DIRECTOR-A&G - Director of Corporate Communications

Who We Are:

Southwest Research Institute (SwRI), founded in 1947, is a leading nonprofit R&D organization tackling complex technical challenges across a wide range of disciplines. The Director of Corporate Communications, based at the San Antonio campus, is a highly visible leader responsible for shaping both internal and external communications that support SwRI’s mission, values, and technical achievements. The role oversees messaging that strengthens the Institute’s brand; manages programs such as websites, publications, press releases, social media, events, and tradeshows; and leads a team that provides design, video, photography, print, and web services to support divisions and Institute-wide initiatives.

Objectives of this Role:

• Lead integrated strategic communications strategies that strengthen awareness of SwRI’s programs and elevate the corporate brand.
• Partner with leadership to support business development through targeted messaging, tools and communications guidance.
• Enhance storytelling and develop marketing materials and promotional content for technical and administrative groups.
• Provide expert communication support to media, the public, and other audiences in accordance with Institute policies.
• Serve as SwRI’s spokesperson and lead high-level media engagements.
• Manage internal and external corporate communications channels, including websites, publications, press releases, media relations, social media, events, tradeshows, and other digital and print platforms.
• Oversee specialists delivering design, videography, photography, audio, print, and web services.
• Support special assignments and strategic initiatives on behalf of SwRI leadership.

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:

• Oversee the Communications Department by managing daily operations and directing a staff of approximately 35, including budgeting, project coordination, performance management, employee development, and billing.
• Lead Communications initiatives identified by Executive Leadership and Institute Vice Presidents.
• Review internal and external communication materials to ensure quality and alignment with corporate policy.
• Identify and resolve issues related to planning, content development, production and workflows.
• Support Executive Leadership by drafting and editing sensitive or high-profile communications.
• Provide presentations to technical teams on leveraging communications for business development and outreach efforts.
• Present onboarding overviews about SwRI and the Communications department.
• Stay current on best practices in print, digital and support-service communications to continuously improve department programs.
• Provide timely notification and follow-up reporting on emergencies, accidents, illnesses, and other critical issues to the appropriate SwRI POCs and the Executive Team, after reporting such incidents to emergency responders, if necessary.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Digital Media Communications, Public Relations, English, or related field required; advanced degree preferred.
• A minimum of twenty years of corporate communications experience in an R&D or technical environment.
• Proven skills in internal/external communications, media/public relations, and crisis management.
• Strong technical and creative writing, proofreading, and editing abilities.
• Familiarity with stylebooks, media monitoring tools, and performance measurement utilities.
• Capable of leading projects independently, setting objectives, and implementing solutions.
• Effective interpersonal and teamwork skills, able to motivate staff for high-quality content.
• Ability to meet deadlines under pressure.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and Teams.
• Valid driver's license required.