Director of IT Communications

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• Upload Resume or Curriculum Vitae for automatic population of information to the application.
• The contact information, work experience, and education listed on your Resume/CV will be parsed and input into your Montclair application.
• Review information and double-check all fields containing information that the system parsed – the software is intelligent, but you need to verify that the data is accurate.
• In the “My Experience” section, you will find a Resume/CV upload option where you can submit your cover letter and all other supporting documents.

Note: If you have an expansive CV, we recommend that you apply manually and only include the positions you have held in the last ten (10) years. You will then be able to attach your Resume/CV, as well as all other supporting documentation in the "My Experience" section of your application.

Job Description

SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Deputy Chief Information Officer, the Director of Information Technology Communications is a strategic leadership role responsible for shaping the narrative of technology’s impact across the university. This position bridges the gap between complex technical initiatives and the diverse needs of students, faculty, and staff. The Director designs and leads a comprehensive communications program that enhances the IT department's transparency, promotes digital literacy, and manages critical messaging during service interruptions or cybersecurity events.

The position is responsible for the development and publishing of timely, accurate and well written information technology centric communications across multiple internal and external platforms and avenues (e.g. email, web content, social media, etc.). These communications inform key stakeholders of important changes, plans and events they must be aware of for them to prepare for upcoming changes, initiatives and responses to planned and unplanned campus technology use. The Director is a primary leader in planning new communications, crafting and publishing incident response information and ensuring that the communication takes multiple paths to reach and be understood by essential audiences.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and execute an annual integrated communications plan that aligns with the University’s strategic goals and the IT department's roadmap.
• Oversee the "IT Brand," ensuring all digital and print materials—from the service portal to departmental newsletters—maintain a consistent, professional, and accessible voice.
• Serve as the lead communicator during IT outages, security breaches, or campus-wide transitions. Develop communications that translate technical jargon into clear, actionable instructions for non-technical users under high-pressure timelines.
• Produce high-quality content including executive presentations, annual reports, campus-wide emails, social media updates, and "success stories" highlighting ITs role in supporting the University. Translate technical technology materials into accessible and friendly campus community communications, guides and publications.
• Use best judgement, informed decision making and best practices to successfully and appropriately navigate unique demands and cultural landscape of a large, modern public university.
• Partner with IT leaders and subject matter experts to develop compelling award nominations, case studies, and supporting materials that highlight strategic initiatives and measurable business outcomes.
• Effectively transition from long-term communication campaigns to timely emergency “system down” alerts as required.
• Partner with University stakeholders, including but not limited to Communications, Student Affairs, and Faculty organizations to ensure IT initiatives are socialized effectively before, during and after rollout.
• Manage the IT department’s website and internal knowledge base, prioritizing User Experience (UX) and Accessibility (ADA compliance).
• Own the enterprise incident communications function, ensuring clear, timely, and consistent communications during technology incidents, cyber events, and service disruptions in alignment with incident management and crisis response processes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Management retains the right to add or change job duties at any time.

QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s degree from accredited college or university
• A minimum of five years of experience in professional communications, with at least 3 years in a technical or higher education environment.
• Ability to understand and explain complex concepts like Cloud Computing, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and Research Computing.

PREFERRED:

• Experience using CMS platforms (e.g., Drupal, WordPress).
• Proficiency in graphic design tools (Adobe Creative Suite or Canva).
• Familiarity with IT Service Management (ITSM) tools like ServiceNow.

PROCEDURE FOR CANDIDACY

Applicants should include a resume and cover letter describing how their background, skills and education match the needs of the University. When applying, please take a moment to carefully read and follow the steps in the application instructions.

Salary Range

$125,000.00-$140,000.00 Annually

The position may also be eligible for comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition assistance. For further details, please visit: https://www.montclair.edu/human-resources/benefits/

Montclair State University considers factors such as, but not limited to, scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s relevant work experience, education, skills, and internal equity, when extending an offer.

Salary offers for internal employees who are part of a collective bargaining unit (CBU) and are applying to a position that is within a CBU will be determined in accordance with contractual provisions.

Department

Office of the Deputy CIO Information Technology

Position Type

Administrative

Contact Information:

For questions or concerns, please contact Human Resources' Workday Recruiting Support at 973-655-5000 (Option 2), or email talent@montclair.edu.

Inclusion Statement

Montclair State University values access and educational excellence. We are committed to an environment of diverse perspectives which ensures that graduates will be civically engaged, committed to democracy, and prepared to thrive as global citizens. We foster a community that promotes varied experiences and voices. We seek applicants who will contribute diverse ideas and perspectives and who value an environment that promotes educational growth and advancement for all.

EEO/AA Statement

Montclair State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution with a strong commitment to diversity.

Additional information can be found on the website at
www.montclair.edu/human-resources/about-us/eo-aa-and-diversity/

Title IX and 34 C.F.R. 106 Policy

Montclair State is required by Title IX and 34 C.F.R. 106 not to discriminate on the basis of sex or gender, and does not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender in the operation of education programs and activities. The requirement to not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender in the operation of education programs and activities extends to admission and employment. For further details, please visit: https://www.montclair.edu/human-resources/job-seekers/