Director, Leadership Communications

Temple University's Strategic Marketing and Communications Division is searching for a Director of Leadership Communications.

Become a part of the Temple family and you will have access to the following:
A hybrid work schedule
Full medical, dental, vision coverage
Paid time off
3 Personal Days
Tuition remission - eligible employees and their dependents can obtain a degree TUITION FREE
A generous retirement plan and so much more!

Salary Grade: T27
A variety of important factors are reviewed by HR when considering salary, including job duties, the applicant's education and experience, all relevant internal equity considerations, department budget, and funding source.

Position Summary
Reporting to the Executive Director of University Communications and Media Relations, the Director of Leadership Communications serves as the senior writer and editor supporting the president and other members of Temple University's senior leadership team. The director develops and executes communications that advance institutional priorities, strengthen the university's reputation and engage key internal and external audiences. The role is primarily responsible for communications supporting the president, including remarks, presentations, executive messaging, thought leadership, written communications and social media.

The director also provides strategic communication support for the Provost and Chief Operating Officer, with particular emphasis on internal communications, leadership messaging and social media.

In addition, the director plays a central role in coordinating high-level internal communications across the university, working closely with academic and administrative offices to ensure university-wide messages are strategically aligned, appropriately sequenced and delivered to key audiences in a timely and coordinated manner. The director maintains visibility into significant institutional communications, identifies potential overlaps, gaps and timing considerations and advises university leaders on message strategy, audience, channel and sequencing.

Serving as a trusted communications adviser to senior leadership, the director brings exceptional judgment, discretion and institutional awareness, with the ability to anticipate communications needs and translate complex issues and priorities into clear, compelling communications for a range of audiences.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Application Requirements
* Resume and cover letter required
* Please include a maximum of 3 writing sample attachments (leadership communications preferred).

Applications will be accepted until close of business Monday, December 7th.

Required Education and Experience
* Bachelor's degree
* And at least 5 years of directly related experience is required.
* An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Preferred Education and Experience:
* Master's degree.
* 8 years of directly related experience.
* Experience in higher education, a complex mission-driven organization, government, health care or another large, decentralized institution strongly preferred.

Required Skills and Abilities
* Proven collaborator who works to unify teams across functions.
* Demonstrated portfolio of high-level executive communications, including speeches, thought leadership, presentations, internal communications and digital or social content.
* Proficient in the Microsoft Office suite of products.
* Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy of work.
* Superior organizational skills - must be able to effectively prioritize and meet deadlines.
* Ability to quickly acclimate to different environments and openness to new processes and technologies.
* Self-directed with a solutions-oriented attitude; values and inspires a positive work environment.
* Ability to work within a continuous improvement environment; able to receive feedback with a positive attitude and a commitment to personal accountability.
* Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills with the ability to work and collaborate with colleagues and campus partners.
* Brings diplomacy and collegiality to capably address challenges; willingness to tackle issues and collaboratively resolve them.
* Strong attention to detail and ability to utilize data and insights to determine decisions.
* Ability to work well under pressure.
* Demonstrated ability to effectively and collaboratively work as part of a cross-functional team.
* Ability to work independently and efficiently.
* Promotes a culture of high performance and continuous improvement.
* Demonstrated excellent organizational time management skills.
* Aligns team strategy and deliverables with divisional objectives.
* Ability to handle confidential matters with discretion.
* Strong ability to monitor the work of others, mentor staff, and manage performance through regular feedback.
* Ability to attend staff events (including occasional nights and weekends), as needed.

Essential Functions of the Position
* Develop and execute an integrated leadership communications strategy and editorial agenda aligned with the President's priorities, the university's strategic plan and major institutional initiatives. Anticipate communications needs and identify opportunities to advance key messages and strengthen the President's and university's visibility and reputation.
* Lead the development of communications supporting the President, including remarks, talking points, external presentations, opinion and thought leadership pieces, correspondence, messages to the university community, video scripts, social media content and other high-visibility communications. Ensure a consistent, authentic executive voice across channels and audiences.
* Provide targeted communications strategy and content development for the Provost, particularly for internal communications and social media, and for the Chief Operating Officer, particularly for internal and organizational communications. Ensure the distinct voice and priorities of each leader are reflected while maintaining alignment with university-wide messaging.
* Lead the coordination of high-level, university-wide internal communications, partnering with academic and administrative offices to ensure significant institutional messages are aligned, timely and appropriately sequenced.
* Advise senior leaders and campus communications partners on internal communications strategy, including message development, audience, timing, channel and sequencing, while fostering a coordinated approach that supports effective communication across the university.
* Establish and manage an integrated leadership and institutional communications calendar that provides visibility into major university announcements, leadership communications, milestones and events and supports an intentional cadence of communication with key audiences.
* Identify and develop thought leadership opportunities that position Temple's President and senior leaders as authoritative voices on issues connected to the university's mission, priorities and areas of expertise. Partner with media relations and other SMC colleagues to maximize appropriate external opportunities.
* Lead executive social media strategy and content development for the President and provide strategic support for the Provost's social channels, using platform and audience insights to strengthen engagement and extend leadership messaging.
* Develop briefing materials, message frameworks, background documents and other preparation materials that enable senior leaders to communicate effectively in high-visibility settings, including major events, external presentations, stakeholder meetings and media engagements.
* Assist, as needed, in managing crisis communications efforts in partnership with the division's Executive Director of University Communications and Media Relations and Vice President.
* Monitor the external environment, higher education landscape and relevant news and social conversations to identify issues, opportunities and developments that may inform leadership communications strategy.
* Monitor news and social media channels to identify mentions of Temple leaders. When appropriate, proactively provide potential rapid responses.
* Serve as a senior writer, editor, and proofreader, responding to communications needs that fall outside of standard business hours.
* Ability to work evenings/weekends; including attendance at events, monitoring coverage, and on-call responsibilities during significant university events or emerging issues.
* Serve as a divisional representative on internal and/or external committees as assigned by the Executive Director of University Communications and Media Relations or the Vice President for Strategic Marketing and Communications
* Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Details
* Offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a pre-employment physical.
* This position requires the following background checks: Personally Identifiable Information background check. These checks must be completed prior to commencement of service.
* This position is assigned a hybrid work arrangement (on-campus and remote); the duration of this hybrid work arrangement is at the discretion of Temple University and the Departments.

Temple University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all in every aspect of its operations, including employment, service, and educational programs. The University has pledged not to discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, marital status, national origin or ethnic origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or veteran status.

Compliance Statement: In the performance of their functions as detailed in the position description employees have an obligation to avoid ethical, legal, financial and other conflicts of interest to ensure that their actions and outside activities do not conflict with their primary employment responsibilities at the institution. Employees are also expected to understand and be in compliance with applicable laws, University and employment policies and regulations, including NCAA regulations for areas and departments which their essential functions cause them to interact.

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