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Communications Director Jobs in Appleton, WI (NOW HIRING)

Marketing and Brand Communications Director We are looking for a Creative manager to bring our brand strategy to life and empower a talented in-house design team. In this role, you will balance high ...

Marketing and Brand Communications Director We are looking for a Creative manager to bring our brand strategy to life and empower a talented in-house design team. In this role, you will balance high ...

Marketing and Brand Communications Director We are looking for a Creative manager to bring our brand strategy to life and empower a talented in-house design team. In this role, you will balance high ...

Marketing and Brand Communications Director We are looking for a Creative manager to bring our brand strategy to life and empower a talented in-house design team. In this role, you will balance high ...

Marketing and Brand Communications Director We are looking for a Creative manager to bring our brand strategy to life and empower a talented in-house design team. In this role, you will balance high ...

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Communications Director information

See Appleton, WI salary details

$34.1K

$99.8K

$165.9K

How much do communications director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for communications director in Appleton, WI is $99,775.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,200.00 and $122,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

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 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.
More about Communications Director jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Communications jobs in Appleton, WI? The most popular types of Communications jobs in Appleton, WI are:
What job categories do people searching Communications Director jobs in Appleton, WI look for? The top searched job categories for Communications Director jobs in Appleton, WI are:
What cities near Appleton, WI are hiring for Communications Director jobs? Cities near Appleton, WI with the most Communications Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Communications Director job openings in Appleton, WI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,775 per year, or $48 per hour.

Assistant Director of Advancement Communications

Lawrence University

Appleton, WI • On-site

$40K - $54K/yr

Other

Posted 20 hours ago

Posted today


Lawrence University rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

549th of 616 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Information
Position Title Assistant Director of Advancement Communications Location Appleton Department Alumni & Constituency Engagement Position Type Staff Position Description & Qualifications
REPORTS TO:   Director of Advancement Communications
 
ABOUT US:
The Advancement Team connects alumni and friends with Lawrence University's mission by
       Investing in relationships,
       Matching donor and volunteer passions with university priorities, and
       Demonstrating the impact of philanthropy and volunteer engagement on our students and their Lawrence experience
 
 
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE:
As the Assistant Director of Advancement Communications you will be responsible for the execution of a multi-channel marketing and communications plan that contributes to the University's alumni and donor engagement goals. Your work will capture and share the Lawrence story in engaging and broad-reaching ways. This role will support fundraising priorities to support current and future students, steward donors, and engage our 20,000+ alumni - all while contributing to the university's visibility and reputation as a leading liberal arts institution.
 
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Support the Advancement division's integrated marketing and communications efforts by contributing to alumni and donor engagement through compelling storytelling across multiple channels.
  • Execute email campaigns designed to drive annual fund support, event registration, and alumni affinity and connectedness.
  • Manage and grow our social media presence and engagement across the Lawrence University Alumni Facebook page, LinkedIn group, and Instagram page - including developing a strategic social media content calendar and designing visually compelling posts using Canva.
  • Support digital storytelling strategies with print mail campaigns, coordinating print projects through external vendors.
 
Serve as a primary resource with AlumnIQ, our email marketing platform, as well as ThankView, our donor stewardship email and video platform. 
  • Serve as a campus consultant, training other platform users to increase platform and channel effectiveness. 
  • Stay updated on best practices.
  • Collaborate in design, content, and managing distribution of emails.
  • Ensure emails align with best practices for optimal performance and accessibility.
  • Provide quality assurance of email marketing efforts to ensure best practices and engagement tracking for communications across the division. 
 
Serve as a content contributor and coordinator for the alumni website. Assist in the creation and updating of microsites, special event sites, and other web products.

Assist with writing, content generation, and editing expertise for the Advancement division.

Support crowdfund initiatives with marketing and communications plans. 

Maintain the Advancement division email and event calendar, ensuring open and collaborative communication and planning amongst the various stakeholders. 
 
Maintain and respond to communications in the Alumni inbox with exemplary customer service and representing the University in a professional and compassionate manner. 
 
Support Advancement and University events as requested or required. 

Respond to special projects and other duties as assigned.

Some evening and weekend work is required. 
 
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:
The Assistant Director will work most closely with the Advancement Team, particularly the Alumni and Community Engagement team. Additionally, the Assistant Director will work with faculty, students, and staff across campus and the University's constituents-alumni, donors, parents, friends, and Fox Valley community members.
 
The Assistant Director must establish and maintain positive working relationships with other key campus offices, such as Athletics, University Communications and Student Life, as well as off campus vendors for print solicitations and email marketing efforts. 
 
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
  1. Bachelor's degree in related area with an appreciation for private, liberal arts, residential colleges. 
  2. Two or more years relevant experience. 
  3. Exceptional writing, communication, and editing skills, as well as accuracy and attention to detail. 
  4. The ideal candidate will bring both copywriting and graphic design skills with the ability to create polished, on-brand digital content for social media and email.
  5. Familiarity with at least one major email marketing system. 
  6. Demonstrated experience formatting letters, designing webpages, and managing social media platforms - Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram at a minimum. 
  7. Solution oriented with a demonstrated ability to problem-solve.
  8. Demonstrated success in a fast-moving, multi-stakeholder environment, balancing multiple projects and priorities. 
  9. Collaborative team player with a proactive attitude.
  10. Creativity, willingness to learn, and a sense of humor.
  11. Possess exceptional interpersonal and customer service skills i.e., concise, articulate, and confident with the ability to represent the university in a professional manner.
  12. Ability to maintain confidentiality of all aspects of job responsibilities.
EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:
Must have successful completion of criminal record check, driving record check (where applicable) and reference checks.
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number S638P Number of Vacancies 1 Posting Date Best Consideration Date Close Date Open Until Filled Special Instructions Summary Anticipated Number of Hours per Week 40

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