Director of Communications and External Relations

Dean's Executive Assistant

Provides support to the Dean in matters of administrative operations and internal/external communications; manages the Dean's calendar and travel arrangements; coordinates the College's scholarship program and awards ceremony; serves as the College point person for Marketing and Communication; works with University Advancement on fundraising and stewardship; assists the Dean with special projects as assigned; supports internal and external communications, including social media; and organizes internal and external events with alumni and donors.
Manages the Dean's calendar and provides primary executive support to the Dean in matters of administrative operations, special meetings and projects and monitors the progress of projects and actions for the dean.
Oversees internal and external communications strategies, processes, and priorities for the College in support of the Dean's vision. Supervises EDHD marketing projects and serves as second-line supervisor for student ambassadors. Drafts correspondence and other forms of communication to various internal and external constituencies, manages Dean's social media accounts, serves as primary contact for Marketing and Communication to advance college priorities.
Administers the College's Foundation accounts on behalf of the dean, including administration of the EDHD Dean's Office scholarships (e.g. managing overall budget of approximately $1,030,000 available for AY 2026-27); collaborates with the Office of Student Financial Aid & Scholarships regarding scholarship/award processes, procedures, and communications. Serves as Dean's Office coordinator with units across the College, supervising unit-level scholarship/awards processes; troubleshoots scholarship management system (AcademicWorks) across the College. Organizes and facilitates the EDHD Scholarship Award Ceremony, including all invitations, catering, printing/presentation, speakers, seating charts, student thank-you notes.
Works with University Advancement on outreach to College alumni and donors, tracking and use of available and designated funds, developing targeted campaign initiatives, organizing and implementing BGSU OneDay priorities and promotion, and managing stewardship activities (e.g., birthday cards, thank you notes).
Convenes staff meetings within the College toward supporting professional development programming and trainings. Serves as Dean's Office support for peer-to-peer mentoring program among staff across the College. Coordinates the meeting agenda for monthly Dean's Office all-team meetings.
Manages events and communications for the College that involve external partners, such as Homecoming activities and alumni and development stewardship events, at the direction of the Dean and University Advancement. Coordinates planning of College of Education and Human Development's Leadership Council meetings, as well as additional unit-level alumni/friends advisory boards as needed. Works with the University Advancement division on the Dean's schedule and travel related to the cultivation of current and new donors. As needed, and at the direction of the Dean and University Advancement, provides personalized stewardship for college donors, potential donors, alumni, friends, and special guests. Represents the College and Dean on various committees, such as the Commencement committee, and at other events and meetings as needed.
Other duties as assigned.
The following degree is required:
Bachelor's degree required.
The following degree is preferred:
Bachelor's degree in Business, Public Relations, or Education.
The following experience is required:
3 years experience working in higher education or in a non-profit organization.
2 years experience in project coordination/event planning.
Knowledge, skills, abilities:
Excellent research skills.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
Strong customer-service orientation.
Ability and commitment to work effectively with a wide variety of people with broad backgrounds and experiences.
Proficiency with computer software applications, including graphics, databases, word processing, publication and presentation software.