Director of Communications bei Loyola University - New Orleans, LA

About the Department

The Director of Communications provides strategic leadership for all university communications, ensuring alignment with Loyola University New Orleans’ mission and priorities. Serving as both an advisor to leadership and the university’s spokesperson, the Director develops and directs integrated strategies for internal and external communications that advance Loyola’s reputation, strengthen its brand, and foster community engagement.

This role oversees campus-wide messaging, presidential and cabinet-level communications, media relations, crisis communications, and storytelling that highlights Loyola’s impact locally, regionally, and nationally. The Director combines high-level strategy with strong writing, relationship-building, and execution skills to position the university as a leader in Jesuit higher education.

Position Duties

• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive communications strategy that supports Loyola’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities.

• Oversee all internal communications, including campus-wide announcements, presidential and cabinet-level communications, newsletters, and other institutional messages to ensure clarity, timeliness, and brand consistency.

• Serve as Loyola’s primary media relations contact and spokesperson, fostering strong relationships with journalists and securing coverage that advances the university’s reputation.

• Draft and edit press releases, media statements, speeches, talking points, op-eds, and other key content on behalf of university leadership.

• Oversee the production, editing, and distribution of digital and print communications, including newsletters, magazines, and institutional reports.

• Provide leadership in crisis communications planning and response, including maintaining and updating the university’s Crisis Communication Plan.

• Direct the monitoring of news coverage and produce regular analytics reports demonstrating reach, impact, and effectiveness of media efforts.

• Guide and oversee Loyola’s official social media presence in coordination with the broader MarCom team, ensuring strategic alignment and timely engagement.

• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate communications staff and student interns, fostering professional growth and high performance.

• Represent Marketing and Communications at university and external events.

• Collaborate with cabinet members, deans, and senior leaders to support communications needs across academic and administrative units.

• Perform other communications-related duties as assigned by the Vice President for Marketing and Communications.

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field.

• Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, or marketing.

• Demonstrated expertise in media relations and serving as an organizational spokesperson.

• Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.

• Proven ability to provide strategic communications counsel to senior leadership.

• Ability to manage multiple complex projects under tight deadlines.

• Strong knowledge of digital communications, web content management systems, and social media strategy.

Additional Desirable Qualifications     

• Master’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field.
• Experience in higher education communications.
• Demonstrated success in crisis communications management.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to use metrics to assess impact.