Director, Strategic Communications (HR)

Application Instructions

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• Cover letter required for all positions and optional for facilities, campus services, and hospitality positions unless otherwise specified.
  
  

Job Description Summary

This position will serve as a strategic partner on the Human Resources (HR) leadership team, developing and executing a comprehensive and strategic communications plan for the HR function. This role will involve crafting compelling messaging, managing internal and external communications, and leveraging various channels to effectively engage employees, candidates, and stakeholders. Working closely with the CHRO, HR leaders, Senior Director of Strategic Communications (F&A) and other strategic communications partners, this position will play a key role communicating information to campus and improving the employment experience at Wake Forest.

Job Description

Essential Functions:

Strategic Communications (30%)

• Leads the strategic communications function for the HR team, developing and implementing approaches to integrate HR priorities that support the broader University goals and mission.
• Provides communication guidance to the HR leadership team in their roles as strategic leaders and spokespersons.
• Develops and executes a comprehensive, written HR communication strategy, including maintaining a structured communication calendar to ensure coordinated and consistent messaging across all channels.
• Manages the employer brand for current and prospective faculty and staff constituents, with an emphasis on elevating the employer value proposition to recruit and retain top talent.
• Serves as the HR representative when developing communication plans in coordination with the Senior Director of Strategic Communications (F&A) and the University Marketing and Communications team.
• Advocates for and supports belonging through transparent and inclusive communication practices, contributing to a workplace culture that values diversity and equity.
• Handles confidential and sensitive information with discretion and integrity, maintaining trust and compliance with University partners and policies.
  
  

Stakeholder Collaboration, Coordination, and Engagement (30%)

• Works directly with subject matter experts across the HR team and the HR Project Manager to lead cross-functional projects, processes, and communications.
• Provides guidance to the HR team, ensuring that all communications are sustainable, clear, consistent, and in alignment with University brand standards.
• Collaborates with campus communicators and departments to ensure HR communications are delivered in coordination with broader University communications, facilitating message alignment and timing.
• As part of a dedicated and entrepreneurial team, develops strong relationships with faculty, staff, students, and external constituents, and serves as a representative of HR.
• Leads the University’s faculty and staff recognition program; plans engagement events related to employee milestones, retirement, and other engagement initiatives.
• Manages relationships and projects with preferred suppliers.
• Manages the budget for all departmental communications.
  
  

Content Development and Distribution (30%)

• Drafts key HR announcements and communication cascades, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and consistent alignment with strategic objectives.
• Develops audience-centered print and digital collateral for key HR initiatives.
• Oversees the content development and distribution of HR newsletters; strategically contributes to other University newsletters and channels to reach unique and segmented audiences.
• Oversees the maintenance of the HR website, identifying opportunities to improve the content.
• Creates a social media strategy that engages current faculty and staff while positioning the University as an top employer on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
  
  

Metrics and Evaluation (10%)

• With the HR leadership team, partners with the CHRO to establish the strategic direction for the department, including measurable goals and progress tracking.
• Facilitates stakeholder engagement meetings and deploys feedback loops to evaluate the scope of communication needs and assess the effectiveness of communication strategies.
• Establishes key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to assess the communication strategy effectiveness and makes recommendations for improvement based on feedback and data analysis.
  
  

Other Functions

• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications or related field and five years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, facilitation, collaboration, and presentation skills.
• Excellent business writing skills and the ability to take complex ideas, messages, and concepts and make them relevant for the intended audience.
• Experience leading and managing multiple complex projects that are strategic in nature.
• Adaptability to evolving circumstances and the ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and committed to continuous improvement.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
• Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision.
  
  

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Master’s degree in Communication, Business, Management or a related field.
• Prior experience in higher education.
• Prior experience using Adobe Creative Suite applications and Canva.
• Prior experience in website management, digital newsletter platforms, and social media.
• Prior experience using Google Office Suite applications.
• Prior experience writing and editing using AP Style.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing in English and Spanish.
• Change management aptitude and effective negotiating skills; Change Management certification.
• PHR/SPHR certification.
  
  

Accountabilities

• Oversees an engagement and recognition event budget.
• Co-supervises one part-time staff member, which includes hiring, scheduling, and assigning work, reviewing performance, and recommends salary increases, promotions, transfers, demotions, or terminations.
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sedentary work primarily involving sitting/standing
• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers
• No adverse environmental conditions expected.
  
  

Disclaimer

This position profile identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for performance. It cannot encompass all specific job tasks that an employee may be required to perform. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform job-related duties as may be reasonably assigned by the employee’s supervisor.

To help provide a safe learning and living community, Wake Forest University conducts background investigations and drug screens for all final candidates being considered for employment.

Wake Forest seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce and encourages qualified candidates across all group demographics to apply. Wake Forest University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in employment for individuals with disabilities.

Additional Job Description

Time Type Requirement

Full time

Note To Applicant

This position profile identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for performance. It cannot encompass all specific job tasks that an employee may be required to perform. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform job-related duties as may be reasonably assigned by his/her supervisor.

In order to provide a safe and productive learning and living community, Wake Forest University conducts background investigations and drug screens for all final staff candidates being considered for employment.

Wake Forest seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce while promoting an inclusive work environment committed to excellence in the spirit of Pro Humanitate. In adherence with applicable laws and as provided by University policies, the University prohibits discrimination in its employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, disability and veteran status and encourages qualified candidates across all group demographics to apply.