DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND STRATEGY
Apply NowCompany: University of Washington
Location: Seattle, WA 98115
Description:
As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.
UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.
The Office of Global Affairs (OGA) is a catalyst and a hub for all things global at the UW, connecting the diverse internal and external networks of scholars, students, and community leaders engaged with international issues. OGA's major activities include:
Initiating and supporting scholarly research on global issues across campus units and departments, disseminating information about relevant faculty expertise, funding opportunities, and institutional ties abroad.
Providing a portal through which external stakeholders - including business leaders, representatives of local, regional, and national government, non-governmental organization representatives, international alumni, and ethnic and cultural affinity communities - can learn about and participate in campus activities and resources.
Serving as a central guide and resource for developing and successfully implementing study abroad program, collaboration with international scholars, the conduct of global research, and the design and nurturing of foreign institutional partnerships.
Supporting UW community members in planning and carrying out UW's international scholarship and business in a safe, productive manner.
To facilitate these functions, OGA has five main areas of responsibility: administration of study abroad and exchanges; support for international research; oversight of UW's centers and offices abroad; management of UW international relations and protocols; and coordination of strategic initiatives in the key areas of global health, global environment, global technology, global development challenges, and global cultural change.
We have an outstanding opportunity for a Director, Communications and Strategy, at the UW Office of Global Affairs (OGA). This role will serve three main functions:
Lead OGA communications and outreach activities, including developing and directing OGA's annual marketing and communications plan, managing strategic communications efforts for OGA leadership, and serving as the primary liaison between OGA and the UW media relations team in cases of international emergencies and incidents.
Design, implement, and lead strategic programs and initiatives to advance international education, global learning, teaching and research and community engagement.
Supervise the Program Specialist, Study Abroad Outreach & Recruitment position, in partnership with UW Study Abroad leadership, including overseeing strategic marketing, communications, and outreach initiatives and efforts to increase awareness of and to recruit students to participate in study abroad at the UW.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Communications and Outreach Leadership (60%)
Lead OGA communications and outreach activities, including developing and directing OGA's annual marketing and outreach plan, managing strategic communications efforts for OGA and other UW Executive leadership, and serving as the primary liaison between OGA and the UW media relations team in cases of international emergencies and incidents. Manage staff working on marketing, communications, and outreach initiatives for the office.
Manage OGA's budget for communications, including purchasing event materials and signage, promotional items, and print materials, as well as overseeing the purchase of UW Study Abroad marketing and communications promotional items for annual events like Dawg Daze and the UW Study Abroad Fair.
Establish long-range goals, objectives, and strategies for OGA; develop and execute an annual unit-wide marketing and communications plan, including conducting metrics management to analyze and measure impact such as monitoring event registration and attendance, followers and engagement analytics on social media, website traffic analytics, and Marketo newsletter engagement analytics and click rates.
Lead content creation and strategic communications for:
OGA Advancement & Alumni Engagement efforts
Develop content for quarterly fundraising newsletters, published via Marketo.
Refresh and update fundraising case statements as requested by OGA.
Develop and manage development of original stories and promote existing stories about the impact of study abroad for students and the impact of faculty global engagement.
Design and manage communications and outreach to alumni and donor audiences in partnership with the Associate Director of Development.
UW News & Information
Develop original stories and promote existing stories to the UW News & Information team for further promotion on UW websites and social media. UW News & Information may also request that OGA create content for their use.
Global Emergency Communications
As international crises impacting UW community members emerge, liaise with the Director of UW Global Travel Health and Safety, the UW media relations team, and other colleagues to craft and disseminate public information.
UW-Wide Internal Communications
Develop content for quarterly UW faculty and staff newsletters, publish via Marketo.
Develop original stories to celebrate global engagement, initiatives, and partnerships at the UW, as well as stories that highlight OGA's services and resources.
Send communications to UW faculty and staff related to UW Global Travel Health and Safety regarding policies and procedures for official international travel at the UW.
Manage UW Study Abroad marketing, communications, and outreach initiatives
Oversee student-facing communications and outreach activities regarding UW Study Abroad.
Provide guidance regarding the creation and dissemination of promotional materials to recruit students to participate in UW Study Abroad for newsletters, websites, social media channels and events.
Guide OGA marketing, communications, and outreach initiatives
Craft and oversee communications to faculty, staff, students, alumni, and donor audiences, including the promotion of OGA's signature initiatives and events across the entire academic year and the design and creation of content for UW Global's social media channels.
Provide guidance to OGA and Executive Office (President and Provost) colleagues to craft international correspondence as well as other written communications, briefings, and talking points.
Oversee and manage all OGA websites
Partner with the UMAC web team as needed on all OGA websites, including managing the A Global University web portal (uw.edu/global) and the Office of Global Affairs website.
