Director of Strategic Communications

Director of Strategic Communications

Position Title: Director of Strategic Communications

Department: Strategic Communications

Status: Full-time, exempt

Work Mode: Hybrid (Pasadena)

Reports to: Vice President of Digital Transformation/Digital Forward Team

Position Overview:

The Director of Strategic Communications (StratComm) will lead the institution's strategic communication and marketing efforts, ensuring a cohesive and effective brand presence across all platforms. This role will oversee a multidisciplinary team responsible for social media, copyediting, graphic design, web design, video production, photography, translation, writing, and marketing, aligning all communication strategies with the institution's mission, vision, strategic goals, and theological commitments. The Director will work closely with academic and administrative leadership to create and execute a unified communications plan that enhances audience engagement, supports enrollment and retention, and strengthens the institution's brand identity.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning and Oversight

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy that supports institutional goals, particularly in enrollment, student engagement, and brand positioning.
• Align messaging across all channels (digital, print, social media, video, events) to ensure consistency and maximize impact.
• Partner with academic and administrative units to create targeted communication plans that engage current and prospective students and external audiences.
• Collaborate with development and admissions teams to support recruitment and fundraising goals.
• Monitor and analyze communication performance metrics, adjusting strategies to improve effectiveness and reach for our different constituencies.

Team Leadership and Collaboration

• Lead and mentor a team of multidisciplinary professionals.
• Foster a collaborative and innovative team environment that encourages creativity and strategic thinking.
• Manage team workflows, set priorities, and ensure timely delivery of high-quality assets to support the initiatives of the Seminary..

Marketing and Brand Management

• Provide strategic direction for institutional marketing efforts, including brand positioning, market research, and campaign development that reflect the seminary's rich and multifaceted community.
• Develop compelling stories and messaging that highlight the seminary's theological impact and leadership in global Christian education.
• Ensure brand consistency across all communication platforms and materials.
• Oversee the creation and distribution of key institutional publications and promotional materials.

Public and Media Relations

• Provide oversight and guidance to media relations efforts, including identifying appropriate spokespersons and supporting them in maintaining a positive institutional reputation.
• Support and direct team members in cultivating and managing relationships with media outlets and community partners
• Guide strategic efforts to identify and pursue opportunities that enhance the seminary's public profile, reputation, and influence.

Digital and Social Media Strategy

• Oversee social media strategy and content creation to grow audience engagement and strengthen the institution's digital presence, reflecting the seminary's diverse community and global reach.
• Guide the creation of innovative multimedia content, including video, photography, and graphics.
• Stay current with emerging digital trends and platforms to enhance the institution's outreach.

Events Strategy and Cross-Team Collaboration

• Oversee and support the Events team, ensuring in-person and virtual events align with the institution's brand, mission, and strategic communication goals.
• Collaborate with academic leadership and faculty to ensure key events reflect academic priorities, theological commitments, and community engagement goals.
• Ensure events are leveraged as strategic communication, brand-building, and marketing opportunities, with appropriate pre- and post-event content, promotion, and follow-up.

Internal and External Communications

• Ensure effective internal communication to keep staff, faculty, and students informed and engaged.
• Develop communication strategies for events, announcements, and strategic initiatives.

Crisis Management and Issues Response

• Develop and implement a crisis communication plan in coordination with leadership and campus safety.
• Serve as the communication lead in response to crisis situations, ensuring timely and accurate messaging.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field (Master's preferred).
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in strategic communications, marketing, or public relations, preferably in a higher education or non-profit environment.
• Proven experience leading a communications team and developing comprehensive communication strategies.
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills across multiple platforms.
• Expertise in brand management, social media strategy, and digital content creation.
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with diverse stakeholders
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and project management skills.

Additional Remarks:

• Must be willing to abide by Fuller Community Standards
• Must be willing to sign Fuller's Statement of Faith
• This is a hybrid position, primarily working from the Pasadena campus with some availability to work from home.

Pay Scale:

• Salary range the seminary expects to pay: $80,000 - $90,000 annually USD

Fuller Theological Seminary is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. To the extent required by law, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status. As a religious institution, Fuller Theological Seminary is permitted and reserves the right to prefer employees or prospective employees for certain positions on the basis of religion.

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