Director of Communications

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Director of Communications is a senior leader at Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) responsible for shaping, coordinating, and advancing the university’s internal and external communications strategy. This position ensures that AUM’s communications reflect its mission, values, and strategic priorities—building trust, transparency, and pride among students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the broader community.

The Director provides vision and leadership for institutional storytelling, media relations, crisis communication, executive messaging, and campus-wide information flow. This individual serves as a trusted advisor to university leadership and works collaboratively across departments to ensure consistent, timely, and engaging communication with all audiences.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Communications & Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive university communications strategy that advances AUM’s reputation and fosters strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Serve as the university’s lead communications strategist and primary media spokesperson.
• Counsel the Chancellor, senior leadership, and campus departments on communication matters and institutional messaging.
• Oversee the development of key messages, public statements, executive speeches, and talking points.

Media Relations & Public Affairs

• Manage proactive media engagement and responses to public inquiries.
• Cultivate relationships with local, regional, and higher education media outlets.
• Lead the drafting and distribution of press releases, media advisories, and statements on behalf of the university.
• Coordinate communications in times of crisis, ensuring timely, accurate, and transparent information sharing.

Internal Communications

• Develop and oversee effective internal communication systems to keep faculty, staff, and students informed about key initiatives, policies, and achievements.
• Create platforms for open dialogue and ensure alignment between campus leadership and the broader community.
• Lead initiatives to promote institutional culture, collaboration, and employee engagement through clear and consistent communication.

Institutional Storytelling & Reputation Management

• Identify and share stories that highlight AUM’s academic excellence, research, and community impact.
• Partner with university divisions to promote achievements, milestones, and strategic priorities through compelling narratives and clear communication.
• Ensure all communications reflect AUM’s values of inclusivity, excellence, and student success.

Crisis and Issues Communication

• Serve as or coordinate AUM’s official spokesperson during emergencies and sensitive situations.
• Develop and maintain crisis communication protocols and training.
• Collaborate with university leadership and public safety to ensure readiness for potential communication challenges.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead and mentor a communications team responsible for media relations, writing, and internal communications.
• Foster collaboration with departments across the university to maintain message alignment and efficiency.
• Manage relationships with external communications consultants or agencies when needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated expertise in strategic communications, media relations, and crisis management.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling abilities across a variety of platforms and audiences.
• Strong leadership, project management, and team development skills.
• Ability to communicate complex issues clearly, accurately, and with professionalism.
• Knowledge of higher education environments and an understanding of shared governance and campus communications dynamics.