Description
Prairie View A&M University
Director, Research Communications
Job Title
Director, Research Communications
Agency
Prairie View A&M University
Department
Research Administration
Proposed Minimum Salary
Commensurate
Job Location
Prairie View, Texas
Job Type
Staff
Job Description
The Director of Research Communications provides strategic leadership in communicating and promoting Prairie View A&M University's Research & Innovation (R&I) portfolio. This role ensures the visibility, credibility, and impact of PVAMU's research enterprise across academic, corporate, community, and governmental stakeholders. The Director works with minimal guidance, exercising independent judgment in developing and implementing strategies that align with PVAMU's mission and R&I priorities.
This position is funded by a grant or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent on the renewal of grant or restricted funding.
The salary is determined in accordance with the University's compensation structure and will be commensurate with the candidates' education and experience, within the assigned salary range for this position.
Responsibilities:
Research Communications:
- Partner with the AVP for Marketing and Communications and Vice President for Advancement to develop a strategic communications and marketing plan focused on educating and influencing target audiences on a Road to R1.
- Oversee the development of a comprehensive research communications strategy that highlights PVAMU's research strengths, achievements, partnerships, and innovation impact.
- Translate complex research outcomes into accessible narratives for various audiences, including policymakers, media, funders, corporations, and the broader public.
- Oversee the development of digital, print, and multimedia content showcasing faculty, student, and institutional research.
- Manage communications channels (website, newsletters, press releases, social media, reports) for R&I. Serves as the lead editor for all communications and publications. Writes, edits, formats, and assembles documents and publications for the department, ensuring that they comply with the University standards and requirements.
- Support grant-writing and research development teams with communication materials.
Leadership:
- Provide effective support on research leadership, internal and external communications, and visibility.
- Provide vision and guidance for R&I communications strategy while collaborating with faculty, students, administrators, centers, and external partners.
- Supervise communications staff, contractors, and student assistants as assigned.
- Represent PVAMU at internal and external events, research showcases, and conferences.
- Foster a culture of transparency, collaboration, and excellence in communications by demonstrating strong leadership and communication skills across the division.
Project Management:
- Oversee effective planning and execution of research communications-related projects, events, and campaigns.
- Ensure timely delivery of reports, materials, and campaigns aligned with research priorities.
- Coordinate cross-departmental research communications initiatives, ensuring milestones, metrics, and deliverables are met.
- Manage budgets, vendor relationships, and timelines for communications initiatives.
Branding & Visibility:
- Strengthen the R&I brand within PVAMU and externally, positioning the university as a leader in research, innovation, and workforce development.
- Ensure R&I communications are in compliance with the University, TAMU System, State, and Federal requirements.
- In collaboration with the University office for Marketing and Communications, strategically building media relationships to amplify PVAMU's research stories locally, nationally, and globally.
- Develop thought-leadership opportunities (op-eds, podcasts, speaking engagements) for faculty and R&I leadership
Other Duties:
- Provide crisis communications support when needed.
- Benchmark PVAMU's R&I communications against peer institutions and recommend improvements.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Vice President for Research & Innovation.
- Acts a liaison with the University office for marketing and communications in addition to other cross-department communications staff to coordinate strategic communications initiatives, projects, and committees that support institutional goals.
Required Education & Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field.
- Ten years of related experience in communications.
- Three years of supervisory experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
- 10 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, preferably in higher education or research-intensive settings.
- Proven track record in project management, brand development, and research communications.
- Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills with the ability to work independently.
- Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills with experience translating research for multiple audiences.
- Experience managing multimedia content, digital platforms, and media relations.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to connect research outcomes to institutional impact.
- Skilled at navigating academic, industry, and community environments.
- Ability to lead with minimal guidance while fostering cross-functional collaboration.
- Adept at balancing multiple projects with competing priorities.
Job Posting Close Date:
- 11/30/2025
Required Attachments:
Please attach all required documents listed below in the attachment box labeled as either "Resume/CV or Resume/Cover Letter" on the application. Multiple attachments may be included in the "Resume/CV" or Resume/Cover Letter" attachment box. Any additional attachments provided outside of the required documents listed below are considered optional.
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- Cover Letter
Application Submission Guidelines:
All applicants are required to apply via our Career Site on or before the closing date indicated on the job posting. Applicant inquiries received via email and websites such as Indeed, HigherEdJobs, etc. will not be considered unless the individual has applied to the available position via the PVAMU Career site.
The required documents listed in the above "Required Attachments" section must be attached to the application prior to the job closing date indicated to ensure full consideration for the application submitted. Please contact the Office of Human Resource on or before the closing date indicated above at 936-261-1730 or jobs@pvamu.edu should you need assistance with the online application process.
Background Check Requirements:
All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution's verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution's procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.
Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.
To apply, visit https://tamus.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/PVAMU_External/job/Prairie-View-TX/Director--Research-Communications_R-088573-1?workerSubType=0e1cd8ed3502012ddf607157e74b7d04&workerSubType=0e1cd8ed35020103f9b47257e74b7f04&workerSubType=0e1cd8ed350201da3af87057e74b7c04&workerSubType=0e1cd8ed35020108df607157e74b7e04
About Us
For more than 140 years, Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) has been igniting passion in its students. With an established reputation for producing engineers, nurses and educators, PVAMU offers baccalaureate degrees, master’s degrees and doctoral degree programs through nine colleges and schools. The University has an enrollment of more than 8,500 students. Designated an institution of \“the first class\” in the Texas Constitution, PVAMU is the second-oldest public institution of higher education in the state and a member of The Texas A&M University System. The University is dedicated to fulfilling its land-grant mission of achieving excellence in teaching, research and service.
PVAMU is conveniently located near the rapidly growing residential and commercial area known as the Northwest Houston Corridor. The developing Northwest Houston Corridor offers newly developed suburban communities, a variety of shopping and dining near the Houston Premium Outlets and is a short, 35-minute commute into downtown Houston. For more information, visit www.pvamu.edu. Your career opportunities with a \“University of the first class\” begins here!
Prairie View A&M University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.
If you need assistance in applying for this job, please contact (936) 261-1730.
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