Associate Director Executive Communications

Department
Communications

The associate director of executive communications is a storyteller, strategist and project facilitator responsible for communications and thought leadership strategy on behalf of MSU Denver’s Office of the President in collaboration with University Communications and Marketing.

Reporting to the AVP of Strategic Communications, this position works directly with the University President managing presidential communications, including content creation, packaging narratives, and measuring effectiveness. They provide guidance and oversee messaging consultation and collaboration with various university departments.

The position requires proactive, efficient, and sound judgment.

Duties/Responsibilities

Executive communications (80%)

• Lead strategic planning for internal and external presidential communications in collaboration with the president's staff and Strategic Communications team.

• Develop, organize and maintain key messages aligned with the university's strategic priorities. Identify and develop stories in support of key messages.

• Craft all written communications for the president, such as speeches, newsletters, and emails, tailored to specific audiences.

• Facilitate dissemination of Presidential content across all University communications channels and optimize content distribution.

• Manage the president’s website.

• Oversee the President’s social media strategy, execution, and measurement.

• Manage leadership awards program.

• Recommend and track metrics to ensure data-informed decisions around future communications. Coordinate the development of reports.

Strategic storytelling and communications (15%)

• Develop and maintain key messaging repository for the University.

• Contribute to strategic storytelling and communications efforts, including research, story development, and editing.

• Solicit, pitch, develop, write and edit news stories and magazine features around the president and key initiatives.

• Serve as a key contributor on the University’s crisis communication team, providing content, research and monitoring for crisis communications.

• Provide strategic guidance on pertinent internal communications as well as external and marketing communications.

• Edit stories, social media and other communications as needed.

Public affairs (5%)

• Write, edit and review copy and assist with government affairs and community relations strategy.

• Serve as liaison between government affairs and Strategic Communications team, developing and tracking editorial stories and sources to support government affairs.

IND208

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field.

• 5 years of professional experience in communications, journalism, writing, or related field.
• Experience writing for executives including speeches, correspondence, talking points.
• Experience managing social media and web content.

Important Note: Successful applicants will ensure their resumes clearly demonstrate that their work experience describes how they meet ALL required qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications

• 7+ years of professional experience in communications, journalism, writing, or related field.
• Previous experience in a higher education environment, politics, government, or related field.

Competencies:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to translate complex concepts into clear, compelling, and cohesive communications.

• Discretion and confidentiality in handling sensitive issues with irreproachable integrity.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution.
• Exceptional project management and organizational skills. Ability to multitask and adapt in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• Ability to anticipate and proactively address issues.

• Familiarity and comfort in a highly collaborative work environment.
• Knowledge of executive social media strategy and digital best practices.

Work Schedule

This role is based in Denver, Colorado and includes flexible, hybrid work with a weekly onsite requirement.

Salary for Announcement

The anticipated hiring range for this position is $75,000 to $95,000 .

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training. The above salary range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

For more information on MSU Denver’s compensation structure, please visit https://www.msudenver.edu/hr/compensation/professionalexecutivestaff/compensationstructureandguidelines/

Instructions to Apply

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) 09/04/2023.
For full consideration, please submit the following documents:

Resume
Cover letter describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position.

Executive communications writing samples (2 minimum)

Official transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire.

If you are an Internal applicant, please apply via the Career tab within the WorkDay Menu.

Closing Date

Open Until Filled

Posting RepresentativeSophia J Montano

Posting Representative Emailsmontan7@msudenver.edu

Benefits

MSU Denver is pleased to offer our current and potential employees a wide array of benefit options. To learn more, please visit the following link:

Employee Benefits Offerings

Diversity Statement

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 50% first generation students and over 45% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.

We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.