Director of Executive Communication and Engagement

Duties Include, But Are Not Limited To

• Executive Communications Development: Lead the creation, refinement, and delivery of high-impact presidential communications—including speeches, remarks, talking points, presentations, and strategic correspondence—ensuring accuracy, consistency of voice, and alignment with institutional priorities.
• Strategic Messaging & Issues Support: Research key topics, synthesize complex information, and develop messaging frameworks that support the president’s engagement on emerging issues, governance matters, and institutional initiatives.
• Presidential Event Preparation & On-Site Support: Prepare comprehensive briefing materials and run-of-show documentation for presidential appearances and provide on-site advance support to ensure smooth execution, optimal visibility, and effective real-time decision-making.
• Stakeholder Engagement Planning: Serve as a strategic liaison between the President’s Office and internal/external partners—including advancement, marketing, academic leadership, and community leaders—to coordinate messaging, event planning, and executive engagement opportunities.
• Administrative & Strategic Partnering: Collaborate closely with the chief of staff as a confidential advisor to ensure presidential communications and engagements are timed, framed, and executed to advance university goals; maintain discretion in handling sensitive information and support special projects such as sponsorship review and development of presidential materials.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, English, political science, public administration, or a related field.
• At least five (5) years of professional experience in executive communications, speechwriting, strategic messaging, public affairs, or a closely related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in communications, journalism, English, public administration, higher education leadership, or a related field.
• Experience working in higher education, government, nonprofit leadership, or another mission-driven sector.
• Background in executive-level speechwriting for presidents, chancellors, elected officials, CEOs, or similar high-visibility leaders.
• Experience serving as an advanced lead or event handler for dignitaries, high-profile speakers, or senior executives.
• Experience developing presentations, visual communication materials, or branded content for diverse internal and external audiences.
• Experience with issues management, message frameworks, or strategic communication planning.
• Experience working collaboratively across departments and with high-level stakeholders.