Auburn University is seeking a director of communications and external relations to join its team in Auburn, Alabama.

Job description

The College of Architecture, Design and Construction (CADC) at Auburn University invites applications for the position of director of communications and external relations – a strategic leadership role at a pivotal moment in the college’s evolution.

The CADC is advancing an ambitious institutional repositioning. Over the next five years, the college will lead a capital campaign, plan and fundraise for a transformative new research and teaching facility, commission a comprehensive brand identity strategy, develop a new college-wide website, and launch a multi-format publication platform designed to circulate, archive, and amplify faculty and student work nationally and internationally. The Director will play a central role in shaping and communicating this next chapter.

This position is part of a dedicated communications team located within the college and will lead that team under the direction of the dean. The director will serve as a strategic partner to the dean and as a member of the college’s leadership circle, guiding the development and execution of a cohesive communications vision aligned with the CADC’s long-term academic and philanthropic priorities.

About the CADC

The CADC comprises three schools: the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture; the McWhorter School of Building Science; and the School of Industrial and Graphic Design. Together, these academic units represent a broad and interconnected range of disciplines-offering nationally and internationally recognized undergraduate and graduate degree programs in architecture, landscape architecture, interior architecture, environmental design, graphic design, industrial design, and building construction. While distinct in focus, the schools share a culture of inquiry, making, and public engagement that encourages collaboration, influence, and innovation across fields.

Guided by the strategic framework In the Making-CADC, the college is actively clarifying and strengthening its identity as a visible site of ideas and action -where disciplines intersect to shape the built and informational environment. Through creative practice, research, teaching and outreach, the CADC advances Auburn University’s land-grant mission locally and globally.

Position overview

The CADC seeks a creative leader who understands the intellectual and cultural dimensions of architecture, design, and construction-and can translate complex academic work into compelling public narratives for diverse external audiences.

The director will lead strategy across marketing, communications, media relations, alumni engagement, digital platforms, and external visibility. This individual must be comfortable thinking conceptually and executing tactically-developing long-term positioning while guiding daily content production. Working in close partnership with the Dean and faculty leadership, the Director will align communications with academic priorities and advancement strategy.

This role sits at the center of the college’s next chapter, helping position and communicate the CADC’s work to academic, professional, and philanthropic audiences. The director will be expected to engage the ideas, research, and creative practices of the college.

Review of candidates will begin on May 1, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is between July and August 2026.

Responsibilities

Strategic positioning:

partner directly with the CADC Dean to define and execute a communications strategy aligned with capital campaign priorities, facilities planning, and institutional repositioning, serving as a senior advisor on institutional messaging and public positioning
lead the college’s marketing, communications, public relations, and external engagement initiatives across all schools and programs
serve as a strategic advisor on messaging related to advancement, major gifts, naming opportunities, and donor engagement
work in partnership with the Dean, external strategy consultants, and university partners to steward the development and implementation of a college-wide brand identity system.

External engagement:

strengthen relationships with alumni, industry partners, and key stakeholders through thoughtfully designed programming, events, and communications
serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries and collaborate closely with Auburn University’s central Office of Communications and Marketing
shape and communicate narratives around the college’s research, design, and outreach-situating faculty and student work within broader disciplinary and public conversations-across print, digital, video, social, exhibition, and public programming platforms.

Infrastructure and operations:

provide strategic oversight for the CADC website and digital platforms, guiding the design and implementation of a new college website while ensuring clarity, coherence and alignment with broader communications priorities
oversee the launch and cultivation of CADC PRESS, advancing publication initiatives that promote, circulate, and archive faculty and student work
provide leadership, mentorship, and professional development for the college’s communications team, including designers, writers, and student staff

Qualifications:

typical salaries will fall between $118,000 – $137,000
bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, marketing, or related field
ten years of experience in external relations and communications industry related to academic, media, marketing, and/or public relations
two years of experience supervising full time employees.

Desired qualifications and attributes:

demonstrated fluency in design culture and the ability to communicate across creative, technical, and construction fields
exceptional writing and editorial judgment, able to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively
experience leading multi-platform storytelling across digital, print, video, and emerging media
experience supporting advancement and campaign communications in academic, cultural, or design-driven organizations
capacity to operate strategically and tactically within a dynamic, intellectually rigorous, multidisciplinary environment
established relationships with media and communication outlets

Special instructions

Submit the below application materials into one document:

cover letter
resume
three professional references
professional portfolio (samples of work), 12 MB max

Minimum knowledge, skills and abilities:

knowledge of broadcast, electronic and print mediums, and related industries operational practices
established working relationships with local, state, and national media and communication outlets

Why work at Auburn:

life-changing impact: our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world
culture of excellence: we are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education
we’re here for you: Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance
sweet home Alabama: the Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches
a place for everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged

Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!

Compensation

Pay Grade: MC13

Posted min. pay rate: USD $81,510.00 annually

Posted max pay rate: USD $146,730.00 annually

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Director of communications and external relations