Director, Internal Communications

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!

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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:

• In partnership with the Executive Director and the team, develop and execute internal communication strategies for institutional initiatives, and for the division of the Senior Vice President of Business Affairs, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, including writing leadership messages, editing various communication products and developing internal communications plans.
• Create effective and compelling multi-channels internal communication campaigns to inform and engage university employees around the university’s mission, strategic imperatives and priorities in support of U of A’s reputation and brand.
• Ensure consistency and alignment of internal communications with university guidelines, best practices, style guide and brand standards, and refresh, maintain central guidance for areas of responsibilities.

Collaboration, partnership, and advisory role:

• Establish strong collaborative relationships with leaders and colleagues across departments and units to inform storytelling approach and build content strategy for channels and publications.
• Work in close collaboration with marketing and communications colleagues to develop comprehensive internal communication plans and campaigns, and to create university-wide alignment for internal communications activities and institutional messaging.

• Engage with a variety of constituents across campus to provide strategic guidance and tactical support for internal communication projects and initiatives.

Team leadership and supervision:

• Supervise at least three direct reports, including conducting regular check-ins, reviewing, managing work, and providing coaching, guidance, mentorship and performance feedback.
• Plan, assign and oversee projects and tasks of the supervised team members, including monitoring workload, ensuring deadlines are met, shifting priorities as necessary, and troubleshooting capacity issues.
• Create and maintain a collaborative and high-performing team environment, with an emphasis on adapting to change, exploring new ways of working and cultivating innovative ideas.
• Oversee standard operating procedures and approval processes for the supervised team.
• Use the team’s project management tool to manage projects, and to plan, prioritize and coordinate work effectively among team members, including for the editorial calendar and writing assignments associated with internal channels and publications.

Measurement and enhancement of internal communication effectiveness:

• Monitor open rates and engagement metrics to guide continuous improvement.
• Assess internal communication channels, publications and content strategy using data and analytics, and build informative reports that help drive an outcome-based approach.
• Develop and implement data-informed recommendations to enhance reach and engagement of internal audiences and drive continuous improvement in the employee experience.
• Stay at the forefront of best practices, emerging technologies and latest trends in communications, and introduce new and innovative practices in current approach.
• Contribute to the overall success of University Communications in fulfilling its mission by performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent research, writing, editing and storytelling skills.
• Strong understanding of strategic communications, including digital channels/publications and content strategy.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage communication campaigns and plans impacting internal audiences.
• Experience managing and mentoring communication professionals in a supervisory role.
• Strong organizational, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals at all levels (including leadership) across various departments and units.
• Leadership style that promotes collaboration, strategic thinking and innovation.
• Ability to initiate and manage multiple projects simultaneously, and to adapt to competing and changing priorities to meet deadlines.

• Bachelor’s degree in communication, journalism, public relations, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience, including 3 years in a supervisory or managerial role, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

• Prior experience in an internal communications role.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience with web and email campaign software’s and content management systems (e.g., Drupal, Salesforce Marketing Cloud, etc.) is an asset.