Communications Director

About the role

The Communications Director serves as a communications strategist and trusted advisor in the Office of the Provost on executive, internal and institutional communications. The director operates as both a strategic advisor and an operational leader, balancing high-level counsel with hands-on execution across a broad portfolio of work. This role is responsible for: Executive and strategic communications Leads the development and execution of communications strategies that support the Office of the Provost and advance the academic mission of the UniversityEnsures that high-level communications are reflective of the campus strategic framework Internal communications leadership Leads communications efforts related to academic initiatives, leadership transitions, organizational priorities, policy changes and operational updates Communications coordination Strengthens alignment and supports the institutional brand across the Provost's portfolioDevelops communication that supports transparency, alignment, engagement and change management across complex academic unitsDevelops a communications strategy workflow, and smooth execution on daily needs, as well as longer term projectsFosters connections and supports alignment and partnership among communicators in units reporting to the Office of the ProvostEnsures alignment with central campus communication priorities and the Office of Strategic Communication Issues managementAnticipates institutional risks, reputational considerations and opportunitiesProvides guidance on sensitive and high-profile issues, serves as a key liaison with university-wide partners, and assists in executing urgent or emergency communications Content development Supports the provost's engagements with internal and external audiences Develops presentations, correspondence, speeches, remarks, web content and talking pointsManages daily operational communication needs of the Office of the ProvostAs needed, support units reporting to the Office of the Provost The Communications Director will report to the Chief of Staff in the Office of the Provost with a dotted line to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs and Institutional Communications in the Office of Strategic Communication to ensure communication coordination and alignment.

Department: Office of the Provost

Responsibilities

• Develops, implements, and monitors strategic communication initiatives for designated audiences and internal stakeholders to maximize engagement and strengthen collaboration efforts (40%)
• Identifies, establishes, and directs media relationships and partnerships with internal and external sources (20%)
• Identifies, proposes, and implements new or revived operational policies and procedures (20%)
• Audits and directs day-to-day operational plans to align with strategic initiatives and to meet established objectives (20%)

Requirements

• 8+ years of progressively responsible communications experience
• Exceptional writing, editing and verbal communication skills
• Experience leading communications in complex environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated organizational judgment, discretion, and ability to manage confidential and sensitive matters
• Experience prioritizing and managing multiple competing priorities
• Track record of building trust through clarity, follow through, and consistency
• Proven ability to build relationships and influence across multiple stakeholders without formal authority
• Experience managing organizational change or large-scale internal communications initiatives
• Demonstrated openness to learning, listening to different perspectives, and adapting strategies when presented with new information
• Understanding of communication technologies and channels and a vision for using them strategically
• Familiarity with higher education organizational structures, including shared governance; academic culture; and institutional decision-making processes
• Experience advising institutional leaders or senior executives on communication strategy and messaging
• Skilled facilitator

Education

Bachelor's degree required

Compensation and Benefits

The minimum salary for this position is $125,000. Actual salary is negotiable and will depend on the selected candidate's qualifications.

• generous paid-time off
• competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance
• tax-advantaged savings