Senior Director of Executive Engagement

American University•Washington, DC

19h•$140,000 - $155,000•Hybrid

About The Position

WAMU 88.5 is a public media station owned and operated by American University. WAMU is the source for local, regional and NPR news and original programs in Washington DC. Since 1961, WAMU has been amplifying voices and sharing stories from the many neighborhoods and communities in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. The Senior Director of Executive Engagement partners with the General Manager and senior leadership to develop and execute executive engagement and messaging strategies that strengthen the GM’s effectiveness and influence across internal and external audiences. This role serves as a trusted strategic advisor to the GM, leading executive communications, stakeholder engagement, governance support, and high profile institutional engagements. The position ensures a coordinated and strategic approach to executive relationships and communications, manages the GM’s Executive Assistant and may lead additional staff, serving as a trusted advisor and connector across the organization.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
8 - 10 years of relevant experience.
Bachelor’s degree in communications, Business Administration, or related field.
8 - 10 years of experience in executive communications, stakeholder engagement, or strategic operations.
Demonstrated ability to lead projects and people while influencing senior stakeholders.
Exceptional writing, presentation, and relationship management abilities (strong interpersonal skills).
Strong strategic thinking combined with operational execution skills (ability to identify trends and patterns and connect dots).

Nice To Haves

Master's degree.
10+ years of relevant experience.
advanced degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop executive messaging strategies and communication frameworks that support the General Manager’s priorities and organizational objectives.
Develop and oversee drafting of speeches, op-eds, and executive correspondence, presentations, talking points and briefing materials.
Ensure consistency and alignment of executive communications with organizational priorities and institutional messaging.
Collaborate with Advancement on executive communications supporting major donor communication and relationship management.
Collaborate with Marketing to position the GM as a thought leader and representative of WAMU and public media.
Partner with Communications, Marketing and Advancement to ensure coordinated executive messaging across internal and external audiences.
Support strategic partnerships and manage external executive speaking engagements.
Prepare the General Manager and other senior leaders, as appropriate, for impactful representation of the WAMU brand at external engagements, interviews, and public appearances.
Develop and execute strategies that strengthen the General Manager’s engagement with the Board of Advisors, Community Council, American University leadership, Trustees, donors, community leaders, and external industry partners.
Develop executive engagement strategies that prepare the GM for high impact interactions with internal and external stakeholders.
Develop messaging and engagement plans for executive led forums, including All Staff meetings, to effectively communicate organizational priorities and foster transparency.
Advise the GM on executive communications and stakeholder engagement approaches that align with organizational priorities.
Lead preparation for the General Manager’s participation in high impact internal and external engagements, including briefing materials, messaging, and stakeholder strategies.
Develop and maintain executive stakeholder engagement plans and relationship maps for AU leadership, Trustees, the Board of Advisors, Community Council, donors, and other key constituents.
Represent the GM in select external interactions, as appropriate.
Serve as the General Manager’s strategic advisor on Board engagement, shaping meeting objectives, discussion topics, and communications to strengthen relationships with the Board of Advisors, Community Council, and American University Trustees.
Manage the cadence of Board communications, reporting and governance activities between meetings ensuring timely preparation of materials and follow up on Board actions.
Lead development and coordination of Board and committee agendas, briefing materials, presentations, reports, and meeting documentation.
Ensure timely and accurate reporting aligned with governance standards and Board reporting requirements.
Coordinate delivery of any WAMU materials as needed by AU Trustees, the Board of Advisors, and Community Council.
Oversee planning and execution of Board meetings, retreats, and other Board related events. including preparation of executive agendas, briefing materials, and stakeholder communications.
Manage the GM’s Senior Executive Assistant.
Set priorities, coach for performance, and ensure seamless executive support.
Partner with senior leaders to coordinate executive priorities, facilitate follow through on General Manager commitments, and ensure alignment across the Office of the GM and organizational goals.