Director of Communications, 150 Forward

Director of Communications for 150 Forward

The Director of Communications for 150 Forward is a hands-on communications professional responsible for supporting executive leadership priorities through strategic planning, writing, coordination, and day-to-day communications execution. Reporting to the Director of Research and Economic Development Communications and Assistant Director of Executive Communications in University Relations, the position combines high-level strategy with practical implementation to support institutional priorities, leadership visibility, stakeholder engagement, and organizational initiatives connected to the university's 150 Forward Strategic Plan. The position will be embedded in the 150 Forward Transformation Management Office (TMO). This role develops communications plans and executes the work required to bring those plans to life - including writing, editing, project coordination, content development, and collaboration across campus partners. The Director serves as both a strategic advisor and an active contributor who helps ensure communications are timely, clear, aligned, and audience-centered. The Director is expected to work in close collaboration with the TMO Director as well as the Chancellor and Provost, and vice chancellors, to substantially advance awareness and understanding of the University's success and aspirations. The position supports communications connected to strategic planning, institutional initiatives, organizational change, executive engagement, and university-wide priorities while also managing routine communications deliverables and operational responsibilities.
Key Responsibilities:
Develop and implement strategic communications plans supporting 150 Forward priorities and executive leadership initiatives
Serve as a communications advisor to university leadership on messaging, stakeholder engagement, and communications planning
Draft and edit executive communications including speeches, talking points, presentations, campus messages, reports, op-eds, briefing materials, and strategic correspondence
Translate complex institutional priorities, initiatives, and organizational changes into clear, compelling, audience-centered messaging
Build communications frameworks that reinforce institutional mission, strategic goals, and university reputation
Coordinate proactive communications strategies related to institutional transformation, change management, and campus-wide initiatives
Lead communications efforts that support organizational alignment, engagement, and adoption of strategic initiatives
Develop audience-specific messaging and communications strategies for faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors, governing bodies, and community stakeholders
Coordinate communication timelines, channels, and deliverables aligned with institutional milestones and leadership priorities
Facilitate feedback mechanisms and stakeholder listening strategies to inform communications planning and decision-making
Support leadership visibility and engagement through internal forums, events, strategic meetings, and campus initiatives
Develop strategic narratives and communications materials that communicate institutional priorities, outcomes, and impact
Write, edit, and produce communications content across digital, print, presentation, video, and executive communication platforms
Ensure messaging consistency, editorial quality, and brand alignment across communications initiatives
Identify opportunities to elevate institutional reputation through thought leadership, storytelling, and strategic visibility initiatives
Coordinate with University Relations teams including media relations, digital communications and creative services, as well as college communicators on integrated campaigns and initiatives
Manage multiple communications projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Build collaborative relationships with university leadership, academic units, and communications partners across campus
Provide communications counsel and support during sensitive or high-profile initiatives and organizational changes
Monitor communications effectiveness and recommend adjustments based on audience feedback, engagement, and institutional priorities
Support special projects and strategic initiatives assigned by University Relations or executive leadership
Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.
Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, English, higher education administration, or a related field
Experience developing and implementing strategic communications plans and stakeholder engagement strategies
Experience with writing, editing, and storytelling across multiple communication formats and audiences
Preferred Qualifications:
At least five years of progressively responsible professional experience in strategic communications, executive communications, public relations, or organizational communications
Demonstrated experience supporting senior or executive leadership communications
Master's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, higher education, organizational leadership, or a related field
Experience in higher education, public-sector, healthcare, nonprofit, or similarly complex organizations
Experience supporting organizational change initiatives or transformation efforts
Experience with executive speechwriting and presentation development
Experience collaborating across decentralized organizations with multiple stakeholder groups
Familiarity with digital communications strategies, analytics, and audience engagement practices
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of strategic planning and change management communications principles
Strategic thinking and ability to align communications with institutional priorities
Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills
Strong judgment and political acumen in complex organizational environments
Ability to synthesize complex information and communicate with clarity and purpose
Skilled in message development, executive presence, and communications planning
Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities and deadlines
Collaborative mindset with strong cross-functional partnership skills
Commitment to professionalism, service, inclusion, and institutional excellence
Strong organizational, project management, and collaboration skills
Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information with professionalism and discretion
Salary Information: Commensurate with education and experience
Required Documents to Apply: Cover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume
Optional Documents: Proof of Veteran Status
Recruitment Contact Information: Julia Menke, Sr. HR Partner, jmenke@uark.edu; Crystal Ellis, Strategic Talent Acquisition Specialist, ce031@uark.edu
All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS
Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.
Pre-employment Screening Requirements: Criminal Background Check, Sex Offender Registry
The University of Arkansas is committed to providing a safe campus community. We conduct background checks for applicants being considered for employment. Background checks include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. For certain positions, there may also be a financial (credit) background check, a Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) check, and/or drug screening. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication or adverse financial history information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.
The University of Arkansas seeks to attract, develop and retain high quality faculty, staff and administrators that consistently display practices and behaviors to advance a culture that embeds equal opportunity, educational excellence and unparalleled access for all.
The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University's Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.
Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.
All Application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.