Director, Internal Communications

Director, Internal Communications

This position is responsible for the development and implementation of effective and compelling internal communications for the University of Arizona, with a focus on informing university employees and other constituents about the institution's mission, vision, strategic imperatives and priorities to protect and advance the U of A's reputation and brand. This position is tailored for a strategic communicator with a passion for storytelling and a deep understanding of how to effectively reach and engage internal audiences, particularly using digital channels, publications and internal campaign formats.

The director oversees planning, production and dissemination of employee news, stories, announcements, events via campus digital channels and publications. Additionally, this role is responsible for assessing and evolving the ecosystem of channels and publications targeted to internal audiences to enhance employee engagement with these channels and internal communication effectiveness across the institution.

Reporting to the Executive Director, Internal Communications, this position manages at least 3 direct reports who research and produce content and develop and implement internal communication plans for assigned projects and initiatives. This position also plays a leadership role in developing internal communication strategies and messaging for main divisions supporting university operations. This role requires strong writing and editing skills, and the ability to collaborate with various partners across departments and units to provide strategic guidance and tactical support for internal communication initiatives, in alignment with institutional priorities.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA / ASU / NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

Duties & Responsibilities

Management of internal communication channels and publications ecosystem :

• Lead and manage digital channels and publications (e.g., employee news, stories, photo galleries, announcements, event calendar, etc.) targeted to university employees and the broader university community, from editorial direction and content review / editing to production and distribution via digital platforms.
• Oversee and manage content calendar, including sourcing, scheduling, assigning content for digital channels and publications; write featured stories and announcements as required, based on team's capacity.
• Coordinate content with external communications and marketing to ensure integration and alignment across channels.
• Review content for clarity, accuracy and consistency, and ensure tone, structure, and messaging reflect institutional voice and meet university communication standards, prior to final review by the executive director.
• Ensure internal communication products (e.g., website and email layouts) are on brand, visually compelling and accessible for all audiences.
• Work in close collaboration with digital marketing and IT colleagues to optimize user experience, increase reach and engagement, and evolve channel ecosystem for internal audiences.

Strategic communications planning and support :

Collaboration, partnership, and advisory role :

Team leadership and supervision :

Measurement and enhancement of internal communication effectiveness :

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

Minimum Qualifications :

Preferred Qualifications :

Compensation

The Rate of Pay represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education / training, key skills, and internal equity. The Grade Range represents a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture.

Contact Information for Candidates

Marie-Chantale Maltais maltais@arizona.edu

Documents Needed to Apply

Resume, Cover Letter, and Two Additional Documents

Special Instructions to Applicant

Must submit two work samples as part of the application process : (1) a communication plan demonstrating strategic approach for a given project and (2) an internal message crafted for university audiences showcasing effective institutional communication.

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses. These reports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures. Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.