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The University of Texas at Austin

Executive Director of Communications

The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, us, 78716


Job Posting Title:

Executive Director of CommunicationsHiring Department:

Dell Medical SchoolPosition Open To:

All ApplicantsWeekly Scheduled Hours:

40FLSA Status:

ExemptEarliest Start Date:

ImmediatelyPosition Duration:

Expected to ContinueLocation:

UT MAIN CAMPUSJob Details:General NotesThe Dell Medical School is looking for an Executive Director of Communications.PurposeAs part of the Public Affairs team, the Executive Director of Communications is the chief executive responsible for crafting strategy to shape the image and enhance the reputation of Dell Medical School and the emerging academic medical center it anchors, promoting awareness and affinity. Lead a highly effective team of content strategists, media relations professionals, and internal and executive communicators, the executive director advances our mission to revolutionize how people get and stay healthy by informing and inspiring the people we care for, our partners and collaborators, and all who contribute to the future of health.ResponsibilitiesStrategic Planning:

Develop and execute a strategic and comprehensive communications plan detailing objectives that meaningfully advance the academic medical center's mission and vision, identifying and consistently achieving key results. Collaborate with senior leaders to integrate communication strategy with organizational initiatives. Align effort and resources to the strategic plan, effectively prioritizing work with a high return on investment. Lead implementation of the plan in concert with the strategic plans of the school, practice and university.

Measurement & Analysis:

Establish systems to monitor and analyze key performance indicators and to measure progress toward key results and objectives, iteratively refining planning, prioritization and approach to ensure success in advancing enterprise goals. Provide strategic analysis on communications issues for senior leaders and other stakeholders.

Messaging and Content:

Develop messaging and manage content that informs, engages, motivates and delights target audiences, building visibility and credibility for the medical center and transforming bystanders to collaborators and champions. Direct appropriate applications in strategic content, media relations, and internal and executive communication, ensuring a consistent, cohesive, compelling image and a strong reputation for the school and medical center.

Team Development & Direction:

Recruit and retain a team of high-performing professionals prepared to lead the future of health communication. Manage day-to-day functions of communications, including public and media relations, crisis and issues management, internal awareness and engagement, and content creation and management. Through coaching and professional development, field a team of experts informed in best practices and highly adept at leveraging relationships, resources and tools to produce best-in-class communications.

Relationship Management:

Build strategic, effective, collaborative relationships with medical center leaders and public affairs professionals working across UT and UT System, in addition to the local and national health care community. Communicate strategic planning and decision-making to internal and external stakeholders as needed to promote understanding, alignment and cooperation.

Counsel & Expertise:

Provide strategic counsel to senior leaders on communication-related matters, including issues management and brand positioning.

Other related duties as assigned.

Required QualificationsBachelor's degree in communication or a related field and 10 years of experience working as a professional communicator, seven (7) of which must be in a senior managerial role. Demonstrated success in developing and executing strategic communication plans that align with organizational goals. Strong understanding of public relations, crisis communication, and strategic content development. Experience managing internal communications to ensure employees are well-informed, engaged, and aligned with organizational goals. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to develop sophisticated messaging strategies and to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively. Demonstrated technical ability to improve written content, including developmental, content, line and copyediting. Experience managing a team of communications professionals, with demonstrated leadership ability and a track record of fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment. Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines under pressure. Strong analytical skills and the ability to use data to drive decision-making. High level of integrity and professionalism, with a commitment to upholding the organization's values and reputation. Interest in meeting the demands of a start-up environment with adaptability and resilience. Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.Preferred QualificationsA master's degree in communication or a related field. Five (5) years of experience working in academic medicine, health care or a related field. Experience supporting health care leaders with effective executive communications, including scripts, briefing documents and presentations. Experience in medical learner recruitment communications that are compliant with ACGME and other standards; patient communications compliant with HIPAA and other best practices; and research communications compliant with IRB. Experience administering a content management system to organize and manage content creation and distributions. Experience managing email campaigns and technologies, such as Eloqua and Emma. Demonstrated experience collaborating effectively with university administrators, deans, faculty and staff. Experience managing communications services across complex organizations with a focus on good client and customer service.Salary Range:

OPENWorking Conditions:May work around standard office conditions.Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.Occasional weekend, overtime and evening work to meet deadlines.Required Materials:Resume/CV3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisorLetter of interestEmployment Eligibility:

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.Retirement Plan Eligibility:

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) instead of TRS, subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.Background Checks:

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.Equal Opportunity Employer:

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.Pay Transparency:

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.Employment Eligibility Verification:

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States.E-Verify:

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015.Compliance:

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act).

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