Executive Director of Communications

Overview

Position Title Executive Director of Communications

Position Details Position Information

Posting date 02/19/2026

Closing date Open Until Filled

Position Number 1129526

Hiring Range Minimum $130,000 – Maximum $150,000

Union Type Not a Union Position

SEIU Level Not an SEIU Position

FLSA Status Exempt

Employment Category Regular Full Time

Scheduled Months per Year 12

Scheduled Hours per Week 40

Schedule

Location of Position Hanover, NH

Remote Work Eligibility? Onsite only

Is this a term position? No

If yes, length of term in months. NA

Is this a grant funded position? No

Position Purpose The Executive Director of Communications serves as the senior communications and engagement leader for the Provost’s Office and the Provost’s Division. Reporting to the Provost’s Office this role is responsible for shaping, advancing, and assessing a comprehensive communications and engagement strategy that supports the university’s academic mission, priorities, and institutional values. The Executive Director ensures clear, consistent, and compelling messaging across internal and external audiences.

The role plays a central part in strengthening trust, transparency, and shared understanding between academic leadership and the faculty community, while positioning the Provost’s Office and academic enterprise as thoughtful leaders in higher education. Working closely with vice provosts, leaders across the Division, and campus partners, the Executive Director integrates strategic communications with engagement practices that foster dialogue, consultation, and community across schools and divisions.

Description
Required Qualifications - Education and Yrs Exp Masters plus 6 or more years' experience or equivalent combination of education and experience

Required Qualifications - Skills, Knowledge And Abilities

• A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in communications, media, publishing, or public affairs.
• Progressive leadership experience in higher education or a comparably complex, mission-driven organization.
• Demonstrated experience leading communications strategy within an academic, research, or higher education context.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills across multiple formats and audiences.
• Demonstrated success in strategic communications, faculty engagement, and stakeholder relations.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with faculty, senior leaders, and institutional partners.
• Sound judgment and discretion in managing sensitive academic and institutional matters.
• Ability to synthesize complex academic issues into clear, accessible communications.
• Commitment to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging through communications and engagement practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctorate or professional degree strongly preferred.
• Experience working closely with academic leadership
• Background in academic strategy, institutional research, or reputational advancement
• Familiarity with shared governance structures and faculty culture

Strategic Academic Communications - Develops and implements a comprehensive communications strategy for the Provost’s Office aligned with institutional academic priorities. Serves as principal author and editor for high-impact Provost’s Office communications, including speeches, messages to faculty, presentations, reports, op-eds, and talking points. Oversees the development of Provost’s Office communications channels, including newsletters, websites, reports, and internal communications. Ensures consistent, accessible, and compelling academic messaging across platforms and audiences.

Aligns academic messaging with institutional branding, media strategy, and reputational priorities. Establishes metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of academic communications and continuously refine strategies based on feedback and results.

Senior Communications Advisor - Serves as a trusted advisor to the Provost on communications strategy, messaging, and stakeholder engagement. Advises on crisis communications related to academic affairs in coordination with central communications and leadership. Supports the Provost’s participation in…