Director of Internal Strategic Communications and Engagement

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University.

Department: University Communications

Time Type: Full time

Job Type: Regular

FLSA Status: Exempt

Work Modality: Hybrid 01 (On Campus 3-4 Days/Week)

Union: Excluded

Job Description: The Director of Internal Strategic Communications and Engagement will develop, execute, and measure internal communications strategies to advance AU strategic priorities, build community involvement and awareness of key information, and support partners across the university. The incumbent will ensure clear, consistent messaging across internal channels and collaborate with leadership and other divisions, departments, and colleges to align communication efforts. Key responsibilities include developing and managing internal communication plans for announcements, operations, and events; overseeing communication vehicles, and ensuring internal communications (EMMA, AU Now) alignment with university values, strategic objectives, and external engagements.

Summary: The Director of Internal Strategic Communications and Engagement will develop, execute, and measure internal communications strategies to advance AU strategic priorities, build community involvement and awareness of key information, and support partners across the university.

Essential Functions:

• Working with the Assistant Vice President and Deputy Chief Communications Officer, drive internal communications to students, faculty, and staff that promote organizational priorities, including the strategic plan, and information that supports life and work at AU.
• Ensure university partners are informed and supported through the internal communications working group and promote communications coordination with schools, colleges, and administrative units to ensure message consistency.
• Manage student media engagement while working with university stakeholders to develop statements, produce talking points, and conduct interviews, as appropriate.
• Provide messaging, preparation, and logistical support for media interviews and events.
• Support university issues management and crisis communications activity with talking points, responses to questions, press releases, research, media alerts, and other materials as needed.
• Collaborate with the Deputy Chief Communications Officer and Director of Strategic Communications and Media Relations as appropriate to support overall university preparation and response.
• Coordinate AU community stakeholder engagement for university-wide communications efforts for key priorities such as the strategic plan; university and divisional announcements; operational information including but not limited to human resources activity, weather and emergency communications; and major events such as commencement.
• Participate on university working groups to provide communications counsel and support.
• Track and analyze the effectiveness of internal communication efforts, using data to inform future strategies.
• Measure internal audience engagement with key communications vehicles and information to determine effectiveness of engagement activities.

Competencies:

• Collaborative Leadership.
• Acting Strategically.
• Thinking Broadly.
• Driving Continuous Improvement.
• Acquiring and Analyzing Information.
• Developing Plans.
• Evaluating and Implementing Ideas.
• Supporting Coworkers.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• Full-Time.
• 35 hours a week.

Salary Range: $115,000 - $125,000 annually.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree.
• Degree in journalism, public relations, communications, or related field.
• 8-10 years of relevant experience.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Master's degree.
• 8-10 years of relevant experience.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute communication plans with measurable impact.
• Demonstrated experience with internal communication at company or organization.
• Discretion and experience working with a wide array of stakeholders and handling confidential information and sensitive matters.
• Ability to manage projects and programs, which includes planning, developing timelines, determining resource requirements, evaluating progress, and reporting results.

Benefits AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.

Other Details:

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
• Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.
• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
• American University is an E-Verify employer.

Current American University Employees American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.

Contact Us For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu.

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual's genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.