and digital vendors and agencies.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in PR, communications or marketing, including at least 5 years supervising professional staff.
• Record of placing stories in national media for a complex organization and strong media relationships.
• Experience leading content teams across writing, design, video and social media, and crisis communications experience.
• Preferred: Master's degree, APR accreditation, higher education or Jesuit/Catholic experience, and knowledge of the Cleveland and Northeast Ohio media market.

Required skills

• Exceptional writing, editing and presentation skills.
• Project management and comfort using data and analytics.
• Preferred: familiarity with CMS, social media analytics and media monitoring tools.

What we offer

• Starting salary of $80,000 - $92,000.
• Health and dental insurance, paid vacation, personal, sick and mission time, holidays.
• 403(b) retirement plan, life insurance and tuition remission for you, your spouse and children.
• In-person work on campus in University Heights, Ohio, during core business hours.