Director of Communications and Digital Operations

About the Role

Under the direction of the Dean, the Director of Communications and Digital Operations provides leadership, management, and operational oversight for the College’s merged Information Technology and Communications organization. This encompasses information technology services, enterprise information systems, strategic communications, media relations, brand management, web operations, and digital engagement activities. The Director unifies previously separate ITS and Communications functions into a single department, exercising broad independent judgment in setting an integrated technology and communications strategy aligned with College priorities. The Director oversees departmental operations, supervises professional and support staff across both functions, administers consolidated departmental budgets, manages technology and communications resources, and ensures reliable delivery of services supporting academic, research, outreach, and administrative functions across the College. The Director serves as a key advisor to the Executive Manager and the Dean on matters where technology and communications intersect – including reputation management, crisis and issues communication, data-informed decision-making, and the College’s public-facing digital presence – and represents the College with university partners such as ITS, News & Information Services, and University Publishing.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, management, and operational oversight for the merged Information Technology and Communications organization.
• Set an integrated technology and communications strategy aligned with College priorities.
• Oversee departmental operations and supervise professional and support staff across both functions.
• Administer consolidated departmental budgets and manage technology and communications resources.
• Ensure reliable delivery of services supporting academic, research, outreach, and administrative functions.
• Serve as a key advisor to the Executive Manager and the Dean on matters related to technology and communications.
• Represent the College with university partners such as ITS, News & Information Services, and University Publishing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, information systems, communications, computer science, business administration, public administration, or related field.
• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience spanning both information technology and communications/media relations functions.
• At least three (3) years of supervisory or management experience with responsibility for personnel and budget.
• Proven leadership experience and ability to manage cross-functional teams spanning technical and communications disciplines.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and public speaking skills.
• Experience with media relations and crisis communication.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Higher education leadership experience spanning both IT and communications functions.
• Budget administration experience across multiple functional areas.
• Experience leading organizational change or the integration of merged departments or teams.
• Familiarity with state college systems and public education policy.
• Experience with digital analytics and communication technologies.

Benefits

WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes:

• Paid sick and vacation leave.
• Paid holidays.
• Medical, dental, life, and disability insurance package for employees and dependents.
• Retirement and deferred compensation plans.
• Optional supplemental retirement accounts.
• Training and development opportunities.
• Employee tuition waiver.

Pay

Monthly Salary: $7,000.00 - $9,403.52 | Commensurate with experience and qualifications. The anticipated hiring range is up to $9,000 per month.

Schedule

This is a full-time (100% FTE), permanent position with a 12-month term.

Application Deadline: November 8, 2026

Location: Pullman, WA

Area/College: College of Education, Sport and Human Sciences (CESHS)