Summary
Description
The University of Colorado Denver is the state’s premier public urban research university and equity-serving institution. Globally connected and locally invested, CU Denver partners with future-focused learners and communities to design accessible, relevant, transformative educational experiences for every stage of life and career. Across seven schools and colleges in the heart of downtown Denver, our leading faculty inspires and works alongside students to solve complex challenges through break through innovations and impactful research, and creative work. As part of the state’s largest university system, CU Denver is a major contributor to the Colorado economy, with 2,000 employees and an annual economic impact of $800 million. For more information, visit ucdenver.edu.
Job Description
* Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers *
The Director of Executive Communications provides communications counsel and support to CU Denver leadership to advance institutional priorities among diverse and numerous audiences. This position works directly with the CU Denver Vice Chancellor for Communications (and University Communications leadership team) and the Chancellor to develop strategic communications and serves as a resource for other members of the Chancellor’s executive leadership team as needed. The director is a creative and experienced leader with a record of accomplishment working with senior executives to hone their messaging and express their vision to a variety of audiences. The director captures and expresses the Chancellor’s unique voice in a way that tells the university’s story and advances the appreciation and understanding of its mission, values, priorities, goals and accomplishments.
Director of Executive Communications
What you will do:
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Works with the Chancellor and other members of the university leadership team, as needed, to determine the messages essential to convey and successfully implement the university’s strategic plan and promote its highest priorities.
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Creates, implements, maintains, and measures a strategic multimedia communications plan and program for the Chancellor.
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Serves as the lead advisor on all critical communications coming out of the Office of the Chancellor.
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Recommends commentary from the Chancellor on trending topics to various audiences, as warranted, to help position the university as a thought leader.
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Writes and edits the Chancellor’s speeches, scripts, written communiques, event talking points, letters, and presentations .
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Recommends and tracks progress of campus metrics and Chancellor’s goals, and coordinates the development of reports when requested.
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Oversees the Chancellor’s social media strategy, execution, and measurement of metrics for various channels
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Develops and implements communications plans for key initiatives and special projects related to executive leadership.
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Keeps informed of trends in the local community, relevant industry verticals, and in higher education policy locally and nationally to inform messaging and future strategy.
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Liaises regularly with other members of University Communications to ensure alignment of Chancellor’s messaging with that of the overall university.
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Manages external vendors contributing to the Chancellor’s strategic communications program, such as the Denver Business Journal, Chronicle of Higher Education, and other relevant media partners.
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Coordinates with departments and entities requesting Chancellor’s presence at events to ensure executive communications align with requestor’s needs.
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Conducts appropriate background research and any conference preparation to provide the Chancellor with context for remarks.
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Edits the work of others on campus who are preparing materials or quotations to go out under the Chancellor’s name.
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Oversees writing on special projects, including award nominations and commendations, brochures, and websites for university-wide initiatives.
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Oversees strategy and management of Chancellor and senior leadership websites and Chancellor’s key initiatives.
Qualifications you already possess (Minimum Qualifications)
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Bachelor’s degree in related field.
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6 years of professional experience in communications, journalism, writing, or related field.
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Experience writing for senior-level executives.
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Experience managing social media and web strategy and content.
Substitution: A combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor’s degree on a year for year basis.
Preferred Qualification to possess (Preferred Qualifications)
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10+ years of professional experience in communications, journalism, writing, or related field.
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Previous experience in a higher education environment, politics, government, or related field.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
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Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
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A thoughtful listener, strategic thinker, and strong communicator with unquestionable integrity; poised under pressure and able to maintain a sense of calm in stressful, demanding situations.
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Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution.
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Outstanding customer service skills.
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Exceptional project management/organization skills with detail orientation and the ability and inclination to advance complex projects and solve problems collaboratively and completely from inception through execution.
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Ability to translate complex ideas and strategies into clear, compelling, and cohesive communications.
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Ability to help senior leaders convey what is important to them and to the university.
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Demonstrated commitment and leadership ability to advance diversity and inclusion.
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Demonstrated ability to write for senior-level executives.
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Familiarity and comfort in a highly collaborative work environment.
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Ability to multi-task and be adaptive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
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Discretion and confidentiality in addressing sensitive and high-profile issues affecting the university’s public image.
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Ability to anticipate executive communications issues and proactively work to address them.
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Deep knowledge and experience in executive social media strategy and persona development.
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Demonstrated knowledge of best practices in overall digital strategies and execution for executives.
Conditions of Employment
- This position follows a hybrid work structure where employees can work remotely or from the office, a minimum of 3 days per week on campus will be required based on demands of specific tasks. Working from the office is required when working on tasks that require a high degree of collaboration.
As of 7/1/2023, The University of Colorado recommends employees be fully vaccinated from the COVID-19 but is not required. COVID recommendations and information can be found at:
Compensation and Benefits
The salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established at $112,085 – $123,360.
The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.
The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
This position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado Denver provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.
Benefits:
Total Compensation Calculator:
Application Deadline
- Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Preference will be given to complete applications received by January 10th, 2025. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.
Required Application Materials:
To apply, please visit:
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A cover letter which specifically addresses the job requirements and outlines qualifications
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A current CV/resume
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List of three references (we will notify you prior to contacting both on and off-list references)
Background Check Policy
The University of Colorado Denver strives to maintain a safe and productive educational, clinical, research and employment environment. All prospective employees and current employees must, therefore, consent to and pass background checks prior to any final appointment/employment.
Diversity and Equity
The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at workplaceengagement@ucdenver.edu.
The University of Colorado Denver is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting diverse faculty and staff. The university strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication and understanding. We encourage applications from Black, Indigenous, and people of color, women, persons with disabilities, persons within the LGBTQ+ community, and veterans. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equity in education and employment.
Questions should be directed to Tawnya Boulier, Tawnya.Boulier@UCDenver.edu
