Director - Strategic Communications

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Experience (in years):

About Ashoka University:

About the Strategic Communications Team:

The Strategic Communications team plays a crucial role in shaping Ashoka University’s identity among its key stakeholders, including founders, donors, strategic partners, policymakers, and the broader public. The team drives the creation of high-quality communications and content, including newsletters, publications, events, and films, to strengthen stakeholder engagement, advance fundraising, and support institution-building. As a core part of the Development Team, Strategic Communications plays a pivotal role in enabling and amplifying Ashoka’s fundraising initiatives.

Role Overview:

Ashoka University is seeking a seasoned communications leader with 12-15 years of experience to lead its Strategic Communications team. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in business development communications, corporate communications, journalism, advertising, or public relations, and a deep understanding of content strategies for fundraising and institutional advancement. The role involves managing a high-performing young team, producing a suite of annual publications, newsletters, events, and videos, and shaping strategic narratives that showcase Ashoka’s impact, growth, and vision.

Role and Responsibilities:

Publications and Institutional Collaterals :

• 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.

Fundraising and Donor Engagement

• Partner closely with the Development team to design tailored communications that strengthen donor engagement and support philanthropic growth.
• Translate institutional achievements into compelling stories that inspire trust, commitment, and long-term partnerships.

Event Communications

• Lead communications strategy and delivery for high–profile University events, including Founders’ Day (two-day celebration in Delhi and Ashoka campus), the Rakesh Jhunjhunwala Lecture Series, UNHI events, and ICPP launches.
• Ensure communications for these events highlight Ashoka’s distinctiveness and deepen stakeholder connections.

Multimedia Storytelling

• Oversee the creation of high-quality video projects that articulate Ashoka’s impact.
• Encourage student-generated content to bring authentic voices and diverse perspectives into Ashoka’s storytelling.

Brand Identity and Consistency

• Safeguard and strengthen Ashoka’s brand identity, ensuring visual and narrative alignment across all communication platforms and materials.

Innovation and Future Readiness

• Introduce innovative communication formats and strategies that expand reach, enhance institutional storytelling, and position Ashoka as a thought leader in higher education.

Leadership and Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of writers, designers, and video producers to deliver high-quality, creative, and impactful work.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation within the Strategic Communications team.

Eligibility/Qualifications:

• Postgraduate degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related discipline; 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 that deliver 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.

Skills Required:

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to craft inspiring narratives across diverse formats (editorial, digital, visual, and experiential).
• Strong editorial judgment and a flair for storytelling that aligns institutional achievements with stakeholder expectations.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to align communications with organisational goals and fundraising priorities.
• Deep understanding of brand management and the ability to ensure consistency in messaging and design.
• Familiarity with evolving communication tools, digital platforms, and multimedia storytelling.
• Strong stakeholder management skills; able to build trust and credibility with donors, founders, policymakers, and partners.
• Creative, innovative, and forward-looking approach to institutional storytelling.
• Collaborative leadership style with the ability to inspire, mentor, and grow a dynamic communications team.