Director of Communications

The Harkin Institute at Drake University seeks a Director of Communications to lead strategic internal and external communications, event planning, and programming logistics.

Job Description:

Our next Director of Communications will bring agility, creativity, accountability, and skill in written, verbal, and visual communications to a collegial, goal-oriented team. This individual will demonstrate the ability to work on multiple projects on multiple, parallel, often compressed timelines; engage productively with colleagues; and balance adhering to established standards and policies with thinking creatively in addressing communications opportunities and challenges.

Primarily responsible for internal and external communications, the Director of Communications will also lead the planning and logistics for public-facing events and programming and oversee student associates assigned to communications and programming-related projects.

Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Director of Communications will also manage scheduling for the Tom and Ruth Harkin Center and maintain the Executive Director's calendar and facilities and events calendars.

Harkin Institute staff are employees of Drake University and receive a highly competitive benefits package; including tuition remission; dependent tuition exchange; generous retirement, health, and dental plans; and access to Drake University wellness, recreational, and learning facilities and programming.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's Degree with a major, minor, or substantial coursework in media relations, journalism, mass communications, graphic design, and/or similar applied fields
• Experience in communications, graphic design, or media relations in a professional context
• Demonstrated strategic mindset, creativity, professionalism, and agility
• Demonstrated ability to work productively with diverse stakeholders
• High degree of organization, responsiveness, and professionalism

Preferred Qualifications:
• Bachelor's Degree in strategic communications and graphic design
• International work or study-abroad experience
• 3+ years full-time professional experience in communications, graphic design, or media relations
• Experience working with or representing non-profit public-service organizations
• Demonstrated familiarity with public policy, policymaking, and US and global political systems

Job Duties:
• 65% – Oversee, coordinate, design, and implement The Institute's communications strategy
• 25% – Manage pre- and post-event logistics for all events sponsored or co-sponsored by The Institute
• 5% – Assist with administrative duties, including managing Harkin Center schedule and Executive Director's calendar
• 5% – Other duties as assigned

Target start date: February 15, 2026, or sooner. This position will remain open until filled.