Communication & Development, Senior Manager

Job Summary

We're seeking a strategic communications leader to drive the development and execution of a comprehensive HR communications strategy that elevates our brand, aligns with organizational goals, and engages diverse audiences across multiple platforms. In this role, you'll partner closely with HR leadership to shape and champion our Employee Value Proposition, reinforcing our HR brand across key initiatives such as talent acquisition, employee development, benefits, and organizational culture. You'll serve as a trusted advisor and change agent, crafting clear, compelling messaging that supports transformation and drives alignment. Reporting to the Director of Organizational Effectiveness, you'll collaborate with cross-functional teams - including business analysts and organizational development specialists - to design and implement communication and change management plans for HR-impacting projects. You'll also help define and measure success by establishing KPIs that track communication effectiveness and training outcomes. As a people leader, you'll manage a high-performing communications team, oversee content creation and digital strategy, and continuously optimize engagement through data-driven insights and innovation. This is a hybrid role with some remote work possible within the state of Indiana. On-site work may be required based on business need.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead the creation and implementation of a forward-thinking communications strategy that aligns with the organizational priorities and growth goals. Ensure messaging is clear, compelling and consistent across all channels and touchpoints (creating one HR voice). Own and manage the HR communication calendar, keeping key messaging, campaigns and deliverables on track. Partner with HR leadership and cross functional teams to maintain visibility of initiatives and guarantee consistent messaging. Serve as a strategic communications advisor to the HR Vice President and HR leadership team.
• Lead the creation of high-quality content across all platforms, strengthening and elevating the brand voice. Partner with HR leadership and oversee the communications teams' efforts in all digital communication, including web content, email campaigns, social media, driving engagement and amplifying key initiatives. Integrate change management methodologies, practices, feedback loop and communication tools to support strategic change initiatives and adoption of policies, technologies, and employee training and development.
• Lead a dynamic communication team utilizing each employee's strengths, driving employee development, and assign responsibilities. Provide mentoring to team that fosters professional groth, clear goals and accountability.
• Partner with the Director of Organizational Effectivenss (OE) and OE leads to define, create and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of communications initiatives as well as other learning/development programs. Work within the team to establish feedback loops and listening mechanisms to measure communication and talent development effectiveness and improves strategies and programs.

What We're Looking For:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Human Resources or a related field
• Four or more years of experience in communication, marketing, web development, and/or change management
• Consideration will be given to an equivalent combination of required education and related work experience
• Demonstrated success in brand management, digital engagement, and analytical tools and communication technologies
• Exceptional communication and storytelling skills across digital and traditional formats
• Adept at delivering persuasive communications with clarity, professionalism, and empathy
• Proven ability to lead, manage, and motivate a high-performing team in a collaborative, fast-paced environment
• Experience with change management methodologies, communications and feedback mechanisms
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively within a team environment and with a variety of stakeholders
• Ability to influence and build strong working relationships at all levels in the organization
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills informed by data and industry trends
• Deep understanding of branding, digital marketing, website management, content strategy, and reputation management
• Proficient in digital platforms for content distribution and engagement
• Skilled in managing projects of all sizes to achieve goals within budget
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and Outlook), Microsoft Teams and Sharepoint, and project management

What Is Helpful:

• Experience leveraging AI tools to improve communication effectiveness
• Higher education or mission-driven nonprofit experience

What We Want You To Know:

• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
• A background check is required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not eligible for overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contribution Waiting Period
• Purdue University is an EO/EA University.

What You'll Get In Return:

All university employees are afforded a generous benefits package, https://www.purdue.edu/hr/benewell/index.php, including medical/dental/vision insurance, paid time off, and retirement contributions. As part of Purdue University’s expansive employee benefit package, the University is proud to offer its employees the opportunity to grow, learn, and advance by offering a tuition remission opportunity at both Purdue University and Purdue Global.

Take Your Next Giant Leap

We never stop, we keep going, because Discovery is in our DNA, and we want you to discover a Career at Purdue University! Come work alongside a family of diverse culture with faculty, students, and staff who come together to become one, Boilermakers! Our greatest adventures are yet to come, and we want to include you.

Come take your Next Giant Leap and Discover your next career!