Executive Director of Strategic Communications

Position Overview

The Executive Director of Strategic Communications is responsible for providing leadership, oversight, and direction for a University-wide strategic communications strategy for the primary purpose of elevating the University's national reputation and awareness.

Reporting directly to the Vice President for University Advancement and Marketing, the Executive Director will lead a cross-functional team from across the University charged with elevating Butler's national reputation and awareness by aligning external and internal communications, executive positioning, public relations and media relations, and University partnerships.

Specifically, this position will lead:

• The creation and execution of a University-wide external communications plan
• the curation of high-impact stories to be told by leadership through national and local forums, speeches, and thought leadership pieces
• national and local media interactions
• crisis communications/issue management, and serve as the University spokesperson

Additionally, the Executive Director will oversee the University's live mascot program as a key asset in building national awareness. The live mascot handler will report directly to this position.

The ideal candidate will have experience and skills in these areas: institutional communications, public relations, media relations, and issues management/crisis communications. The candidate will be exceptional in strategy development and implementation, leading in a cross functional environment, and internal relationship building. Excellent writing skills are required.

Applicants must submit a cover letter to be considered for this position

Responsibilities

• Lead the University's strategic communications effort, in collaboration with key campus partners, for the purpose of elevating the University's national reputation and awareness.
• Develop a University-wide strategic communications plan and execute that plan by leading a cross-functional strategic communications team.
• Work closely with University leadership to develop and execute an executive positioning strategy
• Manage media relations efforts, and serve as the University's spokesperson.
• Lead the Crisis Communications Team and collaborate with the Crisis Management and Emergency Operations Teams.
• Oversee the University's live mascot program
• Develop methods to measure and analyze results toward advancing key University priorities and optimizing ongoing efforts.
• Participate in the University Marketing Council, along with other relevant work groups and committees.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, or related field; master's degree or equivalent work experience preferred.

• 10+ years of strategic communications or similar experience.

• Strong foundation in communications and marketing competencies, including corporate communications, media relations, and strategic communications planning. Connections with the media, and experience with pitches and editorial process preferred.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to change voice and writing style to fit a particular audience and purpose.

• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and meet multiple deadlines and handle a variety of tasks simultaneously. Must be able to simultaneously work effectively at the highest level on strategy, and execute the smallest details.

• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior higher education communications experience.

BU Benefits and Perks

Please check out Butler's Total Rewards website to learn more about our benefit offerings, which include:

• Paid Time Off and Holidays:

• 28 days of paid time off (vacation and PTO days) per Fiscal year

• 8 Paid Holidays

• In addition, a paid Winter Break between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day

• Paid Parental Leave (after 1 year of full-time employment)

• Health:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans including disability and life insurance programs

• Retirement:

• 10% employer contribution after 1 year of full-time employment

• Tuition Assistance:

• Tuition Exchange Program for Dependents

• Remission of tuition for classes taken at Butler for employees, spouses, and dependent children.

• Eligibility after 9 months of full-time employment

• Employees & spouses- undergraduate/graduate degrees

• Dependents (under age 26)- undergraduate degree

• Covers tuition only

• Butler Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks:

• Access to Butler's on-site fitness facility and libraries for full-time staff and faculty

• LinkedIn Learning Courses

• Free premium subscription to the Calm App

• Free subscription to the WSJ, The Economist, and NYT

• Discount at the College Bookstore

• Discount on select Athletic and Arts/Events Center Performances

Butler University is a private, nationally recognized comprehensive university encompassing seven colleges: Arts, Business, Communication, Education, Liberal Arts & Sciences, Pharmacy & Health Sciences and Founder's College. Approximately 4,500 undergraduate and 1,000 graduate and doctoral students are enrolled at Butler, representing 46 states and 24 countries.

Join us at the crossroads of tradition & transformation. A career at Butler University offers more than just a job-it's an opportunity to join a dedicated, innovative, and supportive community grounded in equity, academic excellence, and meaningful impact. Aligned with Boldly Butler, our strategic plan, faculty and staff play a vital role in delivering transformational learning experiences, enriching our campus and community, and ensuring a thriving Butler for generations to come.

Butler University is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of age, sex, race, religion, color, disability, protected veteran status, national origin, or any other legally protected category.