Director of Communications, 150 Forward

University of Arkansas System • Fayetteville, AR

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Communications for 150 Forward is a hands-on communications professional responsible for supporting executive leadership priorities through strategic planning, writing, coordination, and day-to-day communications execution. Reporting to the Director of Research and Economic Development Communications and Assistant Director of Executive Communications in University Relations, the position combines high-level strategy with practical implementation to support institutional priorities, leadership visibility, stakeholder engagement, and organizational initiatives connected to the university’s 150 Forward Strategic Plan. The position will be embedded in the 150 Forward Transformation Management Office (TMO). This role develops communications plans and executes the work required to bring those plans to life - including writing, editing, project coordination, content development, and collaboration across campus partners. The Director serves as both a strategic advisor and an active contributor who helps ensure communications are timely, clear, aligned, and audience-centered. The Director is expected to work in close collaboration with the TMO Director as well as the Chancellor and Provost, and vice chancellors, to substantially advance awareness and understanding of the University’s success and aspirations. The position supports communications connected to strategic planning, institutional initiatives, organizational change, executive engagement, and university-wide priorities while also managing routine communications deliverables and operational responsibilities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, English, higher education administration, or a related field
• Experience developing and implementing strategic communications plans and stakeholder engagement strategies
• Experience with writing, editing, and storytelling across multiple communication formats and audiences

Nice To Haves

• At least five years of progressively responsible professional experience in strategic communications, executive communications, public relations, or organizational communications
• Demonstrated experience supporting senior or executive leadership communications
• Master's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, higher education, organizational leadership, or a related field
• Experience in higher education, public-sector, healthcare, nonprofit, or similarly complex organizations
• Experience supporting organizational change initiatives or transformation efforts
• Experience with executive speechwriting and presentation development
• Experience collaborating across decentralized organizations with multiple stakeholder groups
• Familiarity with digital communications strategies, analytics, and audience engagement practices

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic communications plans supporting 150 Forward priorities and executive leadership initiatives
• Serve as a communications advisor to university leadership on messaging, stakeholder engagement, and communications planning
• Draft and edit executive communications including speeches, talking points, presentations, campus messages, reports, op-eds, briefing materials, and strategic correspondence
• Translate complex institutional priorities, initiatives, and organizational changes into clear, compelling, audience-centered messaging
• Build communications frameworks that reinforce institutional mission, strategic goals, and university reputation
• Coordinate proactive communications strategies related to institutional transformation, change management, and campus-wide initiatives
• Lead communications efforts that support organizational alignment, engagement, and adoption of strategic initiatives
• Develop audience-specific messaging and communications strategies for faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors, governing bodies, and community stakeholders
• Coordinate communication timelines, channels, and deliverables aligned with institutional milestones and leadership priorities
• Facilitate feedback mechanisms and stakeholder listening strategies to inform communications planning and decision-making
• Support leadership visibility and engagement through internal forums, events, strategic meetings, and campus initiatives
• Collaborate with colleges and administrative units to ensure coordinated, consistent communications across the institution
• Develop strategic narratives and communications materials that communicate institutional priorities, outcomes, and impact
• Write, edit, and produce communications content across digital, print, presentation, video, and executive communication platforms
• Ensure messaging consistency, editorial quality, and brand alignment across communications initiatives
• Identify opportunities to elevate institutional reputation through thought leadership, storytelling, and strategic visibility initiatives
• Coordinate with University Relations teams including media relations, digital communications and creative services, as well as college communicators on integrated campaigns and initiatives
• Manage multiple communications projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Build collaborative relationships with university leadership, academic units, and communications partners across campus
• Provide communications counsel and support during sensitive or high-profile initiatives and organizational changes
• Monitor communications effectiveness and recommend adjustments based on audience feedback, engagement, and institutional priorities
• Support special projects and strategic initiatives assigned by University Relations or executive leadership
• Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.

Benefits

• university contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance
• tuition waivers for employees and their families
• 12 official holidays
• immediate leave accrual
• a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director