Executive Director of Executive Communications (Communications Generalist)
Indiana University

Department

UNIV STRATEGIC OPERATIONS (UA-USOP-IUBLA)

Job Summary

The Executive Director of Executive Strategic Communications will lead the strategic communication efforts for the Office of the Vice President for Strategic Operations (VPSO) at Indiana University. Reporting to the Chief of Staff and Vice President for Strategic Operations, this position will work closely with the Chief of Staff, the Office of the President, and collaborate with University Communications and Marketing, working closely with the Associate Vice President for Communications.

Department Specific Responsibilities

• Responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive communications strategy that effectively represents the voice and vision of the president.
• Executes and manages high-level communications that build trust and transparency with internal and external audiences, strengthen the organization's reputation, and support the president's strategic initiatives.
• Works closely with executive leadership and key stakeholders to ensure consistent messaging that's aligned with the organization's mission and values.
• Develops and executes a comprehensive strategic communication plan to support the president's goals, ensuring alignment with the university's vision, mission and IU2030 university strategic plan. Over time, look for continuous improvement opportunities to improve the plan.
• Anticipates communications needs and proactively prepare messaging and talking points for key events, announcements and engagements.
• Works collaboratively with University Communications to ensure alignment of key strategic messaging in all major university announcements.
• Crafts impactful, authentic strategic messaging and materials that resonate with a variety of audiences. Drive execution of these communications materials may include videos, social media, speeches, statements, written communications.
• Develops and ensures alignment in messaging and assets with the university¿s brand strategy. Coordinate with University Communications and Marketing to ensure all brand elements are maintained.
• Partners closely with University Communications to develop an earned media and thought leadership strategy for the president
• Identifies public speaking and engagement opportunities.
• Collaborates with University Communications on preparing media briefings for key executive interviews.
• Creates or collaborates on creation of high-quality content, including videos, speeches, op-eds, newsletters, social media posts, website updates and other communications materials as needed.
• In collaboration with University Communications, acts as a trusted advisor, ensuring messaging is responsive to the needs of stakeholders.
• Fosters active and responsive relationships with key stakeholders, including university leadership, faculty, students, alumni, donors and external partners.

General Responsibilities

• Independently creates basic and complex communications for print and e-distribution on behalf of department or large multi-faceted department and in support of departmental goals and objectives; communications may be interdepartmental; staff, faculty, or student-focused; or external.
• Responds to inquiries and requests and explains policies, procedures, and context of communications.
• Manages relationships with various internal and external stakeholders and creates communications coverage for relevant initiatives, events, and programs.
• Prepares communications timelines and shares progress of communications toward relevant deadlines with manager, team members, and other relevant constituents.
• Regularly monitors relevant social media and news sites; researches relevant subject matter to increase knowledge in area(s) of specialty.
• Utilizes various communications software programs and delivers communications in multiple formats to a variety of audiences.
• Monitors industry trends and best practices and makes process and operational recommendations to manager.
• Provides guidance to lower-level Communications Generalists.

Qualifications

Combinations of related education and experience may be considered. Education beyond the minimum required may be substituted for work experience. Work experience beyond the minimum required may be substituted for education

EDUCATION

Required

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, English, public relations, or related field

Preferred

• Master's degree

WORK EXPERIENCE

Required

• 8 years in relevant field

Preferred

• 10 years of experience in strategic communications, public relations, or a related field, with at least 5 years in a leadership role

SKILLS

Required

• Proficient communication skills
• Maintains a high degree of professionalism
• Demonstrates time management and priority setting skills
• Demonstrates a high commitment to quality
• Possesses flexibility to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment
• Seeks to acquire knowledge in area of specialty
• Highly thorough and dependable
• Demonstrates a high level of accuracy, even under pressure
• Possesses a high degree of initiative
• Ability to influence internal and/or external constituents
• Excellent collaboration and team building skills
• Demonstrates excellent judgment and decision making skills

Preferred

• Exceptional writing, editing and verbal communication skills with the ability to make complex information digestible and draft communications quickly
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Strong presentation skills
• Proven experience in media relations and crisis communication
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines
• Proficiency in digital communication platforms, including video production techniques and social media
• Strong attention to detail that ensures a high-quality work product
• Confidently presents presidential communication outcomes to university leadership at all levels of the organization
• Manages well through influence and collaboration with others
• Maintains high level of professionalism and discretion
• Possesses strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse groups
• Is committed to the mission and values of Indiana University
• Monitors industry trends and best practices and strategically optimizes operations to enhance communications outcomes

Working Conditions / Demands

This role requires the ability to effectively communicate and to operate a computer and other standard office productivity equipment. The position involves sedentary work as well as periods of time moving around an office environment and the campus. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without an accommodation.

Work Location

Bloomington, Indiana -OR- Indianapolis, Indiana

Advertised Salary

$145,000 - $155,000 annually

Benefits Overview

For full-time staff employees, Indiana University offers a wide array of benefits including:

• Multiple plan options for medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Health Savings Account with generous IU contribution
• Life insurance, LTD, and AD&D options
• Base retirement plan contribution from IU, subject to vesting
• Additional supplemental retirement plan options
• Tuition benefit for IU classes
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Learn more about our benefits by reviewing our online Benefits Brochure.

Job Classification

Career Level: Expert

FLSA: Exempt

Job Function: Marketing & Communications

Job Family: Communications Generalist

Click here to learn more about Indiana University's Job Framework.

Posting Disclaimer

This posting is scheduled to close at 11:59 pm EST on the advertised Close Date. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University, but will remain open for a minimum of 5 business days. To guarantee full consideration, please submit your application within 5 business days of the Posted Date.

If you wish to include a cover letter, you may include it with your resume when uploading attachments.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Indiana University is an equal employment and affirmative action employer and a provider of ADA services. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on individual qualifications. Indiana University prohibits discrimination based on age, ethnicity, color, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status. Indiana University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admission, as required by Title IX. Questions or complaints regarding Title IX may be referred to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights or the university Title IX Coordinator. See Indiana University's Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information.

Campus Safety and Security

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, containing policy statements, crime and fire statistics for all Indiana University campuses, is available online. You may also request a physical copy by emailing IU Public Safety at iups@iu.edu or by visiting IUPD.

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Telephone: 812-856-1234

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