Director of Executive Communications and Strategic Engagement

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Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

A cover letter, attached as the first page of your resume, describing how your experience meets the job requirements of this posting, is required for consideration of this position. Please be prepared to provide writing samples, if requested.

Please visit http://www.nursing.umich.edu/ for more information about the School of Nursing.

Job Summary

The University of Michigan, School of Nursing (UMSN) is seeking a Director of Executive Communications & Strategic Engagement to serve as the UMSN Dean's principal communications strategist and executive writer. Reporting to the Dean, this position is responsible for developing Dean's voice, executive communications, institutional messaging, and stakeholder engagement approaches that support the School's strategic priorities.

Responsibilities*

Executive Communications

• Develop and execute the Dean's executive communications strategy.
• Draft speeches, presentations, reports, remarks, correspondence, leadership messages, opinion pieces, and executive communications.
• Prepare briefing materials, stakeholder summaries, messaging guidance, and background research for high-profile meetings, events, and engagements.
• Develop executive presentations, talking points, briefing books, reports, and communication materials that support leadership decision-making and stakeholder engagement.
• Ensure executive communications are timely, accurate, strategically aligned, and tailored to intended audiences.
• Prepare briefing materials and messaging guidance for high-profile meetings and engagements.
• Support sensitive and high-stakes communications in coordination with the Dean and university partners.

Institutional Narrative & Strategic Messaging

• Develop and maintain the School's institutional narrative and strategic messaging framework.
• Translate strategic priorities into compelling messages for internal and external audiences.
• Ensure consistency across executive communications and leadership messaging.
• Support messaging related to organizational change, strategic initiatives, and institutional priorities.

Strategic Engagement

• Support strategic planning engagement efforts and institutional feedback processes.
• Develop stakeholder engagement strategies that support institutional priorities.
• Assist leaders in communicating complex decisions and strategic initiatives.
• Design and facilitate executive listening sessions, stakeholder forums, leadership town halls, and engagement activities that support institutional priorities.
• Develop communication and engagement approaches that foster transparency, understanding, and trust across stakeholder groups.
• Support strategic planning engagement processes, organizational change efforts, and major institutional initiatives.
• Track stakeholder feedback and identify themes requiring executive attention or response.

Communications Integration

• Partner with Marketing & Communications to ensure alignment between executive messaging and institutional communications.
• Collaborate with Advancement, Academic Programs, Research, Practice, and other units on strategic initiatives requiring executive-level communications.
• Serve as a bridge between leadership priorities and communications execution.

Change Communications & Strategic Initiatives

• Develop communications strategies supporting organizational change, strategic planning, and major institutional initiatives.
• Translate complex decisions, governance actions, and strategic priorities into clear and accessible communications.
• Partner with the Dean to support leadership alignment and institutional understanding during periods of change and transformation.
• Develop communication approaches that reinforce accountability, transparency, and shared understanding across the School.

Stakeholder Intelligence & Executive Preparation

• Develop stakeholder profiles, audience analyses, and engagement strategies for key internal and external constituencies.
• Conduct research, benchmarking, environmental scanning, and issue analysis to support executive communications and engagement efforts.
• Identify emerging stakeholder concerns, opportunities, and reputational considerations that may affect institutional priorities.
• Maintain stakeholder engagement plans and communication strategies supporting major initiatives and institutional priorities.
• Provide strategic communications counsel regarding stakeholder dynamics and organizational sentiment.
• Support special projects and strategic initiatives led by the Dean

Executive Briefing & Leadership Communications Management

• Lead development of executive briefing books, meeting preparation materials, talking points, and strategic communications for the Dean.
• Coordinate content development for UMSN Academic Group and Executive Team meetings, retreats, leadership forums, and major institutional events.
• Ensure executive communication materials accurately reflect institutional priorities, governance decisions, and strategic objectives.
• Maintain systems and processes supporting preparation, review, and dissemination of executive communications and leadership materials.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed and are not an exhaustive list of all associated responsibilities.

Required Qualifications*

Education/Experience:

• A Bachelor's degree in journalism, English, communications, public relations or related field. A Master's degree is preferred.
• A minimum of eight (8) or more years of experience in executive communications, strategic communications, public affairs, or related roles in complex organizations.
• Demonstrated work experience supporting senior executives with high-level communication and messaging.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills with the ability to translate complex ideas into clear, compelling narratives.
• Strong strategic thinking and ability to align communications with institutional priorities.
• Experience working across multiple stakeholders and functions in a matrixed environment.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office products (including Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint).
• Must have excellent oral and written communication skills. You will be expected to write clearly and concisely for various mediums. You will be expected to have solid interpersonal and organizational skills, and the ability to work effectively with diverse groups.

Attributes:

• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Proven analytical skills and follow-through; a high degree of creativity, initiative, resourcefulness, and the ability to anticipate needs.
• High level of discretion, judgement and professionalism.
• Must have excellent attention to detail and critical thinking skills.
• Must be able to work independently as well as effectively on teams.
• Ability to promote the School of Nursing's Declaration of Values to Empower each other to interrupt or disrupt disrespect; Practice communication that is beneficial, kind and true; Inspire and be inspired by our members? worth, significance and integrity; Cultivate respect for ourselves and others routinely, publicly and privately.

Desired Qualifications*

• Experience in higher education, academic medicine, or similar complex mission-driven organizations.
• Experience supporting executive-level communications in a Dean's, Provost's, or CEO-level office.
• Familiarity with advancement, stakeholder engagement, or public-facing institutional strategy.

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.

Additional Information

Shift/Hours/Days: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday; may include some occasional weekend and/or evening hours. This position is mobile/remote.

Salary Range: Salary is commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. We encourage all interested parties meeting requirements to apply.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.