Executive Director, External Communications

Tucson, AZ (Unknown)

Salary Not AvailableSenior Level9+ years expFull time

Posted 12 days ago

Job Summary

Own external communications and media relations for the university, leading news content, media outreach, crisis planning, and faculty visibility while guiding leadership and collaborating across Marketing and Communications.

Lead External Communications and manage crisis planning.
Oversee media relations, rankings work, and national visibility of faculty expertise.

Job Description

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.

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.

Preferred

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.

Benefits

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!
The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs.

University of Arizona

The University of Arizona is the leading public research university in the American Southwest and Arizona's only member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. As the state's land-grant university, our research and resources enrich communities around the state and worldwide. Named #1 in alumni earnings potential among Arizona's public universities by PayScale, Wildcats graduate with the tools and skills needed for a rewarding and meaningful career. Follow along to see how enrolling in the University of Arizona is an investment in yourself.

Tucson, Arizona, USA

21K employees (847 in marketing)

arizona.edu