Director of Communications - IEI

The University of Notre Dame is more than a workplace. We are 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 University of Notre Dame’s Institute for Educational Initiatives seeks applicants for our Director of Communications. This full-time position is in-person, located in Notre Dame, Indiana. The Institute for Educational Initiatives works to advance Notre Dame’s commitment to the future of children and schools locally, nationally, and globally with particular emphasis on Catholic education. The Institute is home to several major units including: the Alliance for Catholic Education; the Center for Educational Research and Action; the Center for Research on Educational Opportunity; the Education, Schooling, and Society undergraduate supplemental major; the Global Center for the Development of the Whole Child; the Center for Literacy Education; the Notre Dame Center for STEM Education; the Program for Interdisciplinary Educational Research, and other programs and internal support units.

Heeding the call to think beyond ourselves and create a more just world, the Institute advances the field of education through the generation and dissemination of new knowledge while also addressing the struggles of our education system as barriers to economic prosperity and community stability. The Institute is comprised of roughly 130 full time faculty and staff as well as over 60 faculty fellows pursuing entrepreneurial initiatives that improve the education of the young, particularly the underserved, paying special attention to Catholic schools. Reporting to the Managing Director of the Institute, the Director of Communications works alongside the leadership of the Institute as well as with the University’s central communicators, establishing and implementing a strategic and aspirational organization-wide communications and marketing plan focused on both short and long-term strategic goals. Inspired by our story and mission, the Director of Communication’s vision should energize stakeholders, both in and beyond Notre Dame, to be agents of change in strengthening and transforming K-12 schools.

1. Strategic Leadership

As a key constituent providing strategic leadership to the Director of the Institute, the Director of Communications shapes the Institute’s marketing and communications plan, including the creation and rollout of targeted communications strategies and tactics (editorial/design, web, print, video, social media) with measurable outcomes.

2. Media, Stakeholder, and University Relations

As a leader in an Institute with both a national and international reach, the Director of Communications represents the Institute to relevant audiences in and beyond Notre Dame’s campus. The Director, therefore, collaborates with faculty of the Institute, the University’s central communications team, the Office of Development, as well as media outlets and selected third-party specialists with experience in strategic communications for higher education to elevate the work and mission of the Institute.

3. Talent Development and Management

As the chief supervisor of the Institute’s Communications Team, the Director recruits, retains and develops best-in-class talent in the realm of communications.

4. Other Duties as Assigned

 

Application Materials Required

Applicants must submit the following materials for consideration:

• A cover letter that clearly aligns your skills and experience with the needs of the position (please note: cover letters should be your original work and not generated by AI tools)
• A resume or CV
• Three work samples (marketing and/or writing samples), including at least one writing sample

Minimum Qualifications:

• B.A. in communications, journalism, marketing, or a related degree and at least 5 years management experience in publications, public relations, or a related field, preferably in an academic context
• Prior experience leading the creation and implementation of a strategic communications plan and experience in team leadership, both in supervising a communications staff and in fostering coordination and best practices within a wider institution
• Advanced written and oral communications skills as well as proficiency in digital communications, media relations and brand messaging
• An understanding and appreciation for the mission of Notre Dame and the Institute, including the Institute’s unique commitment to K-12 Catholic education and educational research

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing, or in a related field
• Experience leading a strategic and impactful communications initiative in higher education
• Experience communicating about global education to a wide audience

Application Materials Required

Applicants must submit the following materials for consideration:

• A cover letter that clearly aligns your skills and experience with the needs of the position (please note: cover letters should be your original work and not generated by AI tools)
• A resume or CV
• Three work samples (marketing and/or writing samples), including at least one writing sample

This position will close on April 23, 2026.

The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.