Strategic Communications 

• Develop and execute strategic communications with key partners across the institution. 
• Create a strategic framework to communicate key institutional issues internally across multiple audiences. 
• Lead strategic communications efforts to help the institution achieve its goals in alignment with the University’s strategic planning activities. 
• Establish and oversee new Issues Management program, including staff and operations, elevating issues to CCT for review and response as needed. 
• Lay foundations for creation of strategic and crisis communications team focused on issues management. 
• Provide thought leadership on strategic planning and crisis communications. 
• Work with Marketing and Communications teams to monitor online/offline, internal/external conversations about the
• University and respond to negative content. 
• Work with University Communications team to draft and disseminate press releases and other public communications. 
• Identify, monitor, and respond to issues. 
• Develop and execute communications strategies to mitigate negative issues. 
• Provide strategic counsel to senior management on issues management and crisis communications.
• Work with Office of General Counsel and other key admin departments to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. 

Crisis Communications 

• Manage the University's day-to-day crisis communications efforts, including responding to media, developing messaging, and coordinating with other stakeholders. 
• Facilitate the Crisis Communications Team (CCT) in support of the CCT leader and lead CCT meetings. 
• Work with CCT leader and members to manage CCT operations and membership, assess issue reports, schedule and convene CCT meetings, and manage forms and tools to support effective team operation. 
• Assert situational oversight of 5-7 crisis communicators to respond to issues and incidents. 
• Respond to and manage crises as they arise. 
• Coordinate crisis communications activities with internal and external stakeholders. 
• Develop and implement crisis communications plans in the event of a negative event. 
• Manage perceptions and reputation with internal and external stakeholders. 
• Manage media and public inquiries and complaints, ensuring they are handled professionally and promptly. 
• Develop and implement processes around issues management and augment the transparency and speed of outreach on key issues. 
• Collaborate effectively with Senior Vice President, Communications & Marketing. 
• Remain informed of current trends in crisis communications and Higher Education industry news and trends. 

Relationship Management 

• Build and maintain relationships with key internal and external stakeholders and audiences. 
• Manage relationships with key media outlets. 
• Work internally and across campus to develop coalitions, partnerships and collaborative strategies to address communications issues. 
• Operate as primary conduit to other communicators across campus. 
• Work with units around campus to ensure that policies and procedures are consistent with University reputation goals. 
• Develop mutually beneficial relationships with colleges and key units and divisions