Director, Executive Communications
Main Work Location: Stanford historic campus
Schedule: Hybrid (must be able to work at least 2-3 days per week on-site)
To Apply: Please submit a cover letter and résumé with your online application.
The Office of University Communications is seeking a Director, Executive Communications to develop and execute a range of communications for the university’s provost and, as needed, for the president and other senior university leaders. This role involves the drafting and production of individual written, oral, and digital communications as well as the development and execution of ongoing proactive communications strategies in support of the university’s leadership.
The ideal candidate will possess strong written and oral communication skills, a strategic orientation, strong organization and presentation skills, a bias toward action, and a desire to learn continuously. The Director, Executive Communications reports to the Senior Director, Executive Communications.
University Communications, part of the Office of External Relations, provides support and campus leadership in planning, coordinating, and implementing strategic communications programs that support Stanford University and its mission. University Communications is responsible for brand positioning and strategy; issues and reputation management; crisis communications; oversight of digital content and top-level web and social media platforms; media relations and news services; executive communications with all constituencies; major publications; and a campus video productions studio and video production group. University Communications coordinates with communications professionals across the university and advises on communications policy with senior executive staff.
In this role, you will:
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- Develop, execute, and manage communications for the provost of the university, including speeches, talking points, social media posts, video scripts, correspondence, opinion pieces, and other communications in the voice of the provost.
- Develop, execute, and manage a proactive communications strategy for the provost that reflects the priorities of the provost and builds effective connections with key audiences of the university.
- Develop, execute, and manage communications for the president and other senior university leaders as assigned by the Senior Director, Executive
- Communications, who has overall responsibility for these leaders’ communications needs.
- Collaborate with the Senior Director on the development and execution of an ongoing communications program for the Offices of the President and Provost, in coordination with the leadership of these offices and the leadership of University Communications.
- Draft and develop social media content for the president and provost, working in close coordination with the University Communications digital team on execution.
- Manage the provost’s website and other digital presences.
- Participate in crisis communications as needed in support of university leadership.
- Provide support for the provost and other university leaders as needed for their successful participation in internal and external events.
- Provide input and feedback to event organizers based on best practices and understanding of the provost’s preferences.
- Develop and maintain systems and databases to track upcoming and completed tasks, catalog content for use in the provost’s communications, track messaging priorities, and analyze the effectiveness of communications.
- Develop and manage protocols, best practices, and process documents for others in the university community to use in seeking quotes from the provost, publishing photos of the provost, proposing that the provost speak at an event, and similar needs.
- Provide regular, ongoing updates to the provost and to University Communications leadership on upcoming events, status of drafts, outcomes of individual communication activities, and overall progress in implementing communications strategies.
- May provide guidance on protocols and best practices to individuals responsible for communications within school/units.
- Complete other duties as assigned.
To be successful in this role, you will bring:
Education & Experience:
Bachelor's degree and eight years of relevant experience or combination of education and relevant experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
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- Exceptional writing and editing ability, including the ability to analyze and synthesize complex material and communicate it in a clear and compelling manner.
- Demonstrated ability to develop communications in the voice of a leader of an organization.
- Strong strategic and tactical thinking ability.
- Demonstrated ability to manage diverse and competing interests. Ability to work collaboratively with others, balance varying perspectives and input, and
- incorporate feedback on draft communications in an effective manner.
- Experience working with and advising senior leaders of an organization on communications strategy and execution.
- Experience developing content for social media platforms.
- Broad and deep understanding of the communications role in institutions.
- Strong personal organizational skills needed to track and manage numerous work projects, sometimes in a time-pressured environment.
- Excellent influencing, negotiating, and relationship management skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion on sensitive issues.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage many projects simultaneously, make or escalate decisions as appropriate, move communication products effectively through a review process, and bring them to completion on time.
The expected pay range for this position is $130,000-$177,000 per annum.
Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.
At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:
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- Constantly perform desk-based computer tasks.
- Frequently stand/walk, sit, use a telephone, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, speaking.
- Occasionally grasp forcefully, writing by hand.
- Rarely sort/file paperwork.
* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.
Working Conditions:
Occasional work on evenings and weekends.
WORK STANDARDS:
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- Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
- Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
- Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu/.
Why Stanford is For You:
Stanford University is one of the world’s premier academic and research institutions, devoting tremendous intellectual and physical resources toward the betterment of humanity. As a major Bay Area employer, Stanford seeks people committed to excellence and to improving our world. In turn, the university is committed to supporting its employees as they develop their careers and enrich their lives. We believe Stanford’s future success will be shaped by the diverse perspectives, unique experiences, and inclusive culture of its community.
Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:
● Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
● A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
● A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
● Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
● Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
