Assistant Dean of Strategy and Communications

Assistant Dean of Strategy and Communications

This role ensures alignment with the College's strategic direction while addressing wide-ranging audiences with available resources. The Assistant Dean identifies, manages, and reduces risks, provides the Dean with executive communications support, assists College deans and department chairs through coaching and strategic conversations, and works closely with LSU communication leaders to meet the university's public affairs goals. The Assistant Dean serves as the primary advisor to College leadership on messaging, public speaking, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring that communications drive progress for the College and LSU. This leader will be both a strategist and advisor and a hands-on contributor who can write and edit a variety of materials, from memos to messaging, communications plans to press pitches.

With exceptional judgment and discretion, a pro-active, data-driven approach, and a strong command of communications platforms such as Cision and Meltwater, the Assistant Dean is instrumental in building the reputation of the College and meeting its goals for improving education, research, and service to Louisiana.

30% Strategic Planning and Execution: Establish and drive a multi-channel communications strategy for the College that reflects the priorities of the College's academic and research leaders and aligns with university strategy. This will include both internal and external audiences and channels. Serve as a key member of the Dean's administrative team, contributing to college planning and advising leaders on communications. Lead communications projects with significant potential to drive progress toward College goals, including impact reporting, major program announcements, and alumni and donor engagement. Continuously review audiences, messaging, and outreach with an eye toward effectiveness and efficiency.

30% Team Management and Development: Supervise a team of communication professionals, providing tailored support, direction, and mentorship. Model and build a culture of collaboration, curiosity, and excellence and a positive, pro-active, problem-solving mindset. Actively and consistently encourage each team member's learning and growth, and equip them with the resources they need, in order to meet high performance standards, build morale, and maintain consistency in communications efforts. Review employee performance, oversee professional development, and build and manage a team budget.

20% Collaboration and Partnerships: Work closely with College deans, department heads, faculty, and staff to align communication efforts with institutional priorities and initiatives. Establish strong ties with cross-sector partners inside and outside of the university, including the LSU communications team members, LSU Foundation staff, industry partners, and government agencies to strengthen the College's expanding public and private partnerships.

10% Support for Leadership: Provide coaching and support to academic leaders and spokespeople to develop clear and concise messaging that aligns with the College's strategy. Develop impactful talking points that convey leadership's strategic priorities, fostering connection and trust among stakeholders.

10% Support College Leadership: Provide coaching and support to academic leaders and spokespeople to develop clear and concise messaging that aligns with the College's strategy. Develop talking points, issues briefs, and project plans that convey priorities, foster connection, and build trust among stakeholders. Lead all communications efforts for the Dean, collaborating with the Dean's Executive Assistant and other members of the communications team.

10% Analyze Performance and Measure Impact:

Identify, collect, and analyze metrics and qualitative data such as surveys and focus groups to evaluate the impact of communication strategies and demonstrate return on investment. Continuously monitor and adopt new and effective tools, such as AI applications and new content management or design platforms, that improve the work of the team. Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree and 7 years of related experience.

LSU values skills, experience, and expertise. Candidates who have relevant experience in key job responsibilities are encouraged to apply--a degree is not required as long as the candidate meets the required years of experience specified in the job description.

Additional Information:

Due to the nature of the position and/or responsibilities, in times of emergencies and/or University closures, this position is considered essential. It may be required to assist the Office of Communications and University Relations on necessary communications matters in times of crisis, including potentially working in LSUs Emergency Operations Center during those times.