Assistant Director of Internal Communications

DepartmentUniversity Communications and Marketing
Metropolitan State University of Denver, a vibrant, mission-driven public university in the heart of downtown Denver, seeks a strategic, collaborative communications leader to help transform how we connect with employees across the institution.
The assistant director of internal communications leads strategies, standards, platforms and processes that help MSU Denver employees receive timely, relevant and actionable information. Reporting to the senior director of communications in the office of University Communications and Marketing, this position oversees internal communication channels, manages communication-platforms and administers mass communication policy. The assistant director also advises university leaders and communicators and guides the work of an internal communications specialist.
Roles and responsibilities include:
Internal Communications Strategy and Governance – 50%
Partners with the senior director to develop, evaluate and implement the University’s internal communications strategy.
Administers internal mass communication policy, criteria and processes, including reviewing requests to communicate with large or cross-functional audiences and recommending improvements to communications standards and practices.
Provides strategic direction on audience, message, timing, sender and channel based on relevance, urgency, communication volume and institutional priorities.
Serves as the University Communications and Marketing business owner for Marketing Cloud Engagement, CRM platform and other enterprise communication systems, helping establish communication priorities, business requirements and governance in alignment with relevant law, policies and best practices.
Collaborates with platform administrators within Information Technology Services and Digital Strategy to implement business rules, platform improvements, user adoption and training.
Coordinates with communicators across colleges, schools and branches to improve alignment, reduce duplication and clarify institutional and departmental communication responsibilities.
Develops and maintains criteria documents, toolkits, reference materials and other resources to assist campus leaders and communicators in effective strategic communication.
Uses platform analytics, research and audience feedback to evaluate communication effectiveness and recommend improvements.
Internal Communication Content and Channel Oversight – 30%
Provides strategic and editorial direction for the Early Bird employee newsletter and website, Faculty-Staff Hub and other UCM-managed internal channels.
Guides the internal communications specialist in planning, developing and publishing employee communications and content.
Establishes strategic priorities, processes, calendars and criteria for internal communication channels.
Writes, edits and/or reviews high-priority employee and leadership communications as needed.
Ensures internal communications are accurate, accessible and aligned with University priorities and standards.
Issues Management and Crisis Communication – 10%
Serves as a core member of the University’s crisis communications team.
Develops processes and oversees internal communications regarding emergencies, urgent operational disruptions and other high-impact Universitywide matters.
Coordinates with University and Auraria Campus partners to support timely and consistent communication.
Supervisory and other duties– 10%
Supervises the internal communications specialist, student employee and other assigned staff or contractors.
Sets priorities, assigns work, provides strategic and editorial guidance, and supports employee development and performance.
Leads cross-functional internal communication and communication-platform initiatives and represents UCM on relevant University committees and working groups.
Manages assigned projects, platform-related vendor relationships and resources.
Participates in professional development and performs other duties as assigned.
Competencies
Demonstrates values-based leadership by modeling CADRE values, building trust through self awareness and emotional intelligence, seeking feedback, and navigating conflict productively.
Ensures operational effectiveness by managing priorities, time, and resources responsibly, adhering to policies, delivering measurable results, and meeting performance expectations.
Aligns individual work with team and departmental goals by contributing to shared priorities, seeking clarity, and adapting to change in support of the 2030 Strategic Plan.
Practices collaboration by communicating clearly, checking for understanding, building strong relationships, and engaging diverse perspectives to achieve shared outcomes.
Advances equity and belonging with awareness of culture and potential biases, listens openly to diverse perspectives, contributing to respectful and inclusive work relationships.
Innovates by developing professional skills, staying informed on relevant trends, and identifying opportunities to improve processes and outcomes.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing or a related field.
At least five years of progressively responsible professional experience in communications, public relations, marketing or a related field.
Demonstrated experience developing, implementing and evaluating strategic communications plans that support organizational goals and engage multiple audiences.
Experience managing digital communications platforms, such as content management systems, email marketing platforms, employee intranets or other internal communications channels.
Experience developing or implementing communications processes, standards, guidelines or governance practices to support effective and coordinated communications.
Experience using audience insights, engagement metrics and other data to evaluate communications effectiveness and inform strategic decisions.
Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex information into clear, accessible and engaging communications.
Experience coordinating communications projects, managing competing priorities and guiding work across multiple teams or stakeholders.
Important Note: Successful applicants will ensure their cover letters and resumes clearly demonstrate that their work experience describes how they meet ALL required qualifications.
Preferred Qualifications
At least seven years of progressively responsible communications experience, including three years developing and executing internal communications strategies in a large or complex organization.
Experience supervising employees, providing editorial or strategic direction and supporting professional development.
Experience leading organizational change initiatives, communications transformation projects or the implementation of new communications systems and processes.
Experience establishing or administering internal communications governance, including policies, approval processes, audience segmentation, distribution standards or channel management.
Advanced knowledge of enterprise communications platforms, such as Salesforce Marketing Cloud, WordPress, Microsoft 365, employee intranets, CRM platforms or comparable systems.
Experience developing integrated communications strategies across multiple channels, including email, web, collaboration platforms and digital signage.
Experience advising senior leadership on employee communications, organizational change and crisis communications.
Experience overseeing content operations, including employee news, content planning, editorial calendars and publishing workflows.
Experience working in higher education, government, nonprofit organizations or other large, decentralized institutions.
Our commitment to CADRE
At MSU Denver, we are committed to our CADRE values: Community, Access, Diversity, Respect, and Excellence. We strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment where all community members are valued and belong. Our dedication to breaking down barriers to education, fostering open dialogue, and promoting world-class scholarship ensures that we provide exceptional services and innovative learning opportunities for our students, faculty, and staff.
Work Schedule Information
Full-time, 40 hours per week
Exempt
Days of the Week: Mon – Fri 8-5
Evenings and Weekend Work: Rarely; as needed
Schedule: In-person with limited hybrid flexibility.
Travel: Rarely
Salary for Announcement
Under Colorado law, MSU Denver is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salar

Skills
Email Marketing, Salesforce, CRM