Posting Details

Posting Summary

Classification Title
Director

Classification Code
UP03

Pay Grade
0

Subject to Drug/Alcohol Testing Guidelines
No

Subject to Credit Check
No

Internal Title
Director of Executive Communication and Engagement

Department
President's Office

Position Type
POTH - Slotted Other

Full or Part Time
Full-Time

Basis
12 mo.

Hours per week
37.5 hours per week

Normal Work Schedule
M-Th 8am-4:30pm, F 8am-12:30pm

Job Details

The Director of Executive Communications and Engagement serves as a strategic partner to the President by crafting clear, compelling, and consistent messaging that reflects the President's voice and the University's mission. This position leads executive speechwriting, messaging development, and branded presentation creation for diverse internal and external audiences, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and University Marketing and Communications. The role also provides sophisticated event handling and advance support, preparing briefing materials, managing run-of-show logistics, and accompanying the President to key engagements to ensure seamless execution and real-time responsiveness. As a liaison and planning partner with campus leaders, donors, board members, and external stakeholders, the position supports relationship building through personalized communications and high-level coordination. Additionally, the role collaborates closely with the Chief of Staff to align presidential messaging with strategic initiatives, track emerging issues, and contribute to the planning and execution of signature university events. This position requires exceptional judgment, discretion, communication skills, and the ability to anticipate needs in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a polished and professional presidential presence.

How to Apply: Interested candidates may apply online at https://jobs.coastal.edu/postings/122317. Applicants must submit cover letter, resume, and contact information for at least three (3) professional references. Deadline to apply: August 7, 2026.

Required Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, English, political science, public administration, or a related field. At least five (5) years of professional experience in executive communications, speechwriting, strategic messaging, public affairs, or a closely related field.

Preferred Qualifications: Master's degree in communications, journalism, English, public administration, higher education leadership, or a related field. Experience working in higher education, government, nonprofit leadership, or another mission-driven sector. Background in executive-level speechwriting for presidents, chancellors, elected officials, CEOs, or similar high-visibility leaders. Experience serving as an advanced lead or event handler for dignitaries, high-profile speakers, or senior executives. Experience developing presentations, visual communication materials, or branded content for diverse internal and external audiences. Experience with issues management, message frameworks, or strategic communication planning. Experience working collaboratively across departments and with high-level stakeholders.

Duties include, but are not limited to:
• Executive Communications Development: Lead the creation, refinement, and delivery of high-impact presidential communications-including speeches, remarks, talking points, presentations, and strategic correspondence-ensuring accuracy, consistency of voice, and alignment with institutional priorities.
• Strategic Messaging & Issues Support: Research key topics, synthesize complex information, and develop messaging frameworks that support the president's engagement on emerging issues, governance matters, and institutional initiatives.
• Presidential Event Preparation & On-Site Support: Prepare comprehensive briefing materials and run-of-show documentation for presidential appearances and provide on-site advance support to ensure smooth execution, optimal visibility, and effective real-time decision-making.
• Stakeholder Engagement Planning: Serve as a strategic liaison between the President's Office and internal/external partners - including advancement, marketing, academic leadership, and community leaders - to coordinate messaging, event planning, and executive engagement opportunities.
• Administrative & Strategic Partnering: Collaborate closely with the chief of staff as a confidential advisor to ensure presidential communications and engagements are timed, framed, and executed to advance university goals; maintain discretion in handling sensitive information and support special projects such as sponsorship review and development of presidential materials.

Director (UP03/61123210/FTE-S01175P), full-time position with benefits. Salary range $80,000.00 - $95,000.00. Normal work hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Must be flexible to meet the special scheduling needs of the university. May require occasional overnight travel. May require evening or weekend work to meet deadlines or handle high-priority issues.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, English, political science, public administration, or a related field. At least five (5) years of professional experience in executive communications, speechwriting, strategic messaging, public affairs, or a closely related field.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree in communications, journalism, English, public administration, higher education leadership, or a related field. Experience working in higher education, government, nonprofit leadership, or another mission-driven sector. Background in executive-level speechwriting for presidents, chancellors, elected officials, CEOs, or similar high-visibility leaders. Experience serving as an advanced lead or event handler for dignitaries, high-profile speakers, or senior executives. Experience developing presentations, visual communication materials, or branded content for diverse internal and external audiences. Experience with issues management, message frameworks, or strategic communication planning. Experience working collaboratively across departments and with high-level stakeholders.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Familiarity with university governance structures, board relations, alumni/donor engagement, and presidential communications. Demonstrated expertise in writing speeches, talking points, and high-level communications for senior executives, public officials, or organizational leaders. Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with the ability to capture and maintain a consistent executive voice. Proven ability to manage complex events, logistics, or advance work, including real-time problem-solving in fast-paced environments. Strong relationship-building and partnership skills. Demonstrated ability to maintain strict confidentiality, exercise excellent judgment, and handle sensitive information with discretion. Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize, multitask, and meet tight deadlines. Ability to work evenings, weekends, or travel as required to support presidential events and engagements. Proficiency with presentation and design tools, such as PowerPoint, Keynote, Canva, or Adobe Creative Suite. Knowledge of media relations processes, public affairs strategy, or brand alignment principles. Demonstrated ability to analyze complex issues and propose strategic messaging opportunities for executive leadership.

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number
FTE-S01175P

Number of Vacancies
1

Desired Start Date
09/01/2026

Position End Date (if temporary)

Job Open Date
07/28/2026

Job Close Date
08/07/2026

Open Until Filled
No

Special Instructions to Applicants

Quicklink for Posting
https://jobs.coastal.edu/postings/122317

Job Duties