Director of Internal and Executive Communications

College of the Holy Cross
paid time off, 403(b), retirement plan
United States, Massachusetts, Worcester
1 College Street (Show on map)
Nov 07, 2024
Director of Internal and Executive Communications College of the Holy Cross Description Job Summary As a member of the Marketing and Communications team and reporting to the Chief Communications Officer, the Director of Internal and Executive Communications is a skilled writer and strategic thinker. The director is responsible for creating communications on behalf of the College and its leadership that inspire, motivate and create a sense of belonging, aligning with the College's strategic plan, Aspire. With the recent successful launch of the College's first intranet, Ignite, this role is responsible for taking internal communications at Holy Cross to the next level. Along with one direct report, they lead a strategic, comprehensive internal communications strategy, driving transparency and a sense of belonging among internal audiences of students, faculty, and staff members. In addition, they work with the Office of the President and College leadership team to write executive-level speeches, remarks, and other communications that showcase the vision and the guiding principles of leadership for diverse audiences. Major Areas of Responsibility Internal Communications Employs best practices to develop engaging messages, clear, effective communications that promote a sense of belonging and transparency among students, faculty and staff members. Builds and executes an internal editorial and communications plan that is aligned with the college's strategic plan and implemented with consistency across internal channels. Create, establish and document standard processes, protocols and templates for the internal communications practice area. Collaborates with the Chief Communications Officer to establish systems that empower other campus communicators to deliver information to students, faculty, and staff in a manner that reduces email fatigue. Lead strategy on Ignite, the college's intranet Manage one direct report responsible for internal communications content Works closely with other campus communicators to conceive and coordinate communications that reach key target audiences. Manages writing, research and fact-checking support for major announcements and high-level initiatives. Collaborates closely with senior leadership on crisis communications and issues management. Develops content for confidential, sensitive or embargoed events with discretion. Monitors news and global events to identify opportunities, concerns and interests for the campus community. Undertakes other critical writing tasks as assigned. Executive Communications Coordinates efforts to enhance the overall quality of all presidential communications Prepares compelling speeches, remarks, lectures, essays, columns, articles, presentations, correspondence, and other written communications of the highest quality for the college president and other senior college leaders Tailors each communication for maximum audience appeal and impact, conducting research on audience expectations, event agendas, topics or remarks of other speakers, and physical space and audio/visual set-up Provides counsel and feedback to the president on style and delivery of remarks Performs content research and develops detailed speech outlines for executive approval Ensures written communications align with an overall messaging strategy for the President, using internal and external communication platforms to articulate goals and initiatives in a clear manner Maintains current knowledge of peer institutions, current events, industry issues and trends, Jesuit and Catholic issues, policy proposals, and changes in legislation in order to incorporate relevant information into presidential communications. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree At least 5-7 years' professional experience in the fields of communications, journalism, or publishing Familiarity with common communications tools and technologies Experience as a high-level speechwriter preferred Industry knowledge of higher education a plus Core Competencies Inclusion: Actively engaging with the values of the College by promoting a work environment that embraces diversity and demonstrating respect for the opinions and beliefs of others Innovation: Performing one's job with creativity and proactivity, improving procedures and problem-solving Mission/Service Orientation: Focusing on service to others and contributing to the College's collective mission Responsibility: Taking ownership of one's actions and accountability for one's tasks and duties Disclaimer The description above represents the most significant duties of this position but does not exclude other occasional work assignments not mentioned, the inclusion of which would be in conformity with the factor degrees assigned. Additional information:This is a full time, exempt level position with a salary range of $98,000-$101,300. The College is committed to providing competitive market pay for its employees. The College also offers a competitive benefits package for full-time staff, including: 10% College contribution to the 403(b) Retirement Plan (1 year wait waiver available) This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement - upon hire, candidates will need to live within commuting distance Condensed summer 4-day work week Tuition & Education benefits Wellness programs & ongoing Training and Development opportunities Generous paid time off The College is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and complies with all Federal and Massachusetts laws concerning Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action in the workplace.To review our Employee Benefit Options, please go to: https://www.holycross.edu/human-resources/benefits APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:Please attach a cover letter addressing the position requirements along with your resume.In your cover letter please address how your work might support the College's commitment to inclusive excellence (https://aspire.holycross.edu/inclusive-excellence). Please provide examples of how you have integrated diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging into your past work. For more information, please visit http://holycross.edu/diversity.Review of applications will begin as received and continue until the position has been filled. The College also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities during the hiring process in compliance with law. Please contact Merrilee Grenier, Senior Associate Director of Employee Relations and Legal Compliance, for questions or to request an accommodation via email at mgrenier@holycross.edu, or by calling 508-793-3957. To apply, please visit: https://jobs.jobvite.com/holycross/job/oV1OufwY jeid-001157f0076e3b449be550ca7ba08511