Director of Presidential Communications

The University of Michigan is seeking a Director of Presidential Communications for the university's president. This role requires exceptional writing, research, and interpersonal skills, as well as initiative, creativity, and the ability to capture the president's voice. The director will help to shape and elevate presidential communications that advance the university's mission of teaching, research, and public service. This position reports to the vice president for communications.

• Organize, research, and draft speeches, presentations, talking points, opinion pieces, social media posts, scripts, and background materials for the president of the university as a member of the vice president for communications senior leadership team.
• Provide strategic and proactive communications counsel to the president, in partnership with the vice president for communications and the president's chief of staff.
• Prepare a variety of materials, in consultation with the president, the vice president for communications, and other university leaders, for internal and external audiences.
• Work strategically and cooperatively with colleagues in the President's Office and executive leadership offices, and across the university, to assess and coordinate speaking assignments, communications activities, and messaging for the president.
• Support the president at planning meetings, speech rehearsals, public events, social engagements, and other functions to continually assess the efficacy of messaging. This includes activities such as scouting locations in advance and working with other university units on presidential speaking requirements, such as teleprompter usage.
• Attend events with the president as needed to provide on-site support and adapt remarks to dynamic situations.
• Archive speeches and remarks for recordkeeping and historical reference.
• Serve on related committees, task forces, and advisory groups as needed.
• Assume additional responsibilities as assigned by the vice president for communications.

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in executive communications.
• Experience in strategic communications, including coordination with colleagues in marketing, social media, and crisis communications.

A proven track record of engaging deeply in an institution, its people, and its culture, including interacting with leaders at all levels.

• Proven skills in writing and editing for both academic and non-academic audiences and publications. Experience in these varied writing styles is preferred.
• Creativity with language and a demonstrated ability to convey powerful messages and stories.
• Exceptional research skills, with a deep commitment to detail, facts, and accuracy.
• Initiative and creativity regarding speaking opportunities for the president.
• Issues management, strategic planning, and engaging storytelling.
• A demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaborate with others, including senior leaders of an organization and a broad array of subject matter experts.
• The ability to adapt to a top executive's style and communications needs.
• The ability to effectively manage a high-volume workload in a fast-paced environment, while meeting deadlines in a timely manner.
• An ability to exercise a high degree of judgment and diplomacy, and an impeccable commitment to confidentiality.
• Knowledge of a wide range of intellectual, literary, and cultural references to inform his or her writing and research.
• An understanding of and appreciation for the education, research, and service mission of a major research university committed to the public good.
• Reasonable knowledge of state, national, and international higher education issues and trends. Experience supporting communications in politically complex or highly visible public institutions.
• Some knowledge of university organization, policies, and procedures.
• Experience in public relations or journalism.

This is a hybrid position, when the schedule can accommodate, with onsite expectations in Ann Arbor, Michigan, 3-4 days per week. You will work outside of normal business hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate the president's schedule, event requirements, and deadlines.

For full consideration, please include three recent writing samples with your resume and cover letter. Applicants will be asked to prepare an impromptu written piece at the in-person interview.

Candidates for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third-party administrator to conduct these checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be…