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Communications Director
GENERAL REQUISITION INFORMATION
EEO Statement:
The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its education programs or activities, including admissions and employment. The University prohibits any form of retaliation taken against anyone for reporting discrimination, harassment, or retaliation for otherwise engaging in protected activity. Read the full statement.
Job Title
Communications Director
Job Grade
PR25S
Division
Academic Affairs
College/Dept
Programs
Department
Center for Collaboration Science
Requisition Number
2026-00203
FTE (full-time equivalency)
1.0
Work Schedule
M-F 8-5
Does the position provide the opportunity to work Remotely/Telecommuting?
No remote/telecommute opportunity
Appointment Term
12- 12/12 months
Is this position essential personnel according to the inclement weather policy?
No
Pay Information
$63,400 to $80,000
Pay Schedule
Annually
FLSA Designation
Exempt
Position Summary
The Communications Director serves as the strategic architect and editorial lead for the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center (NCITE)’s communications enterprise. This role provides senior-level leadership in shaping, aligning, and executing messaging that advances the Center’s mission as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)’s Center of Excellence for terrorism prevention and counterterrorism research.
With priorities to produce actionable, user-inspired research driving the communications strategy, the Communications Director ensures that research outputs, milestones, and strategic initiatives determine messaging focus, content development, and stakeholder engagement efforts. Reporting to the NCITE Director, the Communications Director establishes communications priorities grounded in research impact and stakeholder utility. The Communications Director functions as both strategist and chief editor for NCITE’s content marketing, media relations, and public relations strategy, setting standards, guiding narrative direction, and directly leading or overseeing Tier 1 content such as executive speeches, federal communications, media releases, and major reports.
This position requires strong expertise in content marketing and public/government relations, as well as media relations. The Communications Director must understand how to strategically position research through earned media, federal stakeholder engagement, thought leadership, and high-value content that builds credibility and influence.
Job Duties
Responsibility Area:
Strategic Leadership and Research-Aligned Messaging
Duties:
- Develop and execute a comprehensive strategic communications plan driven by NCITE’s research portfolio and DHS priorities.
- Establish communications priorities based on research milestones, grant deliverables, and emerging/trending national security topics.
- Serve as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to the NCITE Director, Senior Leadership Team, and Principal Investigators on public positioning, stakeholder engagement, and reputation management.
- Ensure alignment of messaging across research teams, operations, and external partners.
- Integrate brand strategy into all communications initiatives, ensuring alignment with NU System, UNO, and NCITE brand standards.
- Translate research strategy into proactive communications campaigns that elevate visibility and impact.
Percentage Of Time
25
Essential Function:
Yes
Responsibility Area:
Editorial Oversight and High-Impact Content Development
Duties:
- Serve as chief editor and final authority on major public-facing communications.
- Directly write or oversee Tier 1 materials, including: executive speeches and talking points, media releases and federal announcements, congressional and DHS briefings, annual and semi-annual impact reports, op-eds, and thought leadership content.
- Apply content marketing principles to ensure research is positioned strategically across appropriate channels and audiences.
- Translate complex research and technical findings into accessible, compelling narratives for federal, academic, media, and public audiences.
- Establish editorial standards that reinforce credibility, clarity, and research integrity.
Percentage Of Time
25
Essential Function:
Yes
Responsibility Area:
Communications Management and Operations
Duties:
- Supervise communications personnel, including student workers, contractors, and full-time staff.
- Design workflow systems and editorial processes to support complex, research-driven communications.
- Oversee digital communications strategy, including website and social media presence, ensuring content reflects current research priorities.
- Develop systems for storing, publishing, and disseminating materials for federal stakeholders.
- Oversee contracts and vendors supporting communications functions.
Percentage Of Time
25
Essential Function:
Yes
Responsibility Area:
Public Relations, Government Relations, and Content Strategy
Duties:
- Direct public relations and media relations strategy at local, national, and trade levels.
- Develop and execute content marketing strategies that increase awareness, engagement, and stakeholder and end-user confidence in NCITE’s research.
- Lead communications efforts for elected officials and Government stakeholders.
- Build and maintain relationships with SLTT government audiences and key external partners.
- Support philanthropic development and external relations through strategic positioning and targeted messaging.
- Serve as primary contact for high-level media inquiries and manage sensitive communications issues.
Percentage Of Time
20
Essential Function:
Yes
Responsibility Area:
Budget Oversight
Duties:
- Manage grant and contract funds supporting DHS competencies in customer outreach and communications.
- Ensure compliance with internal review timelines and contract requirements (e.g., 508 compliance).
Percentage Of Time
5
Essential Function:
Yes
Required and Preferred Qualifications
Required Education
Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, marketing, public relations, political science, or a related field. Will consider an equivalent combination or education and experience.
Required Experience
- Five to 10 years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications, journalism, content marketing, public relations, government relations, or a related field
- Demonstrated experience aligning communications strategy with research, policy, or organizational priorities
- Experience providing strategic communications counsel to senior leadership
- Proven experience developing high-impact content and overseeing editorial standards
- Experience leading communications initiatives within complex or multi-institutional environments
Required License/Certification
NA
Required Additional Qualifications:
NA
Preferred Education
NA
Preferred Experience
- Experience working within or alongside federal agencies, particularly in defense sectors, and legislatures
- Experience supporting research institutions, academic centers, or policy organizations.
- Experience in government affairs or federal stakeholder engagement.
- Experience managing communications budgets and supervising professional staff.
- Advanced degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public affairs, or related discipline.
Preferred License/Certification
Preferred Additional Qualifications:
Compliance Requirements
Credit Check
Yes
Motor Vehicle Licensing Validity Check
No
Pre-employment Physical Request and Assessment
No
Drug Screen
No
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