Associate Director, Executive Communications

Associate Director, Executive Communications

Office of Research & Partnership's (ORP) Marketing & Communications team at the University of Arizona is in search of an Associate Director, Executive Communications. This position develops and executes strategic communications initiatives that support the Senior Vice President (SVP) for Research and Partnerships and the ORP 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.

Lasting Impact through Strong Partnerships: By collaborating with industry, government, nonprofits and communities, The University of Arizona translates discovery into action that drives progress for the public good, extending the impact of research far beyond the university campus. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more! The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs.

Duties & Responsibilities

Executive Communications and Content Development

• Develop and manage executive communications that support the Senior Vice President (SVP) and ORP 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 ORP priorities, university objectives, and brand standards.
• Translate complex research and innovation topics into clear, compelling content for various audiences.

Strategic Communications Planning and Implementation

• Develop and execute strategic communications plans that advance ORP initiatives and leadership priorities.
• Oversee editorial calendars, communication campaigns, and content strategies across multiple channels.
• Coordinate communication efforts across ORP units to ensure consistency and alignment.
• Monitor communication outcomes and recommend improvements to increase effectiveness and audience engagement.

Media Relations Support

• Support of reactive media relations.
• Coordinate media relations activities for ORP leadership, including responding to inquiries, preparing media materials, and facilitating interviews.
• Identify opportunities to enhance visibility of ORP research, innovation, and partnership initiatives.
• Collaborate with university communications partners on public-facing communications.
• Monitor media coverage for ORP and provide recommendations for proactive engagement.

Staff Leadership and Operational Management

• Supervise 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 Projects

• Partner 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 ORP leadership and stakeholders.
• Foster collaborative relationships that advance the mission and strategic priorities of the Office of Research and Partnerships.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Demonstrated knowledge of strategic communications, public relations, media relations, and content development principles and practices. Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including experience developing executive-level communications, speeches, presentations, and messaging. Ability to translate complex scientific, technical, and research-related information into clear, compelling communications for diverse audiences. Strong strategic planning, project management, and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate communication strategies and campaigns that support organizational goals and stakeholder engagement. Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships and effectively influence, advise, and work with leaders, faculty, staff, media representatives, and external partners. Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and adapt communication approaches in a dynamic and complex organizational environment.

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.

Job Details

FLSA - Exempt

Full Time/Part Time - Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week - 40

Job FTE - 1.0

Work Calendar - Fiscal

Job Category - Communication and Marketing

Benefits Eligible - Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay - $75,540 - $98,201

Compensation Type - salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

Grade - 10

Compensation 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 - M2

Job Family - Communications

Job Function - Communications & Marketing

Type of criminal background check required: - Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

Number of Vacancies - 1