Posting Details

Posting Details

Job #
043077

Department Code
31301-0097

Department
D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF)

Job Title
Associate Director of Communications

Location
Syracuse, NY

Campus
Syracuse, NY

Commitment to On-Campus Experience

Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in-person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus. Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.

Pay Range
$76,100 - $92,200

Pay Determination

Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate's education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university's strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.

Staff Level
S5

FLSA Status
Exempt

Hours

Standard University business hours

8:30am - 5:00pm (academic year)

8:00am - 4:30pm (summer)

Hours may vary based on operational needs.

Job Type
Full-time

Unionized Position Code
Not Applicable

Job Description

The Associate Director of Communications develops high-quality editorial content and manages earned media initiatives for the D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University. Reporting to the Executive Director of Marketing and Communications, this position produces long-form and high-visibility communications, develops strategic media pitches, and supports external brand positioning in alignment with established Institute and University strategy.

The Associate Director translates complex research, policy, programmatic, and organizational information into clear, credible, and compelling narratives for media, executive, partner, stakeholder, and public audiences. The successful candidate will be an exceptional writer and editor with significant media relations experience, strong pitching capabilities, sound editorial judgment, and the ability to identify timely stories and opportunities within the news cycle.

The position works closely with leaders, researchers, and subject matter experts across IVMF, coordinates with Syracuse University communications colleagues, and provides day-to-day direction to a small number of assigned staff or contributors.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, public affairs, or a related field.
• Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in communications, journalism, media relations, public relations, public affairs, or a related discipline.
• Significant experience writing and editing long-form, executive-level, organizational, or public-facing communications.
• Demonstrated experience developing strategic media pitches, working with reporters, securing earned-media coverage, and preparing subject matter experts or organizational leaders for interviews.
• Experience interviewing leaders, researchers, program professionals, participants, or external partners and translating those conversations into compelling written content.
• Experience managing multiple communications projects, deadlines, stakeholders, and approval processes.
• Experience managing, providing direction, feedback, or oversight to staff members, freelancers, contractors, student employees, or other contributors.

Skills and Knowledge

• Exceptional writing, editing, interviewing, pitching, and storytelling skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, credible narratives.
• Strong editorial and strategic judgment - identifying newsworthy stories, customizing pitches by outlet/audience, and connecting organizational expertise to current events.
• Ability to translate organizational priorities into actionable communications plans and build visibility in a competitive, resource-conscious environment.
• Sound judgment on sensitive or fast-moving communications issues, without oversimplifying technical/research content.
• Strong collaboration and project-management skills across a matrixed organization; ability to give editorial feedback and coordinate a small team.
• Familiarity with media monitoring, databases, and analytics/measurement tools.
• Knowledge of and/or relationships within the military/veteran-connected, workforce, higher education, or public policy ecosystem preferred.

Responsibilities

Writing and Editorial Development

• Develop and edit long-form, executive-level, and high-visibility communications, including feature stories, opinion pieces, contributed articles, executive remarks, institutional narratives, research and impact stories, reports, press releases, statements, talking points, briefing materials, web content, award submissions, and partner communications
• Interview leaders, researchers, program staff, participants, alumni, and partners; translate complex research, policy, programmatic, and technical information into accurate, substantive, audience-appropriate narratives
• Review content for editorial quality, clarity, consistency, and alignment with IVMF and Syracuse University standards

Media Relations and Strategic Pitching

• Manage proactive earned-media efforts that increase relevant national, regional, trade, and local coverage of IVMF research, programs, partnerships, experts, and impact
• Develop targeted, timely, reporter-specific pitches; cultivate journalist relationships; respond to media inquiries; coordinate interviews and briefing materials; and support spokesperson preparation
• Identify opportunities beyond organizational announcements by connecting IVMF expertise, research, data, and outcomes to breaking news, emerging trends, broader public conversations, and reporter interests
• Evaluate earned-media opportunities and results based on audience relevance, message alignment, quality of coverage, and institutional value

Brand Messaging and Thought Leadership

• Develop messaging and narrative content that communicate IVMF's expertise, impact, and differentiators within established brand and organizational strategy
• Support the positioning of Institute leaders, researchers, and subject matter experts through bylined content, executive commentary, media engagement, speaking opportunities, research promotion, and partnership communications across military and veteran, workforce, entrepreneurship, higher education, research, philanthropic, and public policy audiences

Communications Coordination and Workflow Support

• Partner with colleagues across research, programs, policy, development, partnerships, and executive leadership to identify communications needs, gather information, and coordinate content development
• Support editorial planning, content intake, review processes, deadlines, and cross-functional workflows
• Provide day-to-day direction, editorial feedback, and work coordination for assigned staff or contributors
• Coordinate with Syracuse University communications teams on shared media and messaging priorities

News Monitoring and Rapid-Response Communications

• Monitor news coverage, policy developments, workforce trends, and emerging issues affecting IVMF and the military- and veteran-connected community
• Identify timely opportunities to connect IVMF research, programs, and expertise to the news cycle, and develop responsive pitches, statements, talking points, FAQs, and other supporting materials
• Elevate sensitive, high-profile, or reputational matters to the Executive Director of Marketing and Communications and support approved responses

Physical Requirements

Not Applicable

Tools/Equipment

Not Applicable

Application Instructions

In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.

Quick Link
https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/114403

Job Posting Date
09/04/2026

Application Deadline

Full Consideration By

Job Category
Staff

Message to Applicants