Director - Strategic Communications

About the Organization

Ashoka University -India’s premier interdisciplinary teaching and research university. An institution that has become a beacon of academic excellence in less than 10 years since its inception. At Ashoka, we encourage you to embrace the new, push the boundaries for continuous learning, and adapt to a world of constant change because we believe that each Ashokan is capable of becoming a thought leader.

As part of our thriving and committed workforce, you will:

• Be Mission-Driven: Champion interdisciplinary learning, innovative pedagogy, and academic rigor to transform Indian higher education.
• Think Strategically: Collaborate with visionary minds to shape the future of higher education through strategic planning and a forward-thinking approach.
• Act Authentically: Embrace authenticity and integrity, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where every voice is valued.
• Take Accountability: Own your work and drive positive change, as an empowering individual seeking to make a meaningful contribution.
• Build Collaboration: Experience the power of teamwork and diverse perspectives, working collectively towards our shared goals.
• Deliver Excellence: Strive for excellence in all aspects, upholding the highest standards of academic excellence, student support, and professional development opportunities.

At Ashoka University, we are on a mission to redefine higher education and create a remarkable space where innovation and collaboration thrive. As a pioneering force in interdisciplinary learning, we continually grow and adapt to stay at the forefront of educational excellence with emphasis on inclusivity and equal opportunity. Our philosophy revolves around care, well-being, and connection, which are deeply embedded in everything we do.

When you join our community, you become part of an extraordinary journey in which you can unleash your potential and make a meaningful impact. Where education empowers, where innovation thrives, and where excellence and humility coexist. We truly believe the world will enrich itself when there is progress with purpose.

Job Description

Ashoka University is seeking a seasoned communications leader with 20+ 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.

Job 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.

 

Education Qualification/Required Skills & Experience

• 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.
• 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 organizational 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.

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