Associate Director, Executive Communications

Phase2 Technology; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Phase2 Technology is looking for an Associate Director of Executive Communications to join the Office of Research & Partnership at the University of Arizona. This role involves developing strategic communications initiatives that support the Senior Vice President and ORP Executive Leadership Team.

The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of relevant experience, including management responsibilities, with exceptional communication and project management skills. The position emphasizes collaboration and stakeholder engagement across multiple levels.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of related work experience, with 2 years in a managerial role.
• Demonstrated knowledge of strategic communications and public relations.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage executive communications for ORP leadership.
• Execute strategic communications plans that align with ORP initiatives.
• Supervise communications staff and manage communications projects.

Skills

Strategic communications

Media relations

Content development

Project management

Interpersonal communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Associate Director, Executive Communications

Office of Research & Partnership’s (ORP) Marketing & Communications team at the University of Arizona is searching for an Associate Director, Executive Communications. This position develops and executes strategic communications initiatives that support the Senior Vice President (SVP) for Research and Partnerships and the ORP Executive Leadership Team. The incumbent translates complex research and innovation topics into accessible communications for internal and external audiences while supporting executive visibility, stakeholder engagement, and organizational objectives.

Responsibilities

Executive Communications and Content Development

• Develop and manage executive communications that support the Senior Vice President (SVP) and ORP Executive Leadership Team.
• Research, write, edit, and coordinate speeches, presentations, talking points, briefing materials, reports, correspondence, newsletters, and other leadership communications.
• Ensure messaging aligns with ORP priorities, university objectives, and brand standards.
• Translate complex research and innovation topics into clear, compelling content for various audiences.

Strategic Communications Planning and Implementation

• Develop and execute strategic communications plans that advance ORP initiatives and leadership priorities.
• Oversee editorial calendars, communication campaigns, and content strategies across multiple channels.
• Coordinate communication efforts across ORP units to ensure consistency and alignment.
• Monitor communication outcomes and recommend improvements to increase effectiveness and audience engagement.

Media Relations Support

• Support reactive media relations.
• Coordinate media relations activities for ORP leadership, including responding to inquiries, preparing media materials, and facilitating interviews.
• Identify opportunities to enhance visibility of ORP research, innovation, and partnership initiatives.
• Collaborate with university communications partners on public-facing communications.
• Monitor media coverage for ORP and provide recommendations for proactive engagement.

Staff Leadership and Operational Management

• Supervise communications staff and student employees.
• Establish priorities, manage workflow, and allocate resources to ensure timely completion of communications projects.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, performance feedback, and professional development opportunities.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and training activities as needed.

Collaboration, Stakeholder Engagement and Special Projects

• Partner with university leadership, communications teams, colleges, departments, and external stakeholders to coordinate messaging and communications activities.
• Support institutional initiatives, executive events, and special projects.
• Serve as a communications resource to ORP leadership and stakeholders.
• Foster collaborative relationships that advance the mission and strategic priorities of the Office of Research and Partnerships.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of strategic communications, public relations, media relations, and content development principles and practices.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including experience developing executive-level communications, speeches, presentations, and messaging.
• Ability to translate complex scientific, technical, and research-related information into clear, compelling communications for diverse audiences.
• Strong strategic planning, project management, and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate communication strategies and campaigns that support organizational goals and stakeholder engagement.
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships and effectively influence, advise, and work with leaders, faculty, staff, media representatives, and external partners.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and adapt communication approaches in a dynamic and complex organizational environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Minimum of 5 years of related work experience, including 2 years of managerial experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supervising, mentoring, and developing staff while fostering a collaborative and high‑performing team environment.