Strategic External Communications Director

UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA; Tucson, Northern (AZ, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits

Job summary

University of Arizona seeks an experienced Executive Director of External Communications to lead media relations, news content, science and research writing, and crisis communications. This senior leader will serve as a primary university spokesperson and mentor a team of communications professionals.

The role collaborates with campus leaders to elevate the university's national profile and address reputational opportunities and challenges, reporting to the Chief Communications and Marketing

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of 9 years of related work experience, including 5 years in managerial roles.
• Experience leading a team, project, or function is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead external communications and media relations to raise the university's national profile.
• Develop and implement comprehensive external communications plans.
• Oversee editorial production and distribution for web and email news channels.
• Provide strategic counsel to university leadership on communications matters.
• Manage crisis communications planning and responses with campus partners.
• Build relationships with journalists and content creators to broaden reach.

Skills

External communications

Media relations

Crisis communications

Team leadership

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Job description

University of Arizona seeks an experienced Executive Director of External Communications to lead media relations, news content, science and research writing, and crisis communications. This senior leader will serve as a primary university spokesperson and mentor a team of communications professionals.

The role collaborates with campus leaders to elevate the university's national profile and address reputational opportunities and challenges, reporting to the Chief Communications and Marketing