Associate Director, Executive and Internal Communications

Job Description

For over 160 years the University of Washington has been a hub for learning innovation problem solving and community building. Supporting this legacy and important public missionwith the goal of making the UW the worlds greatest public university as measured by positive impactguides everything we do in University Advancement. Bringing together development; alumni and stakeholder engagement; marketing and communications; and advancement operations we advance the UWs impact by developing meaningful connections that foster pride advocacy and philanthropic support.

This starts with creating a culture of belonging within our organization that values the diverse experiences and expertise of our team members allowing everyone to thrive and to contribute their unique talents as we strive to achieve our shared goals.

The Office of the Senior Vice President for Advancement has an exciting opening for an Associate Director for Executive and Internal is a full-time permanent position.

The Associate Director for Executive and Internal Communications plans oversees and executes internal communications for University Advancement and manages high impact executive communications principally for the Senior Vice President Advancement.

As part of the Office of the Senior Vice President for Advancement this role works in close collaboration with teams in Advancement Strategy & Campaigns the UW Foundation Board University Marketing and Communications and People and Culture to ensure internal and executive communications build the vision values and culture of University Advancement and the UW Foundation Board in support of the University of Washingtons strategic vision plan and mission.

The role operates in a fast-paced highly collaborative environment and requires exceptional persuasive writing skills together with a marketing mindset and utility with related tools and their efficacy in reaching internal and external audiences. Creativity and curiosity sound judgment research capabilities diplomacy and discretion while navigating complex organizational dynamics with professionalism are key requirements of the role.

What You Will Do:

Executive Communications (45%)

• Serve as a subject matter expert and lead executive communications for the Senior Vice President for Advancement and President of the UW Foundation (SVP).
• Plan develop and deliver executive communications including speeches talking points presentations monthly digests high-impact correspondence and announcements ensuring alignment with Advancements mission vision values and strategic priorities.
• Gather accurate information needed to support executive communications by coordinating with Advancement teams UW partners and subject matter experts. Translate complex or evolving details into clear concise timely messaging.
• Guide executive and internal communications efforts in response to University crisis events sensitive internal issues or major announcements.
• Collaborate and coordinate with UW Foundation Board Engagement staff to guide develop and manage communications to Foundation Board members and volunteers.
• Proactively track forecast and manage executive communications needs in collaboration with administrative staff balancing responsiveness with strategic and annual calendar planning.
• Analyze communication strategies to inform the effectiveness of communications and planning for long-range needs.

Internal Communications Strategy and Execution (40%)

• Plan oversee and execute the internal communications strategy for University Advancement ensuring alignment with organizational vision and priorities campaign messaging values and leadership direction.
• Write edit and publish internal communications content including staff messages leadership updates announcements newsletters and supporting materials.
• Lead communications for Advancement-wide internal events meetings and professional development opportunities creating clear messages and materials.
• Develop update and maintain internal web and intranet content to ensure information is accurate.
• Manage internal communications projects end-to-end coordinating stakeholder input editorial review approvals and timelines.
• Partner with Development Advancement Strategy & Campaigns and University Marketing and Communications to ensure coordination and alignment across internal and external communications.
• Translate complex academic and institutional priorities into clear compelling narratives for internal and external audiences.
• Oversee content standards and moderation approach for key internal communication channels ensuring clarity appropriateness and consistency.

Project Management & Generalist Support (10%)

• Use project management and file-sharing tools to track work manage timelines and maintain visibility across communications projects.
• Proactively identify and address scope timeline or alignment challenges in complex environments.
• Develop and maintain templates guidance and processes that improve efficiency consistency and quality.
• Regularly evaluate communications processes and recommend improvements.
• Provide flexible hands-on support to University Advancement communications efforts as priorities and needs evolve.

Other Duties as Assigned (5%)

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelors degree AND four years of related experience.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements such as a license/certification/registration.

What You Bring:

• Experience working in a senior leaders office executive communications role higher education and/or institutional advancement or comparable high-trust environment.

• Demonstrated excellence in executive and/or internal communications including the ability to adapt voice tone and messaging for senior leaders and internal audiences.
• Sound interpersonal judgment diplomacy and discretion including experience handling sensitive and confidential information.

• Proven ability to develop compelling communications and strategies with a marketing mindset.
• Experience developing digital marketing materials (newsletters social posts) and other packaged marketing assets.
• Experience developing and implementing strategic fundraising communications.
• Proven ability to manage complex deadline-driven communications in fast-paced highly collaborative and matrixed environments. Comfortable receiving and navigating feedback from multiple stakeholders including synthesizing and reconciling conflicting input.
• Strong organizational skills attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously. Demonstrated curiosity and creativity.
• Demonstrated project management experience including proficiency with project management tools such as Asana. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

What You Can Expect:

• Cubicle/Open workspace environment which may result in additional or higher levels of noise and visual distractions.
• Ability to work evening and weekend hours and to flex in-office days on rare occasions with short or limited notice.
• This is an on-site role requiring a minimum of four days per week in the office with flexible scheduling.

Please submit a cover letter that outlines your qualifications and suitability for the position including your interest in the role and directly relevant experience. Applications submitted without a cover letter will not be considered.

Writing samples will be requested during the hiring process.

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Compensation Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

Pay Range Maximum:

Other Compensation:

Benefits:

Temporary or Regular

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

Union/Bargaining Unit:

About the UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier return they enjoy outstanding benefits opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity intellectual excitement artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race color creed religion national origin citizenship sex pregnancy age marital status sexual orientation gender identity or expression genetic information disability or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process contact the Disability Services Office at or .

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.