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Director/Deputy Director, Strategic Communications

  • Company

    Ashoka University

  • Location

    New Delhi

  • Employment Type

    Full-Time

  • Functional Category

    Communications & Marketing

  • Experience

    20 - 21 years

  • Date Posted

    11-Oct-2025

About Ashoka University

Ashoka University is a pioneer in providing an interdisciplinary higher education in India which is at par with the best in the world. An Ashoka education carries a strong emphasis on foundational knowledge, thorough academic research based on rigorous pedagogy, and hands-on experience with real-world challenges. Ashoka aims to help students become well-rounded individuals who can think critically from multiple perspectives, communicate effectively and become ethical leaders with a commitment to public service.

Overview of the Role

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 Description

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.

Required & Preferred Qualifications

Skill

• 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.

Education

Postgraduate degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related discipline; specialisation in strategic communications or management preferred.

Experience

• 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.