Executive Communications Specialist

University of Denver•Denver, CO

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Division of University Relations (UR) builds public awareness, understanding, and support for the university’s mission and goals. The division includes marketing, communications, and public affairs units and embraces an integrated approach to executing best-in-class work that achieves strategic outcomes. University Relations strengthens DU’s strategic position locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally through data-driven and authentic storytelling across multiple channels, with focused support for priority areas including academics and research, enrollment and admissions, athletics, internal audiences, and advancement. University Relations highly values and strives to advance an inclusive and supportive team where all members are valued and their input is appreciated. The division’s collective achievements are enhanced by its team members’ perspectives and experiences, and the open exchange of ideas. Position Summary The Executive Communications Specialist will support and execute the university’s executive communications strategy, reporting to the director of internal communications and working in close collaboration with the offices of the chancellor, provost, and other senior vice chancellors. This role serves as a key connector between strategic storytelling and the execution of executive communications, producing content that reflects a consistent, compelling leadership voice aligned with university priorities. The ideal candidate is a skilled communicator and organized executor who can independently manage communications projects while collaborating effectively across the division and campus. This person must be passionate about creating inclusive communications and will dedicate the majority of their time to executive communications and related projects.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience (veterans with equivalent military certification/education and experience may substitute for the degree qualification).
2–3 years of experience executing communications across multiple channels.
Strong, versatile copywriting and editing skills, with the ability to adapt tone and style for executive voice.
Ability to synthesize complex topics into clear, compelling, audience-appropriate messages.
Strong organizational, planning, and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
Familiarity with executive communications and public messaging best practices.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively across matrixed teams.
Demonstrated attention to detail and a self-motivated, proactive approach.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build collaborative relationships with internal and external constituents.
Proficiency in Microsoft 365, AI tools, and social media platforms.
Working knowledge of compiling reports, building charts and graphs, and presenting content in compelling ways.

Nice To Haves

Experience in executive, leadership, or institutional communications.
Previous experience in higher education.
Research writing experience.

Responsibilities

Draft and edit speeches, remarks, talking points, correspondence, and written materials for university leadership with an aptitude for capturing institutional voice as well as individual expression and tone for various executives.
Prepare briefing materials and background research for leadership engagements, ensuring accuracy and appropriate tone.
Manage timelines, approvals, and logistics for executive communications projects from initiation through delivery.
Maintain organized archives of leadership communications and related assets to ensure consistency and institutional continuity as well as a catalogue of topical responses to various inquires or other needs.
Contribute to the planning and execution of communications across channels including social media, newsletters, media, and the newsroom as they relate to executive voice and storytelling.
Monitor best practices in executive communications and proactively recommend innovative approaches.
Support the development of public-facing content including statements, announcements, and earned media materials.
Serve as a strategic storytelling contributor, helping connect executive communications to broader institutional narratives.
Collaborate with media, editorial, design, and video teams to amplify leadership messaging in new and engaging ways.
Build and maintain messaging toolkits and plans for strategic projects, ensuring consistency with campus partners and communicators.
Monitor public sentiment and media coverage to inform and refine messaging strategies.
Help ensure alignment and consistency of messaging across platforms and among university leaders.
Build and maintain solid partnerships with campus stakeholders to facilitate strategic communications that meet DU goals and maintain consistency of brand voice and positioning.
Assist in interpreting experience management (XM) data and audience feedback to inform leadership messaging and public communications.
Support internal communications efforts alongside the manager of communications and issues management, ensuring audience coordination and message cohesion.
Support leadership on crisis communication efforts as needed.
Contribute ideas for new communications programs, researching and recommending innovative techniques.
Lead and/or collaborate on special projects and initiatives as assigned; attend meetings and serve on campus committees as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.