Director of Executive Communications

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How to Apply

To be considered for this role, we require that applicants submit a cover letter on the first page of their resume and two writing samples (1 speech/talking points and 1 formal email written on behalf of an executive leader).

This role is not open to individuals who require visa sponsorship now or in the future .

Job Summary

The Director of Executive Communications will be the architect of communications strategy for the Vice President of Development, responsible for developing comprehensive messaging frameworks, creating impactful communications deliverables, and ensuring consistent, strategic voice across all platforms. You will ensure consistency and line-of-sight through multiple audiences including: the Office of University Development, the U-M development community, university leadership, campaign volunteers, donors, and alumni and parents/families.

You will support the success of the vice president as the primary voice for the Look to Michigan campaign and on behalf of the development community, and you will work closely with all OUD teams.

You will report to: Vice President of Development, with dotted line to Senior Executive Director, Marketing & Communications

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Why Work at Michigan?

Benefits

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

Responsibilities*

Communications strategy (40%)

• Identify high-value opportunities for the vice president to communicate and evaluate the value of requests for the vice president's presence.
• Develop strategies tailored to each audience and create frameworks to communicate sustainably and regularly with each.
• Develop and implement an internal communications plan to inform university leadership, deans, directors, and departments about development efforts.
• Ensure alignment in approach with other communications partners, including the Office of the President, the Provost, the Office of the Vice President for Communications and the U-M Alumni Association.
• Use the vice president's communications to advance overall content strategy for the Office of University Development.
• Assess the effectiveness of communications for each audience, including in-person attendance at events to gauge message reception and audience needs.

Content creation (30%)

• Develop talking points, presentations, and remarks for external audiences.
• Prepare the vice president for internal communications including town halls, all-staff meetings, and majors announcements.
• Craft executive-level content including regental presentations, donor communications, and keynote addresses.
• Create thought leadership content including articles, LinkedIn posts, and video.

Executive communications support (15%)

• Be the primary communications advisor to the VP of Development.
• Be spokesperson in interviews to media on behalf of the VP and organization.
• In collaboration with the chief of staff and the office of the VP, manage the VP's editorial and engagement calendar and content pipeline.
• Work with OUD Marketing and Communications for crisis communications planning and response protocols.
• Work with OUD Organizational Strategy to use the VP voice to advance organizational goals.

Messaging consistency (15%)

• Establish and maintain VP voice and messaging guidelines
• Ensure consistent positioning across all communications channels and materials, according to OUD's overall content strategy
• Approve communications materials where the VP is the signatory from other departments

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, English, Public Relations, or related field
• 7+ years of experience in corporate communications, public relations, content marketing, or related field that demonstrates executive-level communication expertise
• Experience writing, editing, and presenting at the executive level with the ability to create executive-level communications that capture voice and tone including speech writing
• Strategic thinking and ability to translate business objectives into communications strategies
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate with senior leaders, cross-functional teams, and external stakeholders
• Experience with brand development and positioning, and understanding of audience segmentation and message targeting
• Knowledge of communications measurement and analytics
• Cultural intelligence messaging for diverse audiences
• Project management experience and organizational abilities

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven days. The review and selection process may begin after the seven day posting minimum.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Job Opening ID

270596

Working Title

Director of Executive Communications

Job Title

Communications Manager

Work Location

Ann Arbor Campus

Ann Arbor, MI

Modes of Work

Onsite

Hybrid

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

FLSA Status

Exempt

Organizational Group

Vp For Development

Department

VP for OUD

Posting Begin/End Date

11/06/2025 - 11/16/2025

Salary

$105,000.00 - $115,000.00

Career Interest

Communications & Marketing

Development/Institutional Advancement