Associate Director, Executive Communications

University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ

JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Alliance/Partner Management, Campaigns, Coaching, Communication Skills, Content Development, Establish Priorities, Executive Assistant Skills , Interpersonal Skills, Leadership, Mentoring, Multitasking, Newsletter, Onboarding, Operations Management, Organizational Skills, People Management, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Project/Program Management, Public/Media/Press/Analyst Relations, Resource Management, Strategic Planning, Team Player, Technical Research, Time Management
LOCATION
Tucson, AZ
POSTED
2 days ago

Executive Communications and Content Development

  • Develop and manage executive communications that support the Senior Vice President (SVP) and ORP Executive Leadership Team.
  • Research, write, edit, and coordinate speeches, presentations, talking points, briefing materials, reports, correspondence, newsletters, and other leadership communications.
  • Ensure messaging aligns with ORP priorities, university objectives, and brand standards.
  • Translate complex research and innovation topics into clear, compelling content for various audiences.

Strategic Communications Planning and Implementation

  • Develop and execute strategic communications plans that advance ORP initiatives and leadership priorities.
  • Oversee editorial calendars, communication campaigns, and content strategies across multiple channels.
  • Coordinate communication efforts across ORP units to ensure consistency and alignment.
  • Monitor communication outcomes and recommend improvements to increase effectiveness and audience engagement.

Media Relations Support

  • Support of reactive media relations.
  • Coordinate media relations activities for ORP leadership, including responding to inquiries, preparing media materials, and facilitating interviews.
  • Identify opportunities to enhance visibility of ORP research, innovation, and partnership initiatives.
  • Collaborate with university communications partners on public-facing communications.
  • Monitor media coverage for ORP and provide recommendations for proactive engagement.

Staff Leadership and Operational Management

  • Supervise communications staff and student employees.
  • Establish priorities, manage workflow, and allocate resources to ensure timely completion of communications projects.
  • Provide coaching, mentoring, performance feedback, and professional development opportunities.
  • Support recruitment, onboarding, and training activities as needed.

Collaboration, Stakeholder Engagement and Special Projects

  • Partner with university leadership, communications teams, colleges, departments, and external stakeholders to coordinate messaging and communications activities.
  • Support institutional initiatives, executive events, and special projects.
  • Serve as a communications resource to ORP leadership and stakeholders.
  • Foster collaborative relationships that advance the mission and strategic priorities of the Office of Research and Partnerships.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Demonstrated knowledge of strategic communications, public relations, media relations, and content development principles and practices.
  • Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including experience developing executive-level communications, speeches, presentations, and messaging.
  • Ability to translate complex scientific, technical, and research-related information into clear, compelling communications for diverse audiences.
  • Strong strategic planning, project management, and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
  • Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate communication strategies and campaigns that support organizational goals and stakeholder engagement.
  • Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships and effectively influence, advise, and work with leaders, faculty, staff, media representatives, and external partners.
  • Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and adapt communication approaches in a dynamic and complex organizational environment.

About the Company

U

University of Arizona