Director for Communications & Information Technology Services

The University of Georgia (UGA), chartered in 1785, is the birthplace of public higher education in America and Georgia’s flagship university. Ranked among the top 20 public universities by U.S. News & World Report, UGA’s main campus is in Athens, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. The university employs approximately 3,100 faculty and 7,700 full-time staff, serving over 41,000 students across 19 schools and colleges, including a newly established School of Medicine.

About the Role

Reporting to the Vice President for Student Affairs, the Director for Communications and Information Technology Services serves as the Division’s senior leader for communications, marketing, brand management, digital engagement, and information technology services. This role provides strategic leadership in developing and executing integrated communication, marketing, and technology initiatives that advance the Division’s mission, support institutional priorities, and enhance the student experience. The Director supervises communications, digital engagement, and information technology staff, establishes division-wide strategies, and oversees planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of communication and technology services.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Communications and Brand Management (40%)
  • Develop, coordinate, and oversee implementation of Division and departmental communication plans, policies, and reports.
  • Inform the public and campus community of Student Affairs’ programs, achievements, and developments.
  • Direct the Division’s marketing and advertising strategy, including promotional campaigns and media placement.
  • Oversee development and production of Student Affairs videos.
  • Serve as the Division’s liaison to UGA Marketing & Communications (MARCOMM) for media relations, executive communications, and responses to media inquiries.
  • Represent the Division on the University’s Core Strategic Communications Team.
  • Lead the Division’s brand strategy to ensure consistent messaging, visual identity, and alignment with University standards.
  • Plan, coordinate, and oversee design and production of Division publications, marketing, and advertising materials, including the Annual Update.
  • Oversee Division website development, maintenance, and social media efforts.
  • Conduct market and public opinion research to test mechanisms and determine marketing potential.
  • Identify and package the Division’s marketable assets in collaboration with Student Affairs leadership.
  • Maintain compliance with public statutes, laws, and policies related to intellectual property, copyright, and trademarks.
• Leadership & Staff Supervision (30%)
  • Provide strategic leadership for the Division’s Communications, Digital Engagement, and Information Technology functions.
  • Directly supervise the Assistant Director for Communications, Digital Engagement Lead, and Information Technology Lead, including hiring, onboarding, performance management, coaching, and professional development.
  • Promote and participate in staff development, retention, and engagement.
  • Provide indirect leadership for professional staff, student assistants, and graduate assistants.
  • Establish departmental goals, priorities, and performance expectations; allocate resources; and monitor progress.
  • Serve as a member of the Student Affairs Leadership Team (SALT), contributing to divisional strategy, organizational planning, and executive decision-making.
• Digital Engagement and Information Technology (20%)
  • Lead the strategic direction for digital student engagement and technology-enabled services.
  • Advance integrated digital engagement strategies using technology and data to improve personalized student communication and support.
  • Oversee implementation of technology solutions to improve student access to services and enhance engagement.
  • Direct and align the Division’s digital engagement and information technology functions to promote integrated service delivery and innovation.
  • Represent the Division on campus-wide councils and advisory groups related to information technology, including the Student Technology Fee Advisory Committee.
• Other Administrative Duties
  • Maintain comprehensive knowledge of the Division’s mission, strategic priorities, and institutional goals.
  • Serve as the Division’s lead and primary contact for Open Records requests.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent plus 12 years of professional experience, including 5 years of supervisory experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Mass Communications or a similar field.
• Five to seven years of progressively responsible leadership experience in communications, marketing, digital engagement, information technology, or a related field, preferably within higher education or another complex organization.
• Experience developing and implementing comprehensive communications, marketing, and branding strategies.
• Experience using assessment, analytics, and data to inform communication strategies and organizational decision-making.

Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge of strategic communications, marketing, branding, media relations, and digital engagement best practices.
• Knowledge of information technology services, digital platforms, data governance, and emerging technologies supporting organizational effectiveness and student success.
• Ability to develop and implement communication and technology strategies aligned with institutional priorities.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills, including recruiting, developing, coaching, and evaluating staff while fostering collaboration.
• Ability to build and maintain productive relationships with senior leaders, faculty, staff, students, and external partners.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including preparing executive-level communications and presenting complex information to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and lead cross-functional initiatives.
• Ability to analyze information, assess organizational needs, and make data-informed decisions.
• Knowledge of website management, content management systems, social media platforms, and digital communication tools.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and manage sensitive information professionally.

Schedule

Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Some nights and weekends may be necessary.

This position is benefits-eligible, full-time, and exempt under the FLSA. A credit check and background investigation, including a criminal background check, are required for employment. The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer.