Senior Director of Communications - Executive Vice Chancellor & Chief Administrative Officer

Scheduled Hours

37.5

Position Summary

Supports the Executive Vice Chancellor through a combination of project management, writing and editing, research, and high level administrative and relationship support functions. Coordinates special projects, compiles information and completes complex reports and analysis. Works independently or with senior leadership. Interfaces with external stakeholders including senior representatives of state, local or federal government agencies and/or private sector companies. Sensitivity to confidential matters, a high level of professionalism, tact and diplomacy are paramount.

Job Description

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage external special projects in coordination with other departments and/or organizations on behalf of the Executive Vice Chancellor. Research and prepare materials, policy briefings, talking points, speech drafts or presentations and proposals on a variety matters for key external audiences.
• Develop and lead Executive Vice Chancellor brand and channels, including Executive Vice Chancellor website, presentations, remarks, correspondence and strategic communications. Create and manage vibrant, innovative and compelling communication and engagement deliverables to ignite change, activate alignment and foster a strong, inclusive culture. Identify and create opportunities for visibility and connection in the university community, St. Louis region, higher education and industry.
• Develop and manage an overarching internal workforce brand and integrated communication plan. Create and manage a consistent voice, tone and style that reflects organizational values, drives behavior change and supports operational goals. Work cross-functionally to ensure quality control and consistency for any internal communications, including formed responses, templates, presentations, manager tool kits, talking points, newsletters and other tactics. Lead and maintain the internal calendar, cohesive messaging platforms, cadence and framework for all communications across enterprise areas.
• Oversee a team of communication and marketing professionals across administrative areas; lead a consistent brand, voice and style and ensure all communications on are on an integrated schedule with a consistent brand.
• Foster external relationships in the Greater St. Louis region, in higher education and across the employee-focused industries. Maximize connection with community and industry, amplifying the Executive Vice Chancellor and workforce brand and reputation as a world-class employer. Partner with Public Affairs for support and consistency.
• May schedule, prepare materials and notes, and ensure follow-up for various stakeholder meetings including staff, Board or other meetings. Draft and edit various documents including external correspondence. Create and maintain files, review drafts and finished documents for accuracy and grammar, including documents of a sensitive or confidential nature.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s, Master of Business Administration or other advanced degree.
• Ten years of experience.
• Expertise leading large-scale enterprise projects and strategic initiatives.
• Knowledge or experience in administrative, campus services or other related operational areas.
• Significant project management experience on behalf of a senior executive.
• Superior research, analytical, planning, organizational skills, and detail-orientation.
• Strong customer-service orientation.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, and competing priorities while adhering to deadlines.
• Demonstrated verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, exercise mature professional judgment, and use discretion.
• Comfortable in team-oriented environment based on open, transparent, continual communication, information sharing and inclusive decision-making.
• Open to feedback and professional development.
  
  

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from accredited college or university and equivalent five years’ experience in a fast-paced, large non-profit or public or private sector organization supporting an executive-level individual or team.

Grade

G16

Salary Range

$96,000.00 - $169,300.00 / Annually

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Personal

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
• Want to Live Near Your Work and/or improve your commute? Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees. We also offer a forgivable home loan of up to $12,500 for closing costs and a down payment for homes in eligible neighborhoods.
• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.
  
  

Wellness

• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!
  
  

Family

• We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.
• WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.
  
  

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO/AA Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement

Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.