Job Summary
Mercy University seeks a strategic, experienced, and highly collaborative Executive Director of Communications to lead presidential and institutional communications in support of the University’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities. Reporting jointly to the President’s Chief of Staff and the Vice President of Human Resources and serving as a senior communications advisor, the Executive Director will shape and execute a comprehensive communications strategy that elevates Mercy University’s reputation, strengthens stakeholder engagement, and advances institutional goals.
This role oversees messaging for the Office of the President and works closely with senior leadership, University Advancement, Marketing, Human Resources, Enrollment Management, Academic Affairs, and other key partners to ensure consistent, compelling, and mission-aligned communications across all platforms.
Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities
Every effort has been made to identify the essential functions of this position. It in no way states or implies that the responsibilities listed are the only duties required to perform in this position. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position responsibilities if the work is similar, related, or is an essential function of the position.
Strategic Communications & Leadership

• Serve as a senior communications strategist and advisor to the President on all internal and external messaging.
• Personally write, edit, and finalize presidential communications, including speeches, talking points, campus messages, Board communications, and external statements.
• Serve as the primary drafter for sensitive, complex, or time-critical communications, including crisis response, reputational issues, and institutional announcements.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with Mercy University’s mission, strategic plan, and brand.
• Anticipate and manage reputational risks, crisis communications, and sensitive issues in coordination with senior leadership and legal counsel.
• Represent the Office of the President in cross-divisional initiatives and strategic planning efforts.
  

Presidential Communications

• Oversee and produce presidential communications, including speeches, remarks, op-eds, talking points, correspondence, and campus-wide messages.
• Prepare the President for public appearances, media interviews, board meetings, and major institutional events.
• Ensure presidential communications reflect institutional priorities, values, and voice.
  

Institutional Messaging & Brand Stewardship

• Ensure consistent, clear, and compelling messaging across all University communications channels.
• Partner with marketing, digital, and advancement teams to align storytelling, branding, and engagement strategies.
• Identify and elevate stories that highlight Mercy University’s academic excellence, student success, community impact, and leadership.
  

Team & Project Management

• Lead, mentor, and collaborate with communications staff and external vendors as needed.
• Manage multiple high-priority projects under tight deadlines with discretion and sound judgment.
• Establish best practices, workflows, and metrics to assess communications effectiveness.
  

Required
Required Skills & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible experience in executive-level communications, preferably in higher education, nonprofit, government, or complex organizations.
• Demonstrated experience advising senior leaders and managing high-visibility communications.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills across multiple formats.
• Proven ability to handle sensitive issues with discretion, sound judgment, and professionalism.
  

Preferred

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Experience working directly with a university president, CEO, or equivalent executive.
• Background in crisis communications and media relations.
• Familiarity with issues facing higher education, including enrollment, affordability, and workforce alignment.
  

Core Competencies

• Strategic thinking and executive presence
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Political and organizational acuity
• Ability to manage ambiguity and competing priorities
• Commitment to Mercy University’s mission and values