Widener University is currently seeking an Associate Director of Communications in the University Relations department. Reporting to the Executive Director of Communications, the role serves as the primary strategic link between the University Relations Department and academic and administrative units across campus. This position leads the development and coordination of integrated communications initiatives that strengthen the university’s visibility and reputation. Through close collaboration with internal partners, the role advances compelling storytelling and outreach across regional and national media, university publications, digital platforms, social media channels, and signature events helping to elevate the institution’s profile and reinforce its mission.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):
Essential Duties:
- Partner with deans, faculty, staff, and students across academic and administrative units to develop and execute strategic communications initiatives, including media relations, special events, and on‑brand digital storytelling for web, social media, and other platforms.
- Create and distribute press releases, media advisories, op‑eds, student‑written columns, and targeted story pitches to regional and national media outlets.
- Identify, prepare, and coach deans and faculty for media engagement, including interview preparation, op‑ed development, and building a strong digital presence.
- Collaborate with the Executive Director of Communications to shape and implement digital communication strategies for university‑wide and departmental websites and social media channels.
- Produce and share compelling content that advances these strategies and reinforces the university’s brand, mission, and vision.
- Work with academic and administrative departments to develop new events and enhance existing ones, maximizing their visibility and appeal to prospective students and media as part of broader marketing and communications goals.
- Write and edit for university publications, including Widener Insider and Widener Magazine.
- Manage or support the distribution of university‑wide communications, including the Monday Daily News Briefing, and assist with the creation and dissemination of the Daily News Briefing as needed.
- Serve on university committees as assigned.
Secondary Responsibilities:
- Track media releases and pitches, and prepare reports on digital communications performance, media coverage, and website newsroom metrics.
- Attend university events to gather information, capture photographs, and produce news content that highlights Widener’s vibrant campus community.
- Regularly update website content to ensure accuracy, relevance, and alignment with university messaging.
- Produce and edit video content as needed to support communications initiatives.
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned or directed to support departmental needs and align with the mission, values and goals of University Relations and Widener University.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education/training and experience required):
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree.
- Five (5) years of experience in public relations or journalism. A combination of education and experience may be considered.
- Ability to recognize emerging issues and address them before they become problems.
- Superior written, verbal and interpersonal communications skills. Superior brand story-telling and editing skills.
- Ability to take scientific or technical research and explain it in layman’s terms.
- Ability to develop strategic initiatives that correspond to the academic/administrative departmental goals and the university’s priorities.
- Ability to build trust and develop a team-member mentality with academic/ administrative departments.
- Ability to work independently, think on the fly, and be flexible.
- Ability to develop creative ways to tell stories and attract the attention of prospective students and the news media.
Preferred:
- Previous social media and/or website content maintenance experience.
- Photography and video shooting and editing experience.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS:
- Moderate amount of standing, walking, climbing stairs, bending and kneeling.
- Requires occasional evening and weekend assignments.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.
Some positions may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement that may include a partially or fully remote work location, consistent with Widener’s Flexible Work policy.
Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at www.widener.edu.
EOE M/F/V/D
