Director of Executive Communications and Strategic Engagement

Job Summary

The University of Michigan, School of Nursing (UMSN) is seeking a Director of Executive Communications & Strategic Engagement to serve as the UMSN Dean's principal communications strategist and executive writer.

Responsibilities

• Executive Communications

• Develop and execute the Dean's executive communications strategy.
• Draft speeches, presentations, reports, remarks, correspondence, leadership messages, opinion pieces, and executive communications.
• Prepare briefing materials, stakeholder summaries, messaging guidance, and background research for high-profile meetings, events, and engagements.
• Develop executive presentations, talking points, briefing books, reports, and communication materials that support leadership decision-making and stakeholder engagement.
• Ensure executive communications are timely, accurate, strategically aligned, and tailored to intended audiences.
• Prepare briefing materials and messaging guidance for high-profile meetings and engagements.
• Support sensitive and high-stakes communications in coordination with the Dean and university partners.

• Institutional Narrative & Strategic Messaging

• Develop and maintain the School's institutional narrative and strategic messaging framework.
• Translate strategic priorities into compelling messages for internal and external audiences.
• Ensure consistency across executive communications and leadership messaging.
• Support messaging related to organizational change, strategic initiatives, and institutional priorities.

• Strategic Engagement

• Support strategic planning engagement efforts and institutional feedback processes.
• Develop stakeholder engagement strategies that support institutional priorities.
• Aid leaders in communicating complex decisions and strategic initiatives.
• Design and facilitate executive listening sessions, stakeholder forums, leadership town halls, and engagement activities that support institutional priorities.
• Develop communication and engagement approaches that foster transparency, understanding, and trust across stakeholder groups.
• Track stakeholder feedback and identify themes requiring executive attention or response.

• Communications Integration

• Partner with Marketing & Communications to ensure alignment between executive messaging and institutional communications.
• Collaborate with Advancement, Academic Programs, Research, Practice, and other units on strategic initiatives requiring executive-level communications.
• Serve as a bridge between leadership priorities and communications execution.

• Change Communications & Strategic Initiatives

• Develop communications strategies supporting organizational change, strategic planning, and major institutional initiatives.
• Translate complex decisions, governance actions, and strategic priorities into clear and accessible communications.
• Partner with the Dean to support leadership alignment and institutional understanding during periods of change and transformation.
• Develop communication approaches that reinforce accountability, transparency, and shared understanding across the School.

• Stakeholder Intelligence & Executive Preparation

• Develop stakeholder profiles, audience analyses, and engagement strategies for key internal and external constituencies.
• Conduct research, benchmarking, environmental scanning, and issue analysis to support executive communications and engagement efforts.
• Identify emerging stakeholder concerns, opportunities, and reputational considerations that may affect institutional priorities.
• Maintain stakeholder engagement plans and communication strategies supporting major initiatives and institutional priorities.
• Provide strategic communications counsel regarding stakeholder dynamics and organizational sentiment.
• Support special projects and strategic initiatives led by the Dean.

• Executive Briefing & Leadership Communications Management

• Lead development of executive briefing books, meeting preparation materials, talking points, and strategic communications for the Dean.
• Cook up content development for UMSN Academic Group and Executive Team meetings, retreats, leadership forums, and major institutional events.
• Ensure executive communication materials accurately reflect institutional priorities, governance decisions, and strategic objectives.
• Maintain systems and processes supporting preparation, review, and dissemination of executive communications and leadership materials.

Required Qualifications

• Education/Experience

• A Bachelor's degree in journalism, English, communications, public relations or related field.
• A Master's degree is preferred.
• A minimum of eight (8) or more years of experience in executive communications, strategic communications, public affairs, or related roles in complex organizations.
• Demonstrated work experience supporting senior executives with high-level communication and messaging.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills with the ability to translate complex ideas into clear, compelling narratives.
• Strong strategic thinking and ability to align communications with institutional priorities.
• Experience working across multiple stakeholders and functions in a matrixed environment.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office products (including Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint).

• Attributes

• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Prominent analytical skills and follow-through; a high degree of creativity, initiative, resourcefulness, and the ability to anticipate needs.
• High level of discretion, judgement and professionalism.
• Excellent attention to detail and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as effectively on teams.
• Ability to promote the School of Nursing's Declaration of Values to Empower each other to interrupt or disrupt disrespect; Practice communication that is beneficial, kind and true; Inspire and be inspired by our members? worth, significance and integrity; Cultivate respect for ourselves and others routinely, publicly and privately.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in higher education, academic medicine, or similar complex mission-driven organizations.
• Experience supporting executive-level communications in a Dean's, Provost's, or CEO-level office.
• Familiarity with advancement, stakeholder engagement, or public-facing institutional strategy.