Director - Strategic Communications

Role Overview: You are a seasoned communications leader with 12-15 years of experience, responsible for leading Ashoka University's Strategic Communications team. Your background in business development communications, corporate communications, journalism, advertising, or public relations will be crucial. You will manage a young team, produce annual publications, newsletters, events, and videos, and shape strategic narratives showcasing Ashoka's impact, growth, and vision. Key Responsibilities: - Oversee and evolve Ashoka's key publications including the Founder & Donor Newsletter, Annual Review, Financial Report, Enquiry, Inclusion & Diversity Report, Alumni Stories, and the Careers Report to showcase Ashoka's legacy and aspirations. - Partner with the Development team to design tailored communications that strengthen donor engagement and support philanthropic growth. - Lead communications strategy and delivery for high-profile University events, ensuring they highlight Ashoka's distinctiveness and deepen stakeholder connections. - Oversee the creation of high-quality video projects articulating Ashoka's impact and encourage student-generated content for authentic storytelling. - Safeguard and strengthen Ashoka's brand identity, ensuring consistency across all communication platforms and materials. - Introduce innovative communication formats and strategies to position Ashoka as a thought leader in higher education. - Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of writers, designers, and video producers to deliver high-quality, creative, and impactful work. Qualifications Required: - Postgraduate degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or related discipline, with specialisation in strategic communications or management preferred. - 20+ years of progressive experience in strategic communications, corporate communications, media, or institutional advancement, preferably within higher education, non-profits, or mission-driven organisations. - Proven track record of designing and executing large-scale communication strategies with measurable outcomes. - Demonstrated success in stakeholder communications, including with senior leadership, donors, policymakers, and global partners. - Significant experience leading and mentoring high-performing creative teams. Additional Company Details: Ashoka University is known for shaping its identity among key stakeholders, including founders, donors, strategic partners, policymakers, and the broader public. The Strategic Communications team plays a pivotal role in enabling and amplifying Ashoka's fundraising initiatives by creating high-quality communications and content to strengthen stakeholder engagement and support institution-building.,