Executive Director, Strategic Communications

Executive Director, Strategic Communications University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research,and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education,all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbeswho named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home forwork and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources,and much more.

Executive Director, Strategic Communications

Executive Director A, Business and Finance

The Executive Director (ED) of Communications is the senior communications leader for the Office of the Executive Vice President (EVP) and its nine divisions. Reporting to the Chief of Staff, the ED is responsible for designing, building, and leading anewly integrated communications organization that supports the University's administrative enterprise. The Executive Director develops and executes a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with the organization's strategic priorities, brand, and stakeholder needs while leading a high-performing communication steam.

Serving as the principal communications advisor to the Executive Vice President and Vice Presidents across administrative divisions,the Executive Director leads the strategic communications function,shaping executive messaging, media relations, reputation management, marketing, and change communications in support of divisional and institutional priorities. The role develops and executes an integrated communications strategy that strengthens stakeholder trust, advances strategic initiatives, and elevates the visibility and impact of the University's administrative enterprise.

The Executive Director partners closely with University Communications and leaders across the institution to ensure coordinated, consistent messaging and alignment and provide trusted counsel on high-profile institution-wide initiatives, emerging issues, and reputational matters.

• Build and operationalize a newly integrated communications organization serving the EVP Office and its divisions, establishing the vision, governance, operating model, and communications standards for the function.
• Align communications resources, processes, and priorities todeliver integrated, strategic communications that support the organization's goals and stakeholders.
• Establish service delivery models that balance enterprise initiatives with divisional needs across the EVPorganization.

• Develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy that advances the organization's strategic priorities, strengthen sits brand, engages key stakeholders, and ensures consistent internal and external messaging across the administrative enterprise.
• Advise the Executive Vice President and divisional leaders on executive communications, strategic messaging, reputation management, organizational change, and emerging issues.
• Oversee executive communications, including speeches,presentations, talking points, leadership messaging, and thought leadership.
• Coordinate communications across the EVP divisions and partner closely with University Communications and other key stakeholders on media relations and issues requiring a coordinated approach.

• Lead proactive and reactive media relations and crisis communications for the organization.
• Advance the organization's visibility, reputation, and impact through strategic communications, marketing, and issues management.
• Oversee integrated storytelling and content strategy across websites, newsletters, executive communications, intranet/extranet,social media, video, print, and other digital channels.
• Identify and implement emerging communications tools,technologies, and practices that strengthen organizational effectiveness.

• Lead, mentor, and develop the communications team, supporting nine divisions across all communications functions.
• Foster a…