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Communications Director Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Summary The Sr. Director of Communications will drive external communications and public relations strategy to shape brand perception, enhance corporate reputation, and build trust among media ...

Summary The Sr. Director of Communications will drive external communications and public relations strategy to shape brand perception, enhance corporate reputation, and build trust among media ...

Summary The Sr. Director of Communications will drive external communications and public relations strategy to shape brand perception, enhance corporate reputation, and build trust among media ...

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Communications Director information

See Michigan salary details

$30.5K

$89.1K

$148.2K

How much do communications director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for communications director in Michigan is $89,126.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,500.00 and $109,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a communications director do?

A Communications Director oversees an organization's internal and external communication strategies to ensure consistent messaging and brand representation. They manage public relations, media inquiries, and often supervise a team responsible for content creation, social media, and crisis communication. Their role is crucial in shaping how the public perceives the organization and in managing its reputation. Communications Directors typically collaborate with executive leadership to align messaging with organizational goals and may also handle speechwriting, press releases, and stakeholder engagement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a communications director?

To thrive as a Communications Director, you need expertise in strategic communication, media relations, and brand management, often supported by a degree in communications, public relations, or a related field. Familiarity with digital marketing platforms, content management systems, and analytics tools is typically required. Outstanding written and verbal communication, leadership, and crisis management abilities help professionals excel in this role. These skills are vital for shaping public perception, ensuring consistent messaging, and effectively promoting organizational goals.

What are the most common challenges faced by a communications director in managing both internal and external messaging?

A Communications Director often faces the challenge of maintaining consistent messaging across various channels while adapting content to suit different audiences. Balancing the needs of internal stakeholders, such as executives and employees, with the expectations of external audiences, including media and the public, requires strong coordination and adaptability. Additionally, responding quickly and effectively during a crisis or unexpected event is a key responsibility, demanding preparedness and excellent judgment. Effective collaboration with marketing, public relations, and leadership teams is essential to ensure alignment and achieve organizational goals.

What is the difference between Communications Director vs Public Relations Manager?

AspectCommunications DirectorPublic Relations Manager
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, or related field; often advanced degrees preferredBachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, or related field
Work EnvironmentStrategic leadership in organizations, overseeing internal and external messagingManaging media relations, press releases, and public image campaigns
Employer & Industry UsageCorporations, nonprofits, government agenciesPublic relations firms, corporate communications departments
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles in communicationFocus on media relations and public image management

The Communications Director typically holds a strategic leadership role, overseeing all communication efforts within an organization, including internal and external messaging. In contrast, a Public Relations Manager primarily focuses on managing media relations and public image campaigns. While both roles require strong communication skills and relevant credentials, the Communications Director has broader responsibilities and a higher level of strategic oversight.

Is a communications director a stressful job?

A communications director often faces high-pressure situations, tight deadlines, and the need to manage multiple stakeholders, which can contribute to stress. The role requires strong communication skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to handle crises, making it potentially demanding but also rewarding for those with resilience and organizational skills.

What does a communications director make?

A communications director's salary varies based on experience, industry, and location, but typically ranges from $70,000 to over $150,000 annually. They often receive additional benefits such as bonuses, health insurance, and retirement plans, and may need strong skills in media relations, strategic planning, and content creation.
More about Communications Director jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Communications jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Communications jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Communications Director jobs in Michigan?

For Communications Director jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Communications Director jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Communications Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Communications Director job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,126 per year, or $42.8 per hour.

Athletic Communications Director

Michigan Technological University

Houghton, MI • On-site

$42K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Michigan Technological University rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

