Senior Director of Communications at American Indian Higher Education Consortium AIHEC – Alexandria, Virginia

The American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) is the collective spirit and unifying voice of our nation's tribal colleges and universities (TCUs). AIHEC supports American Indian and Alaska Native higher education through dedicated research and programmatic initiatives designed to strengthen Native languages, cultures, and Tribal communities. By leveraging its unique position, AIHEC serves as a collaborative partner, providing essential services to member institutions and emerging TCUs. Additionally, AIHEC produces the Tribal College Journal (TCJ), a premier national publication sharing insights on American Indian education.

Position Summary

The Senior Director of Communications is a senior-level strategic leader responsible for shaping and executing AIHEC’s national narrative and brand identity. This role serves as a key partner to the President and CEO, providing strategic counsel and ensuring that the voice and priorities of the TCUs is amplified across all media, policy, editorial, digital, and convening platforms. The Senior Director will lead a diverse team to ensure cohesive messaging and high-impact organizational events.

This position reports to AIHEC’s Chief of Staff.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Team Management

Direct Supervision:Provide administrative supervision and organizational integration support to a team,including the Editor-in-Chief, Events Coordinator, and Communications Administrator. With respect to theTribal College Journal, supervision pertains to budgetary coordination, personnel processes, and organizational alignment; editorial authorityremainsexclusively with the Editor-in-Chief in consultation with the TCJ Advisory Board.Integrated Communications: Develop and lead a comprehensive communications strategy that aligns advocacy, research,data,and programmatic initiativeswith AIHEC’s strategic plan and policy priorities.Brand Stewardship: Ensure consistent brand voice, culturalawareness, and professional integrity across all organizational outputs, with particular attention to Tribal sovereignty and policy priorities. Executive Advising: Serve as a strategic advisor to the President & CEO on communications, public positions, thought leadership, and reputational considerations. Performance and Metrics:Establishmetrics to assess communication effectiveness, audience reach, engagements, and narrative impact. Departmental Oversight

Editorial & Content:Collaborate with the Editor-in-Chief of theTribal College Journalto ensure strategic coordination and organizational awareness of institutional initiatives, while fully preserving the Journal’s established editorial independence.Tribal College Journaloperateswithin an academic publishing framework led by the Editor-in-Chief and guided by the TCJ Advisory Board. The Editor-in-Chiefretainssole authority over editorial scope, acquisitions,theme development, editorial content, design, and layout forTribal College Journal, TCJ Student, and Tribal College Press. The Senior Director provides administrative support, budget coordination, and institutional alignment but does notdetermineeditorial content.

Events & Engagement: Provide strategic oversight to theEventsCoordinator for the planning and execution of large-scale conferences, board meetings, and culture-building activities.Administrative Operations: Direct the Communications Administrator in managing budgets, contracts with external vendors, and departmental reporting.Advocacy & Public Relations

Media Relations: Act as a primary point of contact for media inquiries and develop relationships with national andTribal news outlets.Policy Communication: Translate complex public policy issues into accessible messaging for member institutions, policymakers, funders,and the public.Crisis Management: Lead communications efforts during sensitive organizational or community-based developmentsor political momentswith discretion and professionalism.Qualifications

Education:Master's degree in Communications, Journalism, or Public Policy.Experience: 8–10+ years of progressive leadership experience in communications or public relations, including senior-level leadership roles. Communication Excellence: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with the ability to reach diverse audiences, includingpolicymakersand Tribal leaders.Strategic Thinking: Proven ability toanticipateorganizational needs, manage complexity,and solve problems effectivelywhile providing senior-level counsel.Technical Savvy:Proficiencyinenterprise collaboration tools and modern digital communication platforms (i.e.,Microsoft Workspace,Teams, SharePoint, content management systems, and social media). Cultural Competence: A deep understanding of and commitment to the mission of Tribal Colleges and Universities and American Indian/Alaska Native higher education.Professionalism: Commitment to ethical standards, detail-oriented project management, and a collaborative, team-oriented approachPhysical Job Requirements

Ability to communicate information and ideas, detect,determine, perceive, andobservedetails, particularly on a screen or on paper.

Ability to spend more thanhalfthe time viewing computer monitors.This position may requireremainingin a stationary position 50% or more.Ability to communicate effectively in person, over the phone, and in writing.Ability to travel independently and attend off-site meetings and events as required by business needs.Candidate must be able to complete all essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.Job Location and Travel

JobLocation: Alexandria, VA.Sporadic travel (up to 25%) for meetings and conferences. Schedule: Hybrid remote schedule with three (3) scheduled days in the office.Compensation and Benefits

$150,000-160,000per annum401(k) with 6% matchingPremium medical insurance for employees and dependents paid for by the organizationDental, vision, life, accident, hospital indemnity, and disability insurances offered at low costHolidays and Paid time offAIHEC’s personnel policies, procedures, and practices prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religious creed, disability, ancestry, national origin, age, or sex. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace and provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws. If you require accommodation during the application process or in performing essential functions of the role, please contact Human Resources.