Director of Executive Communications

University of North Texas System•Denton, TX

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 constituencies. The role explains presidential initiatives to varied audiences and supports University priorities, participating in consequential discussions early enough to help shape how decisions are explained and understood. The President relies on this position to communicate compellingly, keep key constituents informed, and build support for the University. The role covers the President’s communications and core messaging for presidential initiatives, reports to the Chief of Presidential Strategy and Partnerships, and works closely with the President. The Director advises the President and other University leaders, develops forward-looking communications plans, writes and coordinates executive messaging, and works with communications teams across the University and UNT System to align messages. The position also supports presidential appearances and social media communications and exercises discretion with confidential information and sensitive issues.

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 audience and colleague buy-in.
Strong writing skills and the ability to translate complex ideas into clear, memorable language and capture the President’s voice across audiences and formats.
Storytelling ability to explain ideas across audiences and platforms and connect them to the University’s broader direction.
Ability to amplify ideas and build the University’s profile and brand.
Ability to advance multiple high-profile communications efforts simultaneously.
Ability to collaborate with campus leaders and communicators to integrate presidential communications into the University’s broader messaging.
Ability to communicate with others to exchange information.

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 communicating significant achievements, announcements, and campaigns involving the President or presidential initiatives; help build buy-in, articulate goals, and reach target audiences.
Advise on the effects of framing, tone, timing, and platform choices for major announcements.
Advise the President on evaluating speaking invitations, media opportunities, and other engagement opportunities.
Develop forward-looking communications plans connecting presidential priorities, major announcements, and ongoing engagement.
Anticipate questions and concerns and help leaders address them proactively.
Maintain communications plans for varied scenarios, including unexpected events and high-profile opportunities.
Coordinate with hosts and planners of presidential appearances to gather and update information in advance.
Exercise sound judgment and discretion when handling confidential information, sensitive issues, and communications that could affect the University’s reputation.
Serve as 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 by helping them understand their audiences and likely 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.
Develop core narratives, key messages, and Q&A for presidential initiatives and share them with communications teams.
Serve as a liaison between the Office of the President and communications staff across the University and UNT System.
Serve as 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.