Executive Director, External Communications

The University of Arizona•Tucson, AZ

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Executive Director, External Communications is responsible for leading the University of Arizona’s media and public relations, news content, science and research writing, and crisis communications functions, and for serving as a lead university spokesperson. Reporting to the Chief Communications and Marketing Officer, this position will lead a team of news content, media relations, and research communications professionals and have a direct role in elevating the university’s profile in Arizona and nationally. This position will work closely with campus leaders and have an active role in communicating key institutional issues and helping the university address reputational opportunities and challenges. The executive director also will serve on the Crisis Communications Team in a leadership role.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
Minimum of 9 years of related work experience, including 5 years of managerial experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
Experience leading a team, project, program, or function is required.
Strong external communications background.
Proven track record in developing and executing strategic communications plans.
Seasoned in engaging with media, developing content, and managing reputational risks.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree preferred.
Experience working with senior executive leaders, managing multiple projects and tight deadlines, maintaining confidential and sensitive information, and performing in high-pressure environments.
Prior experience at a large, high-profile organization preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead news content creation reflecting the university’s comprehensive research, education, public service, and student support programs.
Develop and implement the university’s media and public relations plan.
Manage the university’s efforts to grow earned media visibility locally, statewide, and nationally.
Lead external communications efforts to advance the university’s strategic imperatives and build building goals.
Oversee editorial production and content distribution for the university’s primary web and email news channels.
Provide counsel and direct support to university leadership engaging externally on issues related to the university.
Oversee media requests, media analysis and coverage reports, and proactive media outreach.
Manage staff responsible for identifying, cataloging and evaluating rankings relevant to the university.
Manage the team responsible for identifying trending news topics and pitching faculty experts.
Serve as a university spokesperson and respond to requests for comment or information.
Collaborate with University Marketing and Communications colleagues on multimedia and digital storytelling.
Manage external communications staff comprised of news, content creation, science and research communicators, and media relations professionals.
Serve as a member of the University Marketing and Communications Leadership team.
Establish, advance, and maintain relationships with journalists, news organizations, and independent content creators.
Lead External Communications team’s efforts to engage faculty across the campus to increase the national visibility of their research and expertise.
Operate as a conduit to communicators across campus on matters relating to news, research, media, reputation management, and storytelling.
Work closely with and advise central administrative units and campus leaders.
Manage the University's day-to-day reputation management efforts, including developing messaging, coordinating with campus stakeholders, and responding to queries.
Work closely with the Office of Public Safety and Crisis Communications Team to provide proactive crisis communications planning and effective communications response to crises.
Respond to and manage crises and reputational issues as they arise.
In collaboration with the Chief Communications and Marketing Officer and the Chief Safety Officer, update and implement crisis communications plans.
Collaborate with University Marketing and Communications colleagues to monitor and, when necessary, respond to external conversations about the university.
Develop and implement processes around issues management.
Provide strategic counsel to senior management and faculty on matters affecting the brand reputation of the university.
Work closely with the Office of General Counsel, Office of Public Records, and other administrative departments that manage sensitive issues.