Executive Director, External Communications

This Executive Director, External Communications position is with University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ. Strategic External Communications: Lead news content creation reflecting the university’s comprehensive research, education, public service, and student support programs. Develop and implement the university’s media and public relations plan. Manage the university’s efforts to grow earned media visibility locally, statewide, and nationally. Lead external communications efforts to advance the university’s strategic imperatives and build building goals. Oversee editorial production and content distribution for the university’s primary web and email news channels. Provide counsel and direct support to university leadership engaging externally on issues related to the university. Oversee media requests, media analysis and coverage reports, and proactive media outreach. Manage staff responsible for identifying, cataloging and evaluating rankings relevant to the university. Manage the team responsible for identifying trending news topics and pitching faculty experts. Serve as a university spokesperson and respond to requests for comment or information. Collaborate with University Marketing and Communications colleagues on multimedia and digital storytelling. Leadership and Management Manage external communications staff comprised of news, content creation, science and research communicators, and media relations professionals. Serve as a member of the University Marketing and Communications Leadership team. Relationship Management Establish, advance, and maintain relationships with journalists, news organizations, and independent content creators. Lead External Communications team’s efforts to engage faculty across the campus to increase the national visibility of their research and expertise. Operate as a conduit to communicators across campus on matters relating to news, research, media, reputation management, and storytelling. Work closely with and advise central administrative units and campus leaders. Reputation Management Manage the University's day-to-day reputation management efforts, including developing messaging, coordinating with campus stakeholders, and responding to queries. Work closely with the Office of Public Safety and Crisis Communications Team to provide proactive crisis communications planning and effective communications response to crises. Respond to and manage crises and reputational issues as they arise. In collaboration with the Chief Communications and Marketing Officer and the Chief Safety Officer, update and implement crisis communications plans. Collaborate with University Marketing and Communications colleagues to monitor and, when necessary, respond to external conversations about the university. Develop and implement processes around issues management. Provide strategic counsel to senior management and faculty on matters affecting the brand reputation of the university. Work closely with the Office of General Counsel, Office of Public Records, and other administrative departments that manage sensitive issues. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: The ideal candidate will have a strong external communications background and a proven track record in developing and executing strategic communications plans. Candidates will be seasoned in engaging with media, developing content, and managing reputational risks.