Director, Internal & Executive Communications
Inside Higher Ed, Palo Alto, CA, United States
Overview
Director, Internal & Executive Communications at Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB). This senior role reports to the Head of Dean’s Communications and leads the design and execution of internal and executive communications strategies aligned with the Dean’s priorities and the school’s critical initiatives.
Responsibilities
Lead execution of integrated internal and executive communications strategies in support of the Dean’s priorities and school-wide initiatives.
Translate strategic objectives into clear messaging frameworks, audience strategies, and coordinated communication plans across faculty, staff, students, and alumni.
Drive cross‑functional implementation by partnering with initiative and program leads, HR, and other stakeholders; ensure alignment on messaging, timelines, deliverables, and approvals.
Ensure consistency, clarity, and quality across leadership and internal communications, including speeches, presentations, announcements, and key messaging.
Develop and implement compelling approaches to communicate the school’s priorities, innovations, and impact in ways that engage internal audiences.
Serve as a trusted communications advisor to senior leadership, providing counsel on messaging, positioning, and stakeholder engagement, and exercising sound judgment in complex or sensitive situations.
Lead and develop a high‑performing team; set direction, provide coaching and feedback, and foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Support crisis and issues communications, including rapid response for time‑sensitive and high‑impact situations affecting the school and its community.
Partner with colleagues across the GSB and University Communications to ensure alignment with broader institutional priorities, messaging, and standards.
Collaborate with media, digital, and publications teams to ensure internal and external narratives are aligned and mutually reinforcing.
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 8 years of experience in executive‑level communications supporting senior leaders; 10+ years of experience across communications functions and audiences preferred.
Experience in higher education or similarly complex, mission‑driven organizations strongly preferred.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, concise, high‑impact materials under tight timelines.
Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex information and translate it into accessible, compelling communications.
Proven experience leading communications in dynamic environments, including periods of change, ambiguity, or organizational transformation.
Strong executive presence with the ability to advise and influence senior leaders with credibility, confidence, and sound judgment.
Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships and collaborate effectively across a wide range of stakeholders, reflecting the GSB’s commitment to respect and inclusion.
Creative and strategic thinker with a track record of developing innovative communications approaches and challenging conventional thinking.
Proven people‑management experience, with the ability to build, grow, and retain high‑performing teams.
Strong project management and organizational skills; able to manage multiple priorities with precision and follow‑through.
High degree of integrity and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information.
Preferred Requirements
Advanced degree preferred.
Experience supporting senior academic or executive leaders in complex organizations.
Experience in crisis communications, issues management, or reputation management.
Familiarity with higher education, research institutions, or similarly matrixed, complex environments.
Job Details Pay range: $150,735 to $190,000 per year at 100% FTE.
Schedule: Full‑time; Work Arrangement: Hybrid Eligible; Employee Status: Regular; Grade: K; Job Code: 4219; Requisition ID: 108667.
Benefits Stanford University offers a comprehensive rewards package. Further details can be found at Cardinal at Work: https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards.
EEO Statement Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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Responsibilities
Lead execution of integrated internal and executive communications strategies in support of the Dean’s priorities and school-wide initiatives.
Translate strategic objectives into clear messaging frameworks, audience strategies, and coordinated communication plans across faculty, staff, students, and alumni.
Drive cross‑functional implementation by partnering with initiative and program leads, HR, and other stakeholders; ensure alignment on messaging, timelines, deliverables, and approvals.
Ensure consistency, clarity, and quality across leadership and internal communications, including speeches, presentations, announcements, and key messaging.
Develop and implement compelling approaches to communicate the school’s priorities, innovations, and impact in ways that engage internal audiences.
Serve as a trusted communications advisor to senior leadership, providing counsel on messaging, positioning, and stakeholder engagement, and exercising sound judgment in complex or sensitive situations.
Lead and develop a high‑performing team; set direction, provide coaching and feedback, and foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Support crisis and issues communications, including rapid response for time‑sensitive and high‑impact situations affecting the school and its community.
Partner with colleagues across the GSB and University Communications to ensure alignment with broader institutional priorities, messaging, and standards.
Collaborate with media, digital, and publications teams to ensure internal and external narratives are aligned and mutually reinforcing.
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 8 years of experience in executive‑level communications supporting senior leaders; 10+ years of experience across communications functions and audiences preferred.
Experience in higher education or similarly complex, mission‑driven organizations strongly preferred.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, concise, high‑impact materials under tight timelines.
Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex information and translate it into accessible, compelling communications.
Proven experience leading communications in dynamic environments, including periods of change, ambiguity, or organizational transformation.
Strong executive presence with the ability to advise and influence senior leaders with credibility, confidence, and sound judgment.
Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships and collaborate effectively across a wide range of stakeholders, reflecting the GSB’s commitment to respect and inclusion.
Creative and strategic thinker with a track record of developing innovative communications approaches and challenging conventional thinking.
Proven people‑management experience, with the ability to build, grow, and retain high‑performing teams.
Strong project management and organizational skills; able to manage multiple priorities with precision and follow‑through.
High degree of integrity and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information.
Preferred Requirements
Advanced degree preferred.
Experience supporting senior academic or executive leaders in complex organizations.
Experience in crisis communications, issues management, or reputation management.
Familiarity with higher education, research institutions, or similarly matrixed, complex environments.
Job Details Pay range: $150,735 to $190,000 per year at 100% FTE.
Schedule: Full‑time; Work Arrangement: Hybrid Eligible; Employee Status: Regular; Grade: K; Job Code: 4219; Requisition ID: 108667.
Benefits Stanford University offers a comprehensive rewards package. Further details can be found at Cardinal at Work: https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards.
EEO Statement Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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