Executive Communications Specialist

Overview
Office of Research & Partnerships (ORP) Marketing and Communications Team at the University of Arizona is seeking an Executive Communications Specialist.

The Executive Communications Specialist fosters effective communication between Office of Research and Partnership senior leaders and various audiences including industry and government partners, donors, faculty, staff and students, alumni and community members, to advance the University’s strategic vision. The role creates and delivers integrated communication strategies and products that support senior leadership and research priorities. It provides strategic communication counsel focused on executive communications and thought leadership, high‑visibility institutional messaging, and media relations.

Lasting Impact through Strong Partnerships: By collaborating with industry, government, nonprofits and communities, the University translates discovery into action that drives progress for the public good, extending the impact of research far beyond the campus.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; and access to recreation and cultural activities.

Responsibilities

Write, evaluate, review, and edit high‑quality executive‑level communications including speeches, talking points, presentations, briefing materials, correspondence, and leadership messages.

Ensure consistency, clarity, and alignment of executive messaging with institutional brand, values, and strategic goals.

Serve as a trusted communications advisor to senior leaders, providing counsel on messaging strategy, tone, timing, and audience considerations.

Prepare leaders and subject‑matter experts for media engagements through briefing documents and message development.

Plan, develop, and implement integrated marketing and communications strategies for thought leadership and media relations to enhance the visibility and public profile of executives, leadership priorities, and research initiatives.

Collaborate with marketing professionals, creative staff, digital specialists, and campus partners to align content with institutional brand standards.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of communication best practices, techniques, and standards.

Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Ability to exercise discretion when interacting with executives and senior leaders.

High degree of innovation, creativity, and attention to detail.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience.

Minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.

Compensation and Benefits
Rate of Pay: $65,687 – $85,393 annually. Salary at 1.0 full‑time equivalency. The pay range represents the University’s good faith estimate of possible compensation. Additional compensation growth opportunities are available through the career architecture.

Full benefits are offered to eligible employees, including health, dental and vision insurance, life and disability coverage, paid time off, tuition reduction, retirement plans, and access to recreation and cultural activities.

Note: This posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

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