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Director of Executive Communications

Employer
Virginia Commonwealth University
Location
Virginia, United States
Salary
Salary Not Specified
Date posted
Mar 2, 2022


Position Primary Purpose and General Responsibilities:

With an emphasis on strong organizational experience and collaboration, the 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 Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) in support of institutional brand-building opportunities that engages internal and external audiences by aligning communications and marketing strategies that 1) advance the CDO’s vision and priorities and 2) strengthen the institution’s brand.

The Director will manage both short-term work and anticipate and address long- term strategic opportunities and issues in support of the CDO’s agenda.

The Director of Executive Communications will:
  • Lead the strategic development of the CDO’s messaging, as well as related executive-level content designed for both internal and external audiences.
  • Develop and oversee messaging and ensure the authenticity of the CDO’s voice and message across all communications platforms. This includes speeches, blog posts, talking points, op-eds, social media content, video scripts and more.
  • Identify opportunities for the CDO, to tell VCU’s story to a national audience and execute a thought leadership plan that promotes the CDO, 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 / CDO and provide crisis communications and issues management strategies and tactics to elevate the university / President / CDO’s position and interests in a way that assures a positive place in the public and political conversation.
  • Collaborate with the Director of Communications and Information Management and across campus to amplify the CDO’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.
  • Handle confidential information with high levels of discretion and good judgment. Responsible for day-to-day operations of the Executive Communications position, including data integrity, workflow and best practices in business processes.
  • Special projects as assigned.
Education
  • Master’s degree in English, Communications, Journalism or related field or other comparable training and work experience at a level that equates to an advanced degree.
Required qualifications
  • Extensive experience writing and editing speeches, copy ads, or reporting. 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 CDO. 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 CDO 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.
Salary Range: Commensurate

Position Details:

Department: Office of Institutional Equity, Effectiveness and Success
Employment Type: UF - University Employee FT
Restricted Status: No
FTE: 1
Exemption Status: Exempt

Contact Information:

Contact Name: Anna McLemore

Contact Email: ammclemore@vcu.edu




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