Director, Executive Communications

Application Review Date: October 27, 2025

Campus Location: Radford City - Main Campus

Work Authorization: Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor employment visas at this time.

Job Description

Reporting to the AVP for Strategic Communication, the Director of Executive Communications is responsible for proactively planning and creating communication content for the President, Provost, Board of Visitors, Office of Government Relations and Strategic Initiatives and First Lady to support a range of activities, including internal and external speeches and presentations, meetings with elected officials, invitations and videos for special events and the President’s social media platforms. In addition, the Director will produce official university updates and reports for strategic university initiatives (e.g., strategic plans, employee surveys, annual reports) while ensuring proper alignment with the university’s strategic priorities and the President’s priorities, as well as strict adherence to the university’s branding and writing style guidelines.

The Director will work closely with the Chief of Staff and tap into subject matter experts from the offices of Government Relations and Strategic Initiatives, Institutional Research, Enrollment Management, Finance and Administration, and Academic Affairs, among others, to ensure executive communications reflect accurate, up-to-date information from across the university. In addition, the Director will leverage the full range of Marketing and Communication resources to support executive communications, including photography, videography, public relations, and graphic and digital design.

Required Qualifications

• Experience developing and implementing executive communication plans across a variety of platforms (speeches, presentations, video, social media) and measuring their effectiveness
• Strong writing, verbal communication, research and interpersonal skills, including collaborating with senior leaders to understand their needs and meet their expectations
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work on multiple projects and assignments simultaneously
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a team player and independently to produce high-quality results
• Demonstrated experience establishing strong relationships with senior leaders and handling confidential information with the utmost discretion
• Working knowledge of email marketing software, such as Mailchimp, Constant Contact, EMMA or a similar program
• Working knowledge of social media platforms, such as LinkedIn and Instagram
• Strong portfolio of executive communications materials, including print, digital and multimedia.
• Proficiency with the full suite of Microsoft Office products, including MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

• Master’s degree in a related field required (English, journalism, communication, public relations, public policy, business, organizational leadership) or a bachelor's degree with related experience equivalent to the master's level
• 7 to 10 years of relevant work experience supporting executive communications in a higher education, corporate, government, or nonprofit setting

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting presidents or chancellors and working closely with chiefs of staff in higher education settings
• Experience using project management software, such as Lytho, Asana, Hive, Basecamp, Kantata

Is this position Grant Funded: No

Is this position restricted: No

Is this position eligible for telework: No

Hours Per Week: 40

Months per Year: 12

Statement of Economic Interest Required: No

FLSA Status: Exempt

Work Classification: Administrative & Professional Faculty

Normal Work Schedule: 40 hours per week, some nights and weekends

Employee Classification: Professional - Lecturer

Department: Marketing and Communication

Salary: $80,000 to $101,000, depending on experience.

Department Contact Name: Gina Stike

Department Contact Phone: 540-831-5585

Department Contact Email: gstike@radford.edu

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Radford University does not discriminate with regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, national origin, religion, or political affiliation in the administration of its educational programs, activities, admission or employment practices.

Clery Statement

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, Radford University publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The report includes the university’s policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security, as well as three years’ of crime statistics for our campus. As a prospective employee, you are entitled to a copy of this report. The report and statistical data can be found online at Radford.edu/police. You may also request a paper copy of the report from the Radford University Police Department located at 810 East Main Street PO Box 6883, Radford, VA, 24142.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

If you are an individual with a disability and desire accommodation in the application process please contact the hiring department.

Criminal Background Check Statement

Radford University is committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all employees, students, volunteers, and stakeholders. As part of our hiring and screening process, we conduct criminal background checks in compliance with Virginia Code § 19.2-389 and other applicable state and federal laws. Successful candidates will be required to have a criminal background check.