Director, Communications (Hybrid) - (3853)
Job Summary
The Institute of International Education (IIE) is hiring a Director, Communications for our IIE Communications team. This role works with the IIE Communications team to build engagement inside and outside the organization, supporting the CEO and Senior Leadership team, and collaborating with public affairs consultants.
Essential Functions
Manage a team of communications professionals, fostering a culture of excellence, customer service and accountability to ensure high-quality, reliable, and timely execution of deliverables against the annual plan and in support of IIE’s communication strategy.
Support the development of IIE’s organizational communications strategy and identify strategic communication needs in support of Business Development, Philanthropy, Research Evaluation and Learning, Higher Ed Initiatives, and Program teams.
Direct creation of collateral and print materials to support business needs.
Lead annual planning process, setting objectives, timelines, performance metrics, and developing systems to advance the impact of IIE’s work both internally and externally.
Provide communications support and craft executive messaging for the CEO and the Senior Leadership team, including digital content, talking points, and written materials.
Support the Chief of Staff (COS) and the Office of the CEO with crisis communications, managing strategy, messaging, and execution during sensitive or high-stakes situations.
Oversee departmental operations including technology solutions and departmental budgets.
Project manage major collaborative communications initiatives, including Open Doors rollout, and other significant program or organizational milestones.
Set performance standards and metrics. Review and approve IIE communications materials.
Develop and manage publicity plans to elevate the humanitarian impact of IIE initiatives such as the IIE Scholar Rescue Fund and the Odyssey Scholarship Program.
Oversee the IIE website to educate the public about the value of IIE as a leader in international education and as a trusted partner in developing and implementing exchange programs.
Strategically disseminate programmatic information on the website and ensure risk and reputation management.
Provide communications training to IIE team members for attendance at conferences, managing individual program social media platforms, development and publication of newsletters and blogs.
Develop and execute an annual plan to drive staff engagement, including in-person and virtual activities, large scale events, information sessions and small group discussions with staff and leadership.
Qualifications And Experience
Requires a Bachelor's degree and at least eight years of related work experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Expertise in digital communications ecosystems, including social media platforms, strong understanding of integrated, multichannel communications strategies that drive audience engagement and organizational influence.
Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with the ability to produce high-impact content across formats—including long-form thought leadership, executive communications, reports, and concise, platform-optimized social media—under tight deadlines.
Demonstrated proficiency in translating complex quantitative and qualitative data into clear, audience-centric messaging; experience using data visualization techniques to enhance comprehension and impact.
Strong command of communications analytics and performance measurement, including use of tools (e.g., Google Analytics, social media insights, CRM platforms) to assess campaign effectiveness, inform strategy, and optimize content.
Proven experience managing high-performing, cross-functional teams, 5 years of managerial experience preferred.
Demonstrated experience with stewardship of institutional messaging during periods of ambiguity.
Demonstrated ability to support senior leadership, providing content options, executive messaging support and visuals/collateral.
Project management capabilities, including planning and executing complex, cross-functional communications initiatives; ability to manage competing priorities, allocate resources effectively, and deliver results under pressure.
Salary And Benefits
Hiring Range: $113,639 - $137,389. A candidate’s salary is determined by various factors including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, job-related knowledge, skills, abilities, internal organizational equity, and geographic region.
IIE offers a robust suite of benefits to team members including medical, dental, and vision plans, paid time off and holidays, student loan, tuition and professional development reimbursement programs, retirement plans and a family medical leave benefits.