Associate Director, Executive Communications

Associate Director, Executive CommunicationsPosition develops and executes strategic communications initiatives that support the Senior Vice President (SVP) for Research and Partnerships and the Office of Research & Partnership Executive Leadership Team. This position manages executive communications projects, oversees leadership messaging across multiple channels, supervises communications staff, and coordinates with university partners to ensure alignment with institutional priorities. The incumbent translates complex research and innovation topics into accessible communications for internal and external audiences while supporting executive visibility, stakeholder engagement, and organizational objectives.Duties & Responsibilities - Executive Communications and Content DevelopmentDevelop and manage executive communications that support the Senior Vice President (SVP) and Office of Research & Partnership Executive Leadership Team.Research, write, edit, and coordinate speeches, presentations, talking points, briefing materials, reports, correspondence, newsletters, and other leadership communications.Ensure messaging aligns with Office of Research & Partnership priorities, university objectives, and brand standards.Translate complex research and innovation topics into clear, compelling content for various audiences.Strategic Communications Planning and ImplementationDevelop and execute strategic communications plans that advance Office of Research & Partnership initiatives and leadership priorities.Oversee editorial calendars, communication campaigns, and content strategies across multiple channels.Coordinate communication efforts across Office of Research & Partnership units to ensure consistency and alignment.Monitor communication outcomes and recommend improvements to increase effectiveness and audience engagement.Media Relations SupportSupport of reactive media relations.Coordinate media relations activities for Office of Research & Partnership leadership, including responding to inquiries, preparing media materials, and facilitating interviews.Identify opportunities to enhance visibility of Office of Research & Partnership research, innovation, and partnership initiatives.Collaborate with university communications partners on public-facing communications.Monitor media coverage for Office of Research & Partnership and provide recommendations for proactive engagement.Staff Leadership and Operational ManagementSupervise communications staff and student employees.Establish priorities, manage workflow, and allocate resources to ensure timely completion of communications projects.Provide coaching, mentoring, performance feedback, and professional development opportunities.Support recruitment, onboarding, and training activities as needed.Collaboration, Stakeholder Engagement and Special ProjectsPartner with university leadership, communications teams, colleges, departments, and external stakeholders to coordinate messaging and communications activities.Support institutional initiatives, executive events, and special projects.Serve as a communications resource to Office of Research & Partnership leadership and stakeholders.Foster collaborative relationships that advance the mission and strategic priorities of the Office of Research & Partnership.Minimum Qualifications - Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.

Minimum of 5 years of related work experience, including 2 years of managerial experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.Preferred Qualifications - Experience supervising, mentoring, and developing staff while fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.FLSA - ExemptFull Time/Part Time - Full TimeNumber of Hours Worked per Week - 40Job FTE - 1.0Work Calendar - FiscalJob Category - Communication and MarketingBenefits Eligible - Yes - Full BenefitsRate of Pay - $75,540 - $98,201Compensation Type - salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)Grade - 10Compensation Guidance - The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity. The Grade Range represents a full range of career compensation growth over time.

The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.Career Stream and Level - M2Job Family - CommunicationsJob Function - Communications & MarketingType of criminal background check required: - Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)Number of Vacancies - 1Contact Information for Candidates - Lisa Black | Date - 7/2/2026Open Until Filled - YesDocuments Needed to Apply - Resume, Cover Letter, and Two Additional DocumentsSpecial Instructions to Applicant - Additional documents: Please include 2 original writing samples with applicant materials.