Director, Executive Communications

Salary Range

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.

SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.

SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools:
Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.

SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem – paired with entrepreneurial drive – creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU’s relationship with Dallas – the dynamic center of one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions – offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.

SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

As SMU continues its academic ascent, Marketing and Communications plays a central role in elevating the University’s profile and advancing its institutional priorities. Working collaboratively across campus, the team leads communications, marketing, media relations, digital and reputation‑building efforts that showcase academic excellence, research, the student experience and SMU’s impact.

Through integrated planning, creative marketing and communications, proactive engagement and issues management, the team builds and protects SMU’s reputation and strengthens connections with audiences locally, nationally and globally.

This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

As SMU advances its strategic plan and elevates its national profile, Marketing and Communications is evolving to operate more strategically, proactively, and in alignment with institutional priorities and the academic mission.

The Director of Executive Communications leads the University’s executive communications function, developing speeches, remarks, correspondence, thought leadership, digital content, and major institutional messaging for the President, Executive Vice President and Provost, and other senior leaders.

This role advances University priorities, strengthens reputation, and supports SMU’s strategic plan. The Director ensures coordination of executive communications across audiences and platforms, elevating institutional leadership, academic excellence, and key initiatives.

Reporting to the Head of Communications, the Director manages the executive communications team.

• In partnership with the Head of Communications, develop and execute communications strategies for the President, Executive Vice President and Provost, and other senior leaders.
• Oversee and develop speeches, remarks, presentations, correspondence, talking points, video scripts, op-eds and other executive communications materials.
• Oversee the strategic management and ongoing maintenance of the Office of the President and Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost web presence.
• Support communications related to SMU’s strategic priorities, including transformative teaching and programs, research that matters, athletic impact, exceptional experiences and principled leadership. Support executive preparation for media interviews, public appearances, and other high-profile engagements.
• Lead executive narrative development, thought leadership, and strategic messaging efforts that advance University priorities, reputation, and institutional visibility.
• Ensure consistency in executive voice, tone and institutional positioning across communications channels, including executive social media platforms. Support…