Communications Manager

The Communications Manager – which is a contractual position – will lead the development and implementation of NALSAR’s communications strategy. This includes oversight of all internal and external communications, brand and media relations, digital outreach, and stakeholder engagement. The Communications Manager will build and lead a communications team to ensure amplification of the University’s brand and values across all channels.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with the University’s vision, objectives, and social justice agenda.
• Oversee internal communications to ensure clarity, consistency, and timely flow of information among departments, faculty, staff, and students.
• Lead external communications, including media relations, press releases, opinion pieces, interviews, and crisis or reputational management when required.
• Manage the University’s digital presence, including the website, social media platforms, newsletters, blogs, and multimedia content. Use analytics and metrics to assess performance, reach, and engagement, and refine strategies accordingly.
• Coordinate design, visual, and audio-visual content by working with designers, photographers, and videographers to produce high-quality communication materials.
• Oversee branding to ensure consistency across all platforms, communications, promotional materials, events, and publications.
• Develop and implement communication plans for events, seminars, conferences, and related activities in collaboration with departments, research centres, student affairs, admissions, and other stakeholders.
• Engage with media stakeholders to build and maintain relationships and serve as a university spokesperson or point person when required.
• Lead team-building initiatives by defining the structure of the communications and external relations team, recruiting, mentoring, and managing staff, assigning roles, allocating tasks, and overseeing workflows.
• Manage budgets and resources for communication activities, including planning and monitoring expenditures.
• Ensure compliance with institutional policies and legal and ethical guidelines, including media permissions, copyrights, data protection, and accessibility standards.

Eligibility and Preference Criteria

• A master’s degree in Communication, Journalism, Mass Communication, Public Relations, or a closely related field is necessary.
• A minimum of 5–7 years of progressive experience in communications, media, branding, or public relations roles is essential. At least two years in a leadership or supervisory capacity would be preferred.
• Demonstrated experience working in higher education or a similar academic or research environment is preferred.

Essential Competencies

• Strong strategic thinking skills, including the ability to translate long-term institutional goals into effective communication plans.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to write for diverse formats such as press releases, web content, reports, speeches, and related materials.
• Proven ability to conceptualize and collaborate with teams to produce visual and multimedia content, including audio and video, or effectively manage those responsible for such production.
• Strong digital literacy, including experience with social media management, content management systems, website administration, and analytics tools.
• Leadership and people-management skills, with the ability to build, mentor, and coordinate teams effectively.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate across diverse departments and stakeholder groups.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, work under tight deadlines, and respond effectively to emergent issues such as crisis communications.
• High standards of ethics, brand integrity, and sensitivity to institutional values.

Compensation & Terms

• Salary: As per University norms and commensurate with experience and seniority.
• Benefits: Standard University benefits, including leave and healthcare provisions.
• Notice Period/Probation: To be determined in accordance with University policy.

Selection Process

• Stage 1: Applicants will be required to submit an online application form along with the requisite documents. After review, shortlisted candidates will be notified.
• Stage 2: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview, which may also include task-based assignments.

Interested candidates are requested to fill out this Google Form by May 30, 2026. Incomplete applications will not be considered. All application materials will be checked for the use of generative AI as per the University’s policy. Any use of AI will lead to disqualification.