Senior Director of Chancellor Communications

Responsibilities

• Executive Communications Strategy and Counsel:
• - Serve as the chancellor’s primary writing partner and a trusted strategic adviser to the chancellor and university leadership team.
• - Develop and implement executive communications strategies that advance institutional priorities, reinforce leadership credibility and strengthen understanding of the university’s mission, impact and direction.
• - Advise the chancellor on messaging, audience considerations, communications approach, tone, timing and channel selection, particularly in complex or high-stakes situations.
• - Translate institutional strategy, complex issues, and leadership perspectives into clear and audience-centered communications.
• - Find opportunities to elevate the chancellor’s voice and advance the university’s narrative through timely commentary, thought leadership and engagement with key audiences.
• - Exercise independent judgment in ambiguous, time-sensitive situations, balancing competing priorities, reputational considerations and institutional objectives.
• Executive Writing And Editorial Leadership
• - Lead the development and delivery of high-quality executive communications, including speeches, commencement and ceremonial remarks, keynote addresses, talking points, briefing documents, letters, long-form thought leadership, LinkedIn content, video scripts and other leadership communications.
• - Draft, edit and refine a substantial volume of executive content, ensuring exceptional writing quality, precision, and strategic purpose.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, English, marketing, public relations or a related field.
• Six or more years of progressive experience in executive communications, corporate communications, institutional communications or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience developing communications for C-suite executives, presidents, Chancellors, or other senior leaders.
• Demonstrated ability to capture and maintain an executive’s authentic voice while aligning communications with broader organizational messaging and strategic objectives.
• Experience providing strategic communications counsel to senior leaders on messaging, audience strategy, content development, and communications priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment, make sound decisions amid ambiguity and adapt quickly to changing circumstances.
• Strong collaboration and relationship-building skills, including the ability to work effectively across organizational boundaries and with partners who have competing priorities.

Preferred

• Eight or more years of progressive experience in executive communications, corporate communications, institutional communications or a closely related field.
• Experience in higher education, a large, complex institution, or another mission-driven organization with diverse team members and decentralized communications operations.
• Experience establishing or leading an executive communications function, including developing editorial standards, operating frameworks, workflows, and quality-control processes.
• Familiarity with digital communications, social media, executive thought leadership, video, live events, internal communications platforms and other multimedia channels.
• Strong organizational and project-management skills, with the ability to establish structure and clarity without creating unnecessary bureaucracy.
• A proactive, innovative mentality and the confidence to challenge assumptions, offer candid recommendations and propose better ways of working.
• A collaborative approach, with the ability to navigate constructive disagreement and maintain composure under pressure.
• Demonstrated commitment to accuracy, discretion, sound judgment, and the responsible handling of sensitive executive and institutional information.

Benefits

• At the University of Colorado Boulder , we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one of Forbes' America’s Best Large Employers, ranking #4 among large employers in Colorado and #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.