Position Summary

The Director of Internal and Executive Communications at Spelman College plays a pivotal role in shaping and delivering strategic communications that engage and inform the college’s internal audiences – including faculty, staff, and students – and support the communication needs of Spelman’s senior leadership. Reporting directly to the Associate Vice President for the Office of Communications, this individual will be responsible for developing and executing comprehensive communication strategies for college-wide initiatives and events, ensuring consistent messaging and a unified institutional voice. This role requires a highly skilled communicator with management experience, a keen understanding of strategic communications, and the ability to operate effectively in a dynamic environment, including during times of crisis. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Internal Communications Strategy & Execution: Develop, implement, and manage internal communication strategies and plans for major college-wide initiatives, announcements, and events, ensuring alignment with Spelman’s strategic goals and the FY26 Communications Narrative.

Oversee and manage the college’s primary internal communication channels, including the intranet content, internal newsletters, digital signage, video, and podcast scripts, etc.

Collaborate with various departments (e.g., Human Resources, Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, Enrollment Management) to ensure timely, accurate, and compelling communication of critical information to internal stakeholders.

Identify opportunities to enhance internal communication effectiveness, foster a sense of community, and promote transparency within the college. Executive Communications Support: Serve as the primary writer and editor for communications from the President.

Craft compelling speeches, presentations, talking points, and briefing materials for high-level engagements, including Town Hall meetings, Board of Trustees meetings, President’s messages, and internal addresses.

Translate complex institutional goals and decisions into clear, concise, and engaging messages for diverse internal audiences.

Provide strategic counsel and support to senior leadership on internal communication best practices, messaging, and crisis response.

Crisis Communications: Play a key role in the Office of Communications’ crisis communication efforts, leading the development and dissemination of timely, accurate internal messages, FAQs, and updates for faculty, staff, and students during emergencies or sensitive situations.

Assist in developing and refining crisis communication plans and protocols, ensuring rapid and accurate dissemination of information to internal stakeholders in coordination with the broader communications team and college leadership.

Participate in and lead internal communication aspects of crisis communication drills and preparedness efforts.

Team Leadership & Management: Directly supervise and mentor one temporary Internal & Executive Communications Manager, providing ongoing guidance, performance feedback, and professional development support.

Manage and oversee student interns dedicated to internal communications initiatives, including their involvement in the development and ongoing maintenance of the college’s SharePoint-based intranet site.

Help lead and manage the work of contract writers for The Spelman Messenger, a premier magazine for key stakeholders of Spelman College.

Foster a collaborative, high-performing, and supportive team environment.

Delegate tasks effectively, manage workloads, and ensure timely completion of projects.

Event Communication Support: Collaborate with campus partners to develop communication plans and content specifically for major college events, such as New Student Orientation, Homecoming, Founder’s Day, Reunion, Commencement, Homecoming — coordinating messaging across all relevant internal channels.

Ensure necessary internal audiences are informed about event logistics, schedules, and significance. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, English, or a related field.

Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in communications, with a significant focus on internal communications and executive communication support, ideally in a large organization or complex institutional setting.

Demonstrated experience or understanding of crisis communications principles and practices, with the ability to draft timely and accurate messages under pressure.

Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills with a proven ability to craft clear, concise, and compelling messages for various audiences and formats (speeches, presentations, newsletters, web content).

Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing comprehensive communication strategies and plans.

Strong understanding of internal communication best practices, channels, and measurement.

Experience supporting senior leadership with sensitive and high-stakes communications.

Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and levels of an organization.

Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities. Preferred Qualifications Previous experience supporting communications at a higher education institution.

Demonstrated experience with managing and developing content for intranet sites, particularly in a SharePoint environment.

Some proficiency with email marketing platforms, like Active Campaign. Certifications, Licenses, Restrictions N/A Physical Demands While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to: use hands to operate and handle office equipment, talk, walk, and hear. The employee frequently is required to: stand, sit, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to: climb or balance, stoop or kneel, and lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus. Shift Days % Travel Required 0% Full Time/Part Time Full-time Work Location/Schedule: This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. FLSA Exempt Number of Vacancies 1 Anticipated Candidate Start Date Position End Date