Provide strategic partnership and direction for the UW Study Abroad website, UW Rome Center website, and UW Leon Center website
Campus partnership and collaboration
As a Subject Matter Expert and the lead marketing and communications position in OGA, represent OGA at relevant campus meetings and events, including the monthly Marketing & Communications Executive Council (MCEC), the quarterly Marketing & Communications Roundtable, the monthly UMAC Web Council, and the monthly UMAC Social Media Roundtable. External partnership and collaboration.
External partnership and collaboration
Build and maintain relationships with national partners, such as the Big Ten Academic Alliance International Marketing & Communication Directors peer group, including attending quarterly meetings and annual in-person workshops to leverage and advance evolving best practices.
Build and maintain relationships with local partners, such as the GlobalWA Communications Collective, to learn about and share knowledge of best practices, new technologies, strategies and techniques.
Management of Strategic Initiatives (30%)
Design, implement, and lead strategic programs and initiatives to advance international education, global learning, teaching, and research and community engagement.
Oversee and implement strategic OGA initiatives to address recommendations from the Global Engagement Strategy Task Force and OGA Strategic Plan, such as fellowships and community building to convene UW faculty and staff across disciplinary boundaries around geographic and thematic areas of interest.
Develop and maintain relationships with UW leadership, local, national, and international partners, and other relevant partners to foster the implementation of strategic initiatives and projects.
Facilitate the Offices of International Education to create space for information sharing and cooperation for UW staff who work across the UW's three campuses on issues related to international education, including hosting quarterly meetings and managing the mailing listserv and associated Microsoft Teams channel.
Represent OGA to amplify community engagement initiatives and efforts on a global scale, such as by participating in the 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement Re-Classification Working Group.
Establish policies, methods, and procedures to measure and track progress and impact.
Other Duties as Assigned (10%)
Lead other strategic initiatives on behalf of the VP and AVP.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Minimum education required is a Bachelor's Degree and four to five years of experience.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Strong interpersonal and written and oral communications skills
WordPress or similar web CMS platforms
Program or project management experience, ideally in a higher education setting
Demonstrated creativity, organizational ability, and attention to detail
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of and interest in global issues, international education, and global engagement
Experience with Marketo, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva and Cvent
Familiarity with the UW
Supervisory experience
Application Process: The application process may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select "Apply to this position". Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you log into your "My Jobs" page. If you choose to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.
Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.
The University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at [redacted] or [redacted].
Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.
UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.
The Office of Global Affairs (OGA) is a catalyst and a hub for all things global at the UW, connecting the diverse internal and external networks of scholars, students, and community leaders engaged with international issues. OGA's major activities include:
Initiating and supporting scholarly research on global issues across campus units and departments, disseminating information about relevant faculty expertise, funding opportunities, and institutional ties abroad.
Providing a portal through which external stakeholders - including business leaders, representatives of local, regional, and national government, non-governmental organization representatives, international alumni, and ethnic and cultural affinity communities - can learn about and participate in campus activities and resources.
Serving as a central guide and resource for developing and successfully implementing study abroad program, collaboration with international scholars, the conduct of global research, and the design and nurturing of foreign institutional partnerships.
Supporting UW community members in planning and carrying out UW's international scholarship and business in a safe, productive manner.
To facilitate these functions, OGA has five main areas of responsibility: administration of study abroad and exchanges; support for international research; oversight of UW's centers and offices abroad; management of UW international relations and protocols; and coordination of strategic initiatives in the key areas of global health, global environment, global technology, global development challenges, and global cultural change.
We have an outstanding opportunity for a Director, Communications and Strategy, at the UW Office of Global Affairs (OGA). This role will serve three main functions:
Lead OGA communications and outreach activities, including developing and directing OGA's annual marketing and communications plan, managing strategic communications efforts for OGA leadership, and serving as the primary liaison between OGA and the UW media relations team in cases of international emergencies and incidents.
Design, implement, and lead strategic programs and initiatives to advance international education, global learning, teaching and research and community engagement.
Supervise the Program Specialist, Study Abroad Outreach & Recruitment position, in partnership with UW Study Abroad leadership, including overseeing strategic marketing, communications, and outreach initiatives and efforts to increase awareness of and to recruit students to participate in study abroad at the UW.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Communications and Outreach Leadership (60%)
Lead OGA communications and outreach activities, including developing and directing OGA's annual marketing and outreach plan, managing strategic communications efforts for OGA and other UW Executive leadership, and serving as the primary liaison between OGA and the UW media relations team in cases of international emergencies and incidents. Manage staff working on marketing, communications, and outreach initiatives for the office.
Manage OGA's budget for communications, including purchasing event materials and signage, promotional items, and print materials, as well as overseeing the purchase of UW Study Abroad marketing and communications promotional items for annual events like Dawg Daze and the UW Study Abroad Fair.
