Director of Presidential Communications

Job Purpose

The Director of Presidential Communications leads the creation of speeches, remarks, strategic correspondence, and public communications for the President of Gonzaga University. This position elevates the President's visibility, reputation and voice, ensuring it is authentic, mission-driven, and consistent with Gonzaga's strategic priorities and brand. The Director creates and executes public relations strategies and communications campaigns that are compelling, audience-centered, and that engage diverse audiences ranging from students, faculty, and staff to alumni, policymakers, the media, and more. This role may serve as a spokesperson for the President when necessary, attending events with or on behalf of the President, and also provide consulting services or provide communications support to members of the President's Cabinet or other executive leadership when necessary.

Essential Functions

30% - Strategic Communications & Planning

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the President and Chief of Staff on sensitive communications.
• Collaborate with the Sr. Director of Strategic Communications, Assistant Director of Media relations, and other to develop a comprehensive communications and media strategies that highlight the President's vision and elevate Gonzaga's profile nationally and internationally.
• Partner with Advancement, Mission, Enrollment, the Provost and other units to ensure the President's voice is reflected across key institutional initiatives.
• Manage an editorial calendar and coordinate communications planning with internal stakeholders, providing strategic counsel on the timing, tone, and platform for presidential messaging.
• Implement review processes and regularly evaluate communication effectiveness, especially in response to issues or major initiatives.

30% - Content Development

• Write and edit content for speeches / remarks, talking points, op-eds, video scripts, social media, podcast strategic correspondence, digital content, and event messaging for the President.
• Develop content for key institutional publications and the President's regular newsletter, ensuring alignment in tone, voice, and message.
• Manage communications for major presidential events, institutional milestones, and ceremonies including commencements, town halls, and donor engagements. Manage Presidential social media accounts, collaborating with social media team to ensure alignment between flagship University accounts and find opportunities for collaboration with other University-related accounts. Provide writing and editing support for Cabinet members as needed.

30% - Media & Public Relations; Crisis Communications and Reputational Management

Monitor media and social channels for emerging issues and provide daily news briefings to the President.

Monitor media and social channels to provide daily updates for the President and Cabinet on topics relevant to higher education, Gonzaga University, and the region.

Collaborate with the ...

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