Executive Director of Executive Communications

Position Information

University Code 13512 University Title Communications Officer 2 University Job Family Communications ORP Eligible Yes For more information on ORP, visit: Retirement Plans
Recruitment Pool All Applicants Recruitment Type Single Title Scope of Search National Working Title Executive Director of Executive Communications Position Number FA6780 Is this employee on a H1B Visa? Position Type Staff Job Status FLSA Indicator Exempt Employee Group Executive & Senior Level Leadership Department VP University Relations Organizational Overview

At VCU, we Make it Real through learning, research, creativity, service and discovery — the hallmarks of the VCU experience. A premier, urban, public research university nationally recognized as one of the best employers for diversity, VCU is a great place to work. It’s a place of opportunity, where your success is supported and your career can thrive. VCU offers employees a generous leave package, career paths for advancement, competitive pay, and an opportunity to do mission-driven work.

Position Primary Purpose and General Responsibilities
With an emphasis on strong organizational experience and collaboration, the Executive Director
of Executive Communications plays a vital role in creating and executing a ONE VCU integrated
communications strategy focused on national prominence.

This position develops and leads a strategic communications plan for the President and leads
a team that supports key executives with institutional brand-building opportunities that
engages internal and external audiences by aligning communications and marketing strategies
that 1) advance the President’s vision and priorities and 2) strengthen the institution’s brand.
The Executive Director is will manage both short-term work and anticipate and address long-
term strategic opportunities and issues in support of the President’s agenda.

The Executive Director of Executive Communications will:

• Lead the strategic development of presidential messaging, as well as related C-suite content designed for both internal and external audiences, and high-level event planning for the President and institution.
• Develop and oversee messaging and ensure the authenticity of the President’s voice and message across all communications platforms. This includes speeches, blog posts, talking
  points, op-eds, social media content, video scripts and more. Conceive, direct and implement
  executive communication messages for other senior executives (when they have institutional
  brand-building opportunities) and supervise staff in support of this function.
• Identify opportunities for the President and other key university executives, such as the Provost or VCU Health System CEO, to tell VCU’s story to a national audience and execute a thought leadership plan that promotes the President and select cabinet members as leaders in areas of strategic interest, leveraging their strengths and expertise with key stakeholders.
• Monitor and maintain constant awareness of major issues that impact (or have the potential to impact) the university/President and provide crisis communications and issues management strategies and tactics to elevate the university/President’s position and interests in a way that assures a positive place in the public and political conversation.
• Lead a team of communications professionals, including potential new positions, that support
  these goals. Provide strategic leadership and guidance to the events team, which is led by the
  Director of Special Events, that is responsible for implementing presidential, university relations and key institutional events. Ensure the team works closely with University Marketing to develop event-related collateral.
• Work in collaboration with the Director of Executive and Enterprise Communication at VCU
  Health and the Senior Advisor to the President in the Office of the President to align executive
  communication functions.
• Collaborate with communications and marketing leads in University Relations and across
  campus to amplify the President’s messages, particularly among internal audiences, and
  identify meaningful engagement opportunities.
• Partner with university leadership to develop proactive strategies, positions and messages on
  key policy issues and help communicate those messages to critical stakeholders.
• Represent the University at internal and external events, meetings and other functions as
  needed. Some public speaking required. Serves on University committees and work groups.
• Handle confidential information with high levels of discretion and good judgment.
• Responsible for day-to-day operations of the Executive Communications office, including
  budget, data integrity, work flow and best practices in business processes.
• Special projects as assigned.

Minimum Hiring Standards
Education :
Master’s degree in English, Communications, Journalism or related field and/or other
comparable training and work experience at a level that equates to an advanced degree.

Experience
Minimum seven years of experience writing and editing speeches, copy ads, reporting and/or
event planning. Experience in higher education, including academic health sciences or
government preferred.

Experience writing for and working with senior executive-level leaders.

Demonstrated record of expertise in executive communication strategy, tactics, and
governance.

Knowledge of the academic environment; appreciation for the academy and its needs and
messages.

Comfort in the C-suite, outstanding representative of the university and its senior leadership.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to interact effectively across all levels
of the organization.

Exceptional work ethic. Attention to detail. Self-starter and energetic; adept at working
independently, as well as collaboratively. Consistently meets deadlines; demonstrates flexibility.

Ability to think strategically and develop executive communication plan that will help meet
Presidential and University goals.

Demonstrated proficiency in targeted in-depth research for upcoming events, audiences and pertinent statistical data.

Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU . Preferred Hiring Standards
Supervisory experience strongly preferred. Ability to supervise and lead team members with
clearly focused vision, compassion, and decisiveness.

Experience in a university setting Required Licenses/ Certifications Anticipated Hiring Range Commensurate with experience Application Process/Additional Information Campus Monroe Park Campus Hours/Week 40 Normal Work Days/Hours Monday-Friday Job Open Date 08/27/2021 Posting will close on or before Open Until Filled Yes Job Category Is this a restricted position? No Is this position eligible to participate in alternative work arrangements? Yes Sensitive Position No Resource Critical Yes Quick Link https://www.vcujobs.com/postings/109393 Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Optional & Required Documents
Required Documents

1. Cover Letter/Letter of Application
2. Resume

Optional Documents

1. Other Document