Director, Leadership Communications

Temple University•Philadelphia, PA

8h•Hybrid

About The Position

Temple University's Strategic Marketing and Communications Division is seeking a Director of Leadership Communications. Reporting to the Executive Director of University Communications and Media Relations, the director serves as the senior writer and editor supporting the president and other members of Temple University's senior leadership team. The role develops and executes communications that advance institutional priorities, strengthen the university's reputation, and engage internal and external audiences. It primarily supports the president through remarks, presentations, executive messaging, thought leadership, written communications, and social media, and also provides strategic communications support to the Provost and Chief Operating Officer. The director coordinates high-level internal communications across the university, working with academic and administrative offices to align and sequence university-wide messages for timely delivery. The position advises senior leaders on message strategy, audiences, channels, and timing, and translates complex issues and priorities into clear communications. It also develops leadership communications strategies and content, manages communications calendars, identifies thought leadership opportunities, supports executive social media, prepares leaders for high-visibility settings, and assists with crisis communications as needed. The role includes monitoring news and social channels, responding to communications needs outside standard business hours, and attending events or serving on call during significant events or emerging issues. The position reports to the Executive Director of University Communications and Media Relations and has a hybrid work arrangement, with work on campus and remotely. The arrangement's duration is at Temple University's and the departments' discretion. Employment is conditional on a successful pre-employment physical and completion of a Personally Identifiable Information background check before starting.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree.
At least 5 years of directly related experience; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Demonstrated portfolio of high-level executive communications, including speeches, thought leadership, presentations, internal communications, and digital or social content.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite products.
Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy.
Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize effectively and meet deadlines.
Ability to acclimate quickly to different environments and openness to new processes and technologies.
Self-directed, solutions-oriented approach and commitment to fostering a positive work environment.
Ability to work in a continuous improvement environment, receive feedback positively, and demonstrate personal accountability.
Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills and ability to collaborate with colleagues and campus partners.
Diplomacy and collegiality in addressing challenges and collaboratively resolving issues.
Attention to detail and ability to use data and insights to inform decisions.
Ability to work well under pressure, independently, and efficiently.
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a cross-functional team.
Ability to promote high performance and continuous improvement.
Excellent organizational and time management skills.
Ability to align team strategy and deliverables with divisional objectives.
Ability to handle confidential matters with discretion.
Ability to monitor others' work, mentor staff, and manage performance through regular feedback.
Ability to attend staff events, including occasional nights and weekends, as needed.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree.
8 years of directly related experience.
Experience in higher education, a complex mission-driven organization, government, health care, or another large, decentralized institution.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute an integrated leadership communications strategy and editorial agenda aligned with the President's priorities, the university's strategic plan, and major institutional initiatives.
Anticipate communications needs and identify opportunities to advance key messages and strengthen the President's and university's visibility and reputation.
Lead development of communications for the President, including remarks, talking points, external presentations, thought leadership, correspondence, university community messages, video scripts, and social media content.
Provide communications strategy and content for the Provost, particularly for internal communications and social media, and for the Chief Operating Officer, particularly for internal and organizational communications.
Coordinate high-level university-wide internal communications with academic and administrative offices to ensure messages are aligned, timely, and appropriately sequenced.
Advise senior leaders and campus communications partners on message development, audience, timing, channel, and sequencing.
Establish and manage an integrated leadership and institutional communications calendar covering major announcements, leadership communications, milestones, and events.
Identify and develop thought leadership opportunities for the President and senior leaders, partnering with media relations and other Strategic Marketing and Communications colleagues on external opportunities.
Lead executive social media strategy and content development for the President and provide strategic support for the Provost's social channels.
Develop briefing materials, message frameworks, background documents, and other preparation materials for senior leaders' high-visibility settings.
Assist with crisis communications in partnership with the division's Executive Director of University Communications and Media Relations and Vice President.
Monitor the external environment, higher education landscape, news, and social conversations for issues and developments relevant to leadership communications.
Monitor news and social media for mentions of Temple leaders and, when appropriate, provide potential rapid responses.
Serve as a senior writer, editor, and proofreader, including responding to communications needs outside standard business hours.
Work evenings and weekends as needed, including event attendance, coverage monitoring, and on-call responsibilities during significant university events or emerging issues.
Represent the division on internal or external committees as assigned by the Executive Director of University Communications and Media Relations or the Vice President for Strategic Marketing and Communications.
Perform other duties as assigned.