Establish long-range goals, objectives, and strategies for OGA; develop and execute an annual unit-wide marketing and communications plan, including conducting metrics management to analyze and measure impact such as monitoring event registration and attendance, followers and engagement analytics on social media, website traffic analytics, and Marketo newsletter engagement analytics and click rates.
Lead content creation and strategic communications for:
OGA Advancement & Alumni Engagement efforts
Develop content for quarterly fundraising newsletters, published via Marketo.
Refresh and update fundraising case statements as requested by OGA.
Develop and manage development of original stories and promote existing stories about the impact of study abroad for students and the impact of faculty global engagement.
Design and manage communications and outreach to alumni and donor audiences in partnership with the Associate Director of Development.
UW News & Information
Develop original stories and promote existing stories to the UW News & Information team for further promotion on UW websites and social media. UW News & Information may also request that OGA create content for their use.
Global Emergency Communications
As international crises impacting UW community members emerge, liaise with the Director of UW Global Travel Health and Safety, the UW media relations team, and other colleagues to craft and disseminate public information.
UW-Wide Internal Communications
Develop content for quarterly UW faculty and staff newsletters, publish via Marketo.
Develop original stories to celebrate global engagement, initiatives, and partnerships at the UW, as well as stories that highlight OGA's services and resources.
Send communications to UW faculty and staff related to UW Global Travel Health and Safety regarding policies and procedures for official international travel at the UW.
Manage UW Study Abroad marketing, communications, and outreach initiatives
Oversee student-facing communications and outreach activities regarding UW Study Abroad.
Provide guidance regarding the creation and dissemination of promotional materials to recruit students to participate in UW Study Abroad for newsletters, websites, social media channels and events.
Guide OGA marketing, communications, and outreach initiatives
Craft and oversee communications to faculty, staff, students, alumni, and donor audiences, including the promotion of OGA's signature initiatives and events across the entire academic year and the design and creation of content for UW Global's social media channels.
Provide guidance to OGA and Executive Office (President and Provost) colleagues to craft international correspondence as well as other written communications, briefings, and talking points.
Oversee and manage all OGA websites
Partner with the UMAC web team as needed on all OGA websites, including managing the A Global University web portal (uw.edu/global) and the Office of Global Affairs website.
Provide strategic partnership and direction for the UW Study Abroad website, UW Rome Center website, and UW Leon Center website
Campus partnership and collaboration
As a Subject Matter Expert and the lead marketing and communications position in OGA, represent OGA at relevant campus meetings and events, including the monthly Marketing & Communications Executive Council (MCEC), the quarterly Marketing & Communications Roundtable, the monthly UMAC Web Council, and the monthly UMAC Social Media Roundtable. External partnership and collaboration.
External partnership and collaboration
Build and maintain relationships with national partners, such as the Big Ten Academic Alliance International Marketing & Communication Directors peer group, including attending quarterly meetings and annual in-person workshops to leverage and advance evolving best practices.
Build and maintain relationships with local partners, such as the GlobalWA Communications Collective, to learn about and share knowledge of best practices, new technologies, strategies and techniques.
Management of Strategic Initiatives (30%)
Design, implement, and lead strategic programs and initiatives to advance international education, global learning, teaching, and research and community engagement.
Oversee and implement strategic OGA initiatives to address recommendations from the Global Engagement Strategy Task Force and OGA Strategic Plan, such as fellowships and community building to convene UW faculty and staff across disciplinary boundaries around geographic and thematic areas of interest.
Develop and maintain relationships with UW leadership, local, national, and international partners, and other relevant partners to foster the implementation of strategic initiatives and projects.
Facilitate the Offices of International Education to create space for information sharing and cooperation for UW staff who work across the UW's three campuses on issues related to international education, including hosting quarterly meetings and managing the mailing listserv and associated Microsoft Teams channel.
Represent OGA to amplify community engagement initiatives and efforts on a global scale, such as by participating in the 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement Re-Classification Working Group.
Establish policies, methods, and procedures to measure and track progress and impact.
Other Duties as Assigned (10%)
Lead other strategic initiatives on behalf of the VP and AVP.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Minimum education required is a Bachelor's Degree and four to five years of experience.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Strong interpersonal and written and oral communications skills
WordPress or similar web CMS platforms
Program or project management experience, ideally in a higher education setting
Demonstrated creativity, organizational ability, and attention to detail
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of and interest in global issues, international education, and global engagement
Experience with Marketo, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva and Cvent
Familiarity with the UW
Supervisory experience
Application Process: The application process may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select "Apply to this position". Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you log into your "My Jobs" page. If you choose to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.
Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.
The University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at [redacted] or [redacted].
Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.