Executive Engagement & Strategy Director

American University; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

American University’s WAMU division seeks a Senior Director of Executive Engagement to partner with the GM and senior leadership. You will lead executive communications, governance support, and high-profile engagements to strengthen the GM’s influence across internal and external audiences.

You will advise on messaging, coordinate board and donor relations, and supervise the GM’s Senior Executive Assistant, ensuring alignment with AU priorities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required.
• 8–10 years of experience in executive communications, stakeholder engagement, or strategic operations.
• Master’s degree preferred with 10+ years of relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute executive messaging strategies for the GM’s priorities.
• Draft speeches, op-eds, executive correspondence, presentations and briefing materials.
• Advise the GM on stakeholder engagement approaches aligned with priorities.
• Lead preparation for external engagements and manage donor and board interactions.
• Oversee governance activities, board materials, and reporting standards.
• Supervise the GM’s Senior Executive Assistant and align office priorities.

Skills

Executive communications

Stakeholder engagement

Governance support

Executive leadership

Strategic messaging

Education

Bachelor’s degree

8–10 years of experience

Master’s degree (preferred)

Job description

American University’s WAMU division seeks a Senior Director of Executive Engagement to partner with the GM and senior leadership. You will lead executive communications, governance support, and high-profile engagements to strengthen the GM’s influence across internal and external audiences.

You will advise on messaging, coordinate board and donor relations, and supervise the GM’s Senior Executive Assistant, ensuring alignment with AU priorities.