Director, Research Communications

Agency

Department

The Director of Research Communications provides strategic leadership in communicating and promoting Prairie View A&M Universitys Research & Innovation (R&I) portfolio. This role ensures the visibility credibility and impact of PVAMUs research enterprise across academic corporate community and governmental stakeholders. The Director works with minimal guidance exercising independent judgment in developing and implementing strategies that align with PVAMUs mission and R&I priorities.

This position is funded by a grant or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent on the renewal of grant or restricted funding.

The salary is determined in accordance with the Universitys compensation structure and will be commensurate with the candidates education and experience within the assigned salary range for this position.

Responsibilities:

Research Communications:

• Partner with the AVP for Marketing and Communications and Vice President for Advancement to develop a strategic communications and marketing plan focused on educating and influencing target audiences on a Road to R1.

• Oversee the development of a comprehensive research communications strategy that highlights PVAMUs research strengths achievements partnerships and innovation impact.

• Translate complex research outcomes into accessible narratives for various audiences including policymakers media funders corporations and the broader public.

• Oversee the development of digital print and multimedia content showcasing faculty student and institutional research.

• Manage communications channels (website newsletters press releases social media reports) for R&I. Serves as the lead editor for all communications and publications. Writes edits formats and assembles documents and publications for the department ensuring that they comply with the University standards and requirements.

• Support grant-writing and research development teams with communication materials.

Leadership:

• Provide effective support on research leadership internal and external communications and visibility.

• Provide vision and guidance for R&I communications strategy while collaborating with faculty students administrators centers and external partners.

• Supervise communications staff contractors and student assistants as assigned.

• Represent PVAMU at internal and external events research showcases and conferences.

• Foster a culture of transparency collaboration and excellence in communications by demonstrating strong leadership and communication skills across the division.

Project Management:

• Oversee effective planning and execution of research communications-related projects events and campaigns.

• Ensure timely delivery of reports materials and campaigns aligned with research priorities.

• Coordinate cross-departmental research communications initiatives ensuring milestones metrics and deliverables are met.

• Manage budgets vendor relationships and timelines for communications initiatives.

Branding & Visibility:

• Strengthen the R&I brand within PVAMU and externally positioning the university as a leader in research innovation and workforce development.

• Ensure R&I communications are in compliance with the University TAMU System State and Federal requirements.

• In collaboration with the University office for Marketing and Communications strategically building media relationships to amplify PVAMUs research stories locally nationally and globally.

• Develop thought-leadership opportunities (op-eds podcasts speaking engagements) for faculty and R&I leadership

Other Duties:

• Provide crisis communications support when needed.

• Benchmark PVAMUs R&I communications against peer institutions and recommend improvements.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Vice President for Research & Innovation.

• Acts a liaison with the University office for marketing and communications in addition to other cross-department communications staff to coordinate strategic communications initiatives projects and committees that support institutional goals.

Required Education & Experience:

• Bachelors degree in Communications Journalism Public Relations Marketing or a related field.

• Ten years of related experience in communications.

• Three years of supervisory experience.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• 10 years of progressively responsible experience in communications preferably in higher education or research-intensive settings.

• Proven track record in project management brand development and research communications.

• Strong leadership organizational and interpersonal skills with the ability to work independently.

• Exceptional writing editing and storytelling skills with experience translating research for multiple audiences.

• Experience managing multimedia content digital platforms and media relations.

• Strategic thinker with the ability to connect research outcomes to institutional impact.

• Skilled at navigating academic industry and community environments.

• Ability to lead with minimal guidance while fostering cross-functional collaboration.

• Adept at balancing multiple projects with competing priorities.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation and employment is contingent upon the institutions verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institutions procedures including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.