Director of Executive Communications

University of North Texas System•Denton, TX

4d•$125,000 - $135,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Executive Communications serves as a writer and content creator for the President and as a thought partner on communicating presidential decisions to internal and external audiences. The Director helps explain presidential initiatives to varied audiences, participates early in consequential discussions to shape how decisions are explained, and supports the University’s priorities through compelling presidential communications. The role covers the President’s communications and core messaging for presidential initiatives. It reports to the Chief of Presidential Strategy and Partnerships and works closely with the President. The position is based at the University of North Texas in Denton. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with some evening and weekend work potentially necessary. The role is security sensitive. Applicants must submit at least two professional references.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, English, Media Arts, Marketing, Public Affairs, Political Science, or a related field.
At least six years of progressively responsible experience in executive communications, speechwriting, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Strategic thinking, including anticipating how communications will resonate over time and building buy-in with key audiences and colleagues.
Ability to translate complex ideas into clear, memorable language and capture the President’s voice across audiences and formats.
Storytelling ability to explain presidential ideas across audiences and platforms and connect them to the University’s broader direction.
Ability to amplify presidential ideas to build the University’s profile and brand.
Ability to manage multiple high-profile communications efforts concurrently.
Ability to collaborate with campus leaders and communicators so presidential communications align with the University’s overall story and direction.
Sound judgment and discretion in handling confidential information, sensitive issues, and reputation-impacting communications.
Ability to communicate with others to exchange information.
At least two professional references must be submitted with the application; additional references may be added after submission.

Nice To Haves

Executive communications experience.
Speechwriting experience.
Experience leading communications for a higher education leader.
Corporate communications experience.
Strategic advising experience.

Responsibilities

Advise the President and University leaders on communications for significant achievements, announcements, and campaigns involving the President or presidential initiatives; help build buy-in, articulate goals, and reach target audiences.
Advise the President and other University leaders on the effects of framing, tone, timing, and platform decisions for major announcements.
Advise the President on evaluating speaking invitations, media opportunities, and other opportunities to engage campus and external audiences.
Develop forward-looking communications plans connecting presidential priorities, major announcements, and ongoing engagement.
Anticipate questions and concerns and help University leaders address them proactively.
Maintain communications plans for varied scenarios, including unexpected events and high-profile opportunities.
Coordinate with hosts and organizers of presidential appearances to gather information in advance and keep it current.
Exercise judgment and discretion with confidential information, sensitive issues, and communications that could affect the University’s reputation.
Serve as the primary writer of presidential speeches, campus messages, consequential correspondence, newsletters, guest articles, and other communications.
Research and verify examples, illustrations, and metrics to ensure presidential communications are accurate and credible.
Prepare the President and other University leaders for engagements by helping them understand their audiences and potential questions.
Expand the President’s social media presence to support the University and explain initiatives in an authentic, compelling voice.
Develop and execute plans to inform key leaders, individuals, and audiences as major presidential decisions take shape.
Coordinate with the UNT System and University Brand Strategy and Communications to align messages from the System, University, and President’s Office.
Provide core narratives, key messages, and Q&A for presidential initiatives and share them with communications teams responsible for executing initiative communications plans.
Serve as a liaison between the Office of the President and communications staff across the University and UNT System.
Serve as the communications liaison between the Office of the President and departments including Academic Affairs, Advancement, Student Affairs, University Brand Strategy and Communications, and UNT System Government Relations.