Associate Director, Executive and Internal Communications

University of Washington•Seattle, WA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

For over 160 years, the University of Washington has been a hub for learning, innovation, problem solving and community building. Supporting this legacy and important public mission—with the goal of making the UW the world’s greatest public university, as measured by positive impact—guides everything we do in University Advancement. Bringing together development; alumni and stakeholder engagement; marketing and communications; and advancement operations, we advance the UW’s impact by developing meaningful connections that foster pride, advocacy and philanthropic support. This starts with creating a culture of belonging within our organization that values the diverse experiences and expertise of our team members, allowing everyone to thrive and to contribute their unique talents as we strive to achieve our shared goals. The Office of the Senior Vice President for Advancement has an exciting opening for an Associate Director for External and Internal Communications. This is a full-time permanent position. The Associate Director for Executive and Internal Communications plans, oversees and executes internal communications for University Advancement and manages high impact executive communications, principally for the Senior Vice President, Advancement. As part of the Office of the Senior Vice President for Advancement, this role works in close collaboration with teams in Advancement Strategy & Campaigns, the UW Foundation Board, University Marketing and Communications and People and Culture to ensure internal and executive communications build the vision, values and culture of University Advancement and the UW Foundation Board in support of the University of Washington’s strategic vision, plan and mission. The role operates in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment and requires exceptional persuasive writing skills, together with a marketing mindset and utility with related tools and their efficacy in reaching internal and external audiences. Creativity and curiosity, sound judgment, research capabilities, diplomacy and discretion, while navigating complex organizational dynamics with professionalism, are key requirements of the role.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree AND four years of related experience.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a senior leader’s office, executive communications role, higher education and/or institutional advancement or comparable high-trust environment.
Demonstrated excellence in executive and/or internal communications, including the ability to adapt voice, tone and messaging for senior leaders and internal audiences.
Sound interpersonal judgment, diplomacy and discretion, including experience handling sensitive and confidential information.
Proven ability to develop compelling communications and strategies with a marketing mindset.
Experience developing digital marketing materials (newsletters, social posts) and other packaged marketing assets.
Experience developing and implementing strategic fundraising communications.
Proven ability to manage complex, deadline-driven communications in fast-paced, highly collaborative and matrixed environments.
Comfortable receiving and navigating feedback from multiple stakeholders, including synthesizing and reconciling conflicting input.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
Demonstrated curiosity and creativity.
Demonstrated project management experience, including proficiency with project management tools such as Asana.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

Serve as a subject matter expert and lead executive communications for the Senior Vice President for Advancement and President of the UW Foundation (SVP).
Plan, develop and deliver executive communications including speeches, talking points, presentations, monthly digests, high-impact correspondence and announcements, ensuring alignment with Advancement’s mission, vision, values and strategic priorities.
Gather accurate information needed to support executive communications by coordinating with Advancement teams, UW partners and subject matter experts.
Translate complex or evolving details into clear, concise, timely messaging.
Guide executive and internal communications efforts in response to University crisis events, sensitive internal issues or major announcements.
Collaborate and coordinate with UW Foundation Board Engagement staff to guide, develop and manage communications to Foundation Board members and volunteers.
Proactively track, forecast and manage executive communications needs in collaboration with administrative staff, balancing responsiveness with strategic and annual calendar planning.
Analyze communication strategies to inform the effectiveness of communications and planning for long-range needs.
Plan, oversee and execute the internal communications strategy for University Advancement, ensuring alignment with organizational vision and priorities, campaign messaging, values and leadership direction.
Write, edit and publish internal communications content, including staff messages, leadership updates, announcements, newsletters and supporting materials.
Lead communications for Advancement-wide internal events, meetings and professional development opportunities, creating clear messages and materials.
Develop, update and maintain internal web and intranet content to ensure information is accurate.
Manage internal communications projects end-to-end, coordinating stakeholder input, editorial review, approvals and timelines.
Partner with Development, Advancement Strategy & Campaigns and University Marketing and Communications to ensure coordination and alignment across internal and external communications.
Translate complex academic and institutional priorities into clear, compelling narratives for internal and external audiences.
Oversee content standards and moderation approach for key internal communication channels, ensuring clarity, appropriateness and consistency.
Use project management and file-sharing tools to track work, manage timelines and maintain visibility across communications projects.
Proactively identify and address scope, timeline, or alignment challenges in complex environments.
Develop and maintain templates, guidance and processes that improve efficiency, consistency and quality.
Regularly evaluate communications processes and recommend improvements.
Provide flexible, hands-on support to University Advancement communications efforts as priorities and needs evolve.
Other Duties as Assigned