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, Strategic Communications to develop and execute a range of communications related to institutional issues and initiatives. This role involves proactively identifying issues important to higher education and to the university; coordinating with subject-matter experts and organizational leaders in these areas; developing near-term and longer-term communications strategies tailored to the needs of the university’s many audiences; writing, editing, and producing written, oral, and digital communications; coordinating with colleagues who manage news media response; drafting and maintaining issue briefs and talking points; and playing a role in crisis response.
The ideal candidate will possess strong written and oral communication skills, a strategic orientation, a bias toward action, experience convening groups around time-sensitive issues, and experience producing clear and effective communications on complex policy matters. The Director, Strategic Communications reports to the Associate Vice President, University 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 production 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:
- Continually scan the landscape to identify national and local issues important to higher education and to Stanford.
- Convene subject-matter experts and organizational leaders responsible for the management of defined university issues and initiatives (both on an ongoing basis as part of a beat system and episodically in immediate-response situations).
- Develop communications strategies in support of the university’s objectives on defined issues and initiatives, with an eye to communicating effectively with the university’s many diverse audiences.
- Write, edit, and produce statements, talking points, institutional messages, news stories, social media posts, web copy, correspondence, video scripts, strategy memos, and other communications products on these issues and initiatives.
- Coordinate on strategy and content delivery with colleagues who interact with the news media and who manage the university’s digital media channels.
- Draft, maintain, and circulate issue briefs and talking points.
- Provide strategic counsel to organizational leaders, campus communicators, and other colleagues on issues that relate to the university’s reputation.
- Maintain ongoing awareness of the major issues being managed by the university and familiarity with the university’s responses to them; share this information with colleagues as appropriate to support the university’s broader communications efforts.
- Participate in crisis response.
- 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:
- Exceptional writing and editing ability, including the ability to analyze and synthesize complex material and communicate it in a clear and compelling manner.
- Strong strategic and tactical thinking ability.
- Experience developing proactive and reactive communications tailored both to the needs of diverse audiences and to the requirements of multiple communications channels.
- 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 leaders of a complex organization on communications strategy and execution.
- Experience managing institutional issues in time-sensitive situations.
- Understanding of the news media and familiarity with the processes of coordinating with media relations colleagues in managing institutional issues.
- Strong personal organizational skills needed to track and manage numerous work projects.
- 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.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- 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.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Occasional work on evenings and weekends.
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.
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.
