Senior Executive Director of Crisis Communications and Issues Management

Location:

Open Date:

Description

WELCOME TO CLEMSON!

Clemson is calling...are you ready to answer the call?

One of the most productive public research universities in the nation, Clemson University attracts and powerfully unites students, faculty and staff whose greatest desire is to make a difference in the lives of others.

Clemson has recently been named a top 25 public college in the country by the Wall Street Journal, a top South Carolina employer by Forbes and a Military Friendly Employer for five years running. Through our research, outreach and entrepreneurial projects, Clemson University and its employees are driving economic development and improving quality of life in South Carolina and beyond.

So,... are you ready?

JOB SUMMARY:

The Senior Executive Director of Crisis Communications and Issues Management is a high-impact, high-visibility leader who thrives in complexity, sees around corners and brings clarity in moments of uncertainty. This role leads Clemson University's crisis communications and issues management strategy, ensuring the University anticipates, prepares for and effectively responds to reputational, operational and policy-related risks. The ideal candidate is a seasoned professional who brings a blend of public-sector and higher education crisis experience and thrives in fast-moving environments requiring sound judgment, message discipline and strategic foresight.

The Senior Executive Director of Crisis Communications and Issues Management is responsible for monitoring emerging issues (local, state, regional and national), advising senior leadership, shaping narratives in high-stakes situations and protecting the University's credibility across stakeholders. This role will be highly collaborative with University partners to align crisis and issues strategies with University priorities and brand positioning. Other duties as assigned.

JOB DUTIES:

40% - Essential - Issues Management:

Monitor and identify emerging reputational, legislative, regulatory and social issues. Develop proactive messaging frameworks and scenario plans. Maintain issues trackers and early-warning systems. Advise on risk mitigation and narrative positioning.

30% - Essential - Crisis Strategy and Response:

Develops and executes crisis communication strategies and response plans including response messaging, statements, FAQs and internal communications. This role will serve as the primary communications advisor to senior leadership during crises and sensitive issues.

20% - Essential - Media Relations:

Advise and work with media relations team to manage high-scrutiny or highly-sensitive inquiries.

10% - Essential - Training:

In concert with University partners, lead crisis simulations and tabletop exercises. Assist in media training for senior leaders. Maintain and update crisis communications protocols.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education - Bachelor's Degree

Work Experience - 7+ years - crisis communications, issues manaement, public affairs, political communications or corporate reputation.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

Work Experience - 12+ years -crisis communications, issues manaement, public affairs, political communications or corporate reputation.

RESPONSIBILITIES

JOB KNOWLEDGE

Comprehensive Job Knowledge - Comprehensive knowledge of theories and practices and ability to use in complex, difficult and/or unprecedented situations

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

No Supervisory Duties - Not responsible for supervising employees.

BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIES

No Budget Responsibilities - No fiscal responsibility for the department's budget.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Stand for prolonged period

Sit (stationary position) for prolonged period

Walk or move about

Communicate, converse, give direction, express oneself

WORKING CONDITIONS:

No job description available

WORK SCHEDULE:

Standard Hours: 37.5/week

COMPENSATION INFORMATION

Expected salary range: $ 79,600.00 - $ 115,000.00

Salary is dependent upon several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's previous experience, knowledge, skills and performance in accordance with Clemson's compensation guidelines.

ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL LEVEL

Normal Operations

Required to follow emergency facility closure directives, and not normally expected work on-site during emergency situations.

JOB LOCATION:

Clemson, SC

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

March 23, 2026 at 11:55 pm

MILITARY AND VETERAN:

MILITARY EQUIVALENCY:

Clemson University is proud to allow educational equivalency for military technical certifications and trainings that directly relate to the job duties.

VETERAN PREFERENCE:

South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.

State policy for veteran preference states that for qualifying, full-time permanent positions, a veteran applicant may receive preference if they meet the job's minimum qualifications, were discharged under honorable conditions from the military, and submit their DD-214 for confidential review by the Office of Human Resources.

To claim Veteran Preference for qualifying positions, email hrjob@clemson.edu upon submission of your application.

CLOSING STATEMENT:

Clemson University is an EEO/AA employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to characteristics protected by applicable law including disability and protected veteran status.

Qualifications

Application Instructions

For more information and to apply, visit https://jobs.clemson.edu/psc/ps/JOBS/EXT/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1&JobOpeningId=110273&PostingSeq=1

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