Director of Executive Communications

To be considered for this role, we require that applicants submit a cover letter on the first page of their resume and two writing samples (1 speech / talking points and 1 formal email written on behalf of an executive leader).

This role is not open to individuals who require visa sponsorship now or in the future

The Director of Executive Communications will be the architect of communications strategy for the Vice President of Development, responsible for developing comprehensive messaging frameworks, creating impactful communications deliverables, and ensuring consistent, strategic voice across all platforms. You will ensure consistency and line-of-sight through multiple audiences including : the Office of University Development, the U-M development community, university leadership, campaign volunteers, donors, and alumni and parents / families.

You will support the success of the vice president as the primary voice for the Look to Michigan campaign and on behalf of the development community, and you will work closely with all OUD teams.

You will report to :

Vice President of Development, with dotted line to Senior Executive Director, Marketing & Communications

Click here to view the full job description.

Communications strategy (40%)

Identify high-value opportunities for the vice president to communicate and evaluate the value of requests for the vice president's presence.

Develop strategies tailored to each audience and create frameworks to communicate sustainably and regularly with each.

Develop and implement an internal communications plan to inform university leadership, deans, directors, and departments about development efforts.

Ensure alignment in approach with other communications partners, including the Office of the President, the Provost, the Office of the Vice President for Communications and the U-M Alumni Association.

Use the vice president's communications to advance overall content strategy for the Office of University Development.

Assess the effectiveness of communications for each audience, including in-person attendance at events to gauge message reception and audience needs.

Content creation (30%)

Develop talking points, presentations, and remarks for external audiences.

Prepare the vice president for internal communications including town halls, all-staff meetings, and majors announcements.

Craft executive-level content including regental presentations, donor communications, and keynote addresses.

Create thought leadership content including articles, LinkedIn posts, and video.

Executive communications support (15%)

Be the primary communications advisor to the VP of Development.

Be spokesperson in interviews to media on behalf of the VP and organization.

In collaboration with the chief of staff and the office of the VP, manage the VP's editorial and engagement calendar and content pipeline.

Work with OUD Marketing and Communications for crisis communications planning and response protocols.

Work with OUD Organizational Strategy to use the VP voice to advance organizational goals.

Messaging consistency (15%)

Establish and maintain VP voice and messaging guidelines

Ensure consistent positioning across all communications channels and materials, according to OUD's overall content strategy

Approve communications materials where the VP is the signatory from other departments

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, English, Public Relations, or related field

7+ years of experience in corporate communications, public relations, content marketing, or related field that demonstrates executive-level communication expertise

Experience writing, editing, and presenting at the executive level with the ability to create executive-level communications that capture voice and tone including speech writing

Strategic thinking and ability to translate business objectives into communications strategies

Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate with senior leaders, cross-functional teams, and external stakeholders

Experience with brand development and positioning, and understanding of audience segmentation and message targeting

Knowledge of communications measurement and analytics

Cultural intelligence messaging for diverse audiences

Project management experience and organizational abilities

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven days. The review and selection process may begin after the seven day posting minimum.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.

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