Summary

The Executive Director of Strategic Communications is a senior leader responsible for guiding the university's communication strategies, protecting and enhancing its reputation, and ensuring coherent, effective messaging across all channels. Reporting to the President and advising executive leadership, this role oversees internal and external communications, media relations, and crisis management, serving as a primary advisor on communication strategy and issues management. This position is responsible for safeguarding and elevating the university's image in times of both opportunity and adversity. This role is essential for ensuring transparent, timely, and effective communication, especially during crises, while promoting the university's achievements, values, and aspirations to all stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive communications from the President. Provide input on marketing plans that support the university's mission, vision, and strategic goals. Lead brand stewardship across the institution, ensuring consistency in messaging and identity.
2. Serve as the university's primary media contact, managing press inquiries, proactive pitching, news releases, and official university statements. Lead media training initiatives and act as a spokesperson as needed.
3. Advise the President and senior leadership on crisis communication efforts, including risk assessment, message development, and rapid response protocols. Serve as a key member of the university's emergency management team, coordinating with senior leadership, legal, and other stakeholders to manage communications during crises. Develop and maintain crisis communication plans and conduct regular training and simulations for university staff.
4. Contribute to the creation, editing, and distribution of content for digital, print, social media, and video platforms. May supervise a team of communications professionals, ensuring high-quality, mission-driven content.
5. Cultivate relationships with faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors, partners, and the broader community. Represent the university at public events and forums to enhance institutional image and stakeholder engagement.
6. Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing communications team. Collaborate with academic and administrative units to identify stories, support initiatives, and amplify the university's impact.
7. Use market research and data analytics to assess the effectiveness of communication campaigns, refine strategies, and inform decision-making. Stay informed of trends in higher education communications and crisis management.
8. Recommends and participates in the development of University policies and procedures; may serve on University planning and policy-making committees.
9. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in communications, public relations, or marketing.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Advanced knowledge of strategic communication and brand management.
• Skilled in crisis communication and issue management.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully oversee and execute effective media strategy & media relations.
• Skilled in leadership, team building, and stakeholder engagement.
• Advanced knowledge of digital and content storytelling.
• Ability to analyze complex problems, interpret operational needs, and develop integrated, creative solutions.
• Comprehensive knowledge of marketing principles, concepts, and methodologies.
• Ability to establish and implement cohesive communication, marketing, and media/public relations strategies and plans on an institutional basis.
• Knowledge of communication principles, media, and public relations techniques.
• Ability to use independent judgement to quickly adapt to shifting priorities.
• Ability to develop, plan, and implement short- and long-range goals.
• Ability to foster a cooperative work environment.
• Outstanding interpersonal and community relations skills and the ability to communicate and work effectively within a diverse community.
• Strong critical thinking skills and the ability to analyze, summarize, and effectively present data.
• Employee development and performance management skills.
• Ability to make administrative and procedural decisions.
• Organizational planning, structuring, and staffing skills.
• Ability to resolve complex problems and issues in a timely and collaborative manner.

Conditions of Employment

• Employees in this job title are subject to the terms and conditions of an employment contract. Employment contracts are typically subject to review and renewal on an annual basis.
• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
• No or very limited physical effort required.
• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.

Revised Date: 08/01/2025