130th of 627 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Athletic Communications Director
Job No: 26145
Department: General Athletics
Work Type: Staff - Full Time
Location: Main Campus (Houghton, MI)
Full Time / Part Time: Full Time
Categories: Athletics/Recreation, Communication
Applications Close:
Michigan Technological University is an R1 technological research university founded in 1885 in Houghton. Our rural campus is situated just miles from Lake Superior in Michigan's scenic Upper Peninsula and is home to nearly 7,500 students from more than 60 countries around the world. Consistently ranked among the best universities in the country for return on investment, Michigan's flagship technological university offers more than 185 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Research focus areas include defense, health, energy, automotive, environment, and aerospace.
The area's waters, forests, and snowfall support year-round recreation, including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, biking, and paddling. The University is an integral part of the region, supported by a friendly and welcoming community that takes pride in being a true college town. We embrace our size, climate, sense of adventure, and originality.
Summary
Michigan Technological University is seeking a Athletic Communications Director for our General Athletics department. This is a 12-month full-time appointment, reporting to the Assistant Athletic Director - Media Relations. The Athletic Communications Director, working within the external relations team, has the primary responsibility of publicizing Michigan Tech Athletics and Recreation and assigned sports. The candidate should be a creative and motivated individual, eager for hands-on experience in the areas of media relations, graphic design, video, digital and social media.
Responsibilities and Essential Duties
1. Tell the story of Michigan Tech Athletics and Recreation to multiple internal and external audiences through various means.
2. Assist with the department's graphic design needs.
3. Develop strong relationships with local, regional, and national media and partners.
4. Create, write, capture, edit, and/or design all collateral material to successfully promote assigned sports: football, men's and women's basketball, soccer, cross country, and track & field.
5. Maintain MichiganTechHuskies.com through a content management system.
6. Compile statistics and serve as record keeper for assigned sports with the assistance of student stat crew.
7. Nominate student-athletes for conference, regional, and national awards for assigned sports.
8. Travel with assigned sports (as listed above) to select away-from-campus events.
9. Maintain and run social media accounts for assigned sports and department accounts.
10. Film and produce videos (assigned sports) for various platforms in collaboration with the Director of Video Production & Operations.
11. Produce game programs and other publications for assigned sports.
12. Assist with the production of scripts for home events.
13. Produce Huskies Club marketing materials and donor fulfillment supplies.
14. Work with the external relations team to plan and organize various banquets, luncheons, student work schedules, publication schedules, and other special events.
15. Encourage continuous improvement practices among employees. Commit to applying continuous improvement strategies to strategic goals and leadership skills.
16. Apply safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work.
17. Ensure compliance with all applicable university, state, and federal regulations.
18. Functional supervision is exercised over clerical support staff, graduate students, and student assistants.
19. Commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies and applying them to everyday work. Actively engage in University continuous improvement initiatives.
20. Apply safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work.
Required Education, Certifications, Licensures
• Bachelor's degree in journalism, English, Communications or related field
Required Experience
• Experience working with graphic design and publication software
• Experience with content management systems for the web
• Experience in videography
• Experience with various social media platforms
• Experience crafting, editing and posting press releases
Desirable Education and/or Experience
• Two Years experience working within a Collegiate Athletic Department
• Experience working with statistics software
• Public speaking and/or radio broadcasting experience
• Experience in photography
Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities
• Excellent interpersonal and oral/written communication skills
• Excellent organizational and prioritization skills
• Demonstrated willingness and ability to work flexible hours
• Proven experience in the use and development of the World Wide Web and social media
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively across cultural boundaries and work harmoniously with diverse groups of students, faculty and staff.
• Demonstrated commitment to contribute to a safe work environment.
Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities
• Demonstrated success in, or potential future contributions to, working with persons from diverse backgrounds, creating a sense of belonging, and fostering a fair, objective, welcoming place to work for persons with a wide variety of personal characteristics and viewpoints.
Work Environment and/or Physical Demands
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.
Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment
Every employee at Michigan Technological University will receive the following 4 required trainings; additional training may be required by the department.
Required University Training:
• Employee Safety Overview
• Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation Training
• Annual Data Security Training
• Annual Title IX Training
Background Check:
Offers of employment are contingent upon and not considered finalized until the required background check has been performed and the results received and assessed.
Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) % (1=100%)
1
FLSA Status
Exempt
Appointment Term
12 months
Shift
Pay Rate/Salary
The minimum salary for this position is $42,500. The final salary will depend on experience and qualifications.
Title of Position Supervisor
Assistant AD - Media Relations
Posting Type
Internal & External
Dependent on Funding
No
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
If you require any auxiliary aids, services, or accommodations during Michigan Tech's hiring process please notify the Human Resources office at 906-487-2280 or hr-help@mtu.edu.
Other Conditions of Employment:
Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of your appointment, and maintain eligibility without sponsorship throughout your appointment.
Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer that provides equal opportunity for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. Michigan Tech will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the Michigan Tech Public Safety.
In compliance with the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) and its implementing regulations (34 CFR Part 86), Michigan Tech is committed to maintaining a drugfree campus environment and actively promoting the health and safety of its community. Find our notice that outlines the University's policies, legal sanctions, health risks, and available support resources related to the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol.
Required Education, Certifications, Licensures* (minimum requirements)
Advertised: 25 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications Close:
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