Director Communications & Engagement

Company Description

The University of Notre Dame is more than a workplace; it is a vibrant, mission-driven community where every employee is valued and supported. Rooted in a tradition of excellence and inspired by our Catholic character, Notre Dame is committed to fostering an environment of care that nurtures the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Here, you will find a deep sense of belonging, a culture that prioritizes well-being, and the opportunity to grow your career while being a force for good in the world.

Whether contributing to world-class research, shaping the student experience, or supporting the University’s mission in other ways, you will be part of a dedicated team working to make a meaningful impact on campus and beyond. At Notre Dame, your work matters, and so do you!

The Director of Communications & Engagement provides strategic leadership for the College of Science's communications, marketing, branding, and engagement efforts. As a member of the College's executive leadership team, this position serves as a trusted advisor to the Dean and senior leadership, developing and executing a comprehensive communications strategy that advances the College's mission, elevates its reputation, and supports its strategic priorities.

The Director oversees all aspects of internal and external communications, brand management, digital and print publications, media relations, academic events and conferences, and stakeholder engagement. This role ensures that the College presents a cohesive and compelling narrative to faculty, staff, students, donors, research partners, alumni, the broader scientific community, and the public.

In addition to leading a high-performing communications team, the Director partners closely with the Director of Departmental Operations to strengthen staff engagement, professional development, and organizational effectiveness while fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications and engagement strategy that advances the College's mission, strategic priorities, and long-term reputation.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to the Dean and executive leadership on executive messaging, crisis communications, reputation management, organizational change, and public engagement initiatives.
• Provide leadership and oversight for all communications and marketing functions, including branding, media relations, publications, digital communications, social media, and storytelling that elevates faculty, research, student, and alumni achievements.
• Establish and maintain a cohesive College brand and messaging framework across departments, centers, institutes, and key stakeholder audiences.
• Lead the planning and execution of signature events, academic conferences, and engagement initiatives that strengthen relationships with donors, alumni, students, faculty, and external partners.
• Foster a data-informed communications strategy by leveraging analytics, audience insights, engagement metrics, and emerging technologies, including AI-enabled tools, to improve effectiveness and operational efficiency.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the communications team while overseeing departmental priorities, resource allocation, budgets, and workflow to ensure high-quality execution and continuous improvement.
• Partner with University communications, the Provost's Office, Notre Dame Research, and other campus leaders to align College communications with broader institutional initiatives and represent the College on University committees.
• Collaborate with the Director of Departmental Operations to support staff engagement, professional development, performance management, and organizational effectiveness.
• Perform other duties and strategic initiatives as assigned by the Dean or their designee.

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field.
• Five or more years of progressively responsible communications, marketing, or public relations experience.
• Demonstrated experience developing strategic communications plans and advising senior leadership.
• Expe…