Director of Executive Communications - Hybrid - Ellucian

Ellucian is a global market leader in education technology. We power innovation for higher education, partnering with more than 2,900 customers across 50 countries and serving over 20 million students. Ellucian's AI-powered platform, trained on the richest dataset available in higher education, drives efficiency, personalized experiences, and strengthened engagement for all students, faculty and staff. Fueled by decades of experience with a singular focus on the unique needs of learning institutions, the Ellucian platform features best-in-class SaaS capabilities and delivers insights needed now and into the future. These solutions and services span the entire student lifecycle, from student recruitment, enrollment, and retention to workforce analytics, fundraising, and alumni engagement. Ellucian's innovative solutions, vast ecosystem of partners, and user community of more than 45,000 provide best practices leading to greater institutional success and achieving better student outcomes.

Values Rooted in Purpose

We embrace the power to lead, the courage to innovate, and the determination to grow. At our core, we believe in humanizing our approach, recognizing that our people are our greatest strength. With a shared vision of transformation, we endeavor to shape a brighter future for higher education.

Are you passionate about shaping narratives, driving thought leadership, and supporting executive voices at the highest level? The Director of Executive Communications will lead the charge in developing and delivering a unified communications strategy within the CEO’s office. This high-impact role involves crafting executive messaging, supporting outreach efforts, and connecting with key stakeholders through compelling storytelling and strategic engagement.

As a trusted partner to the CEO and senior leadership team, this role is critical to building a cohesive voice for the organization and amplifying its presence in the higher education space. You’ll be responsible for crafting speeches, articles, keynote addresses, and other strategic content while aligning internal and external communications with organizational goals.

Where you will make an impact

Executive Speech Writing & Thought Leadership

• Craft speeches, thought pieces, and written communications for the CEO, Laura, and other executives.
• Develop content for monthly keynote addresses and other speaking engagements, such as Elive.

Communication Strategy Development

• Build a cohesive communications plan targeting key university stakeholders, including college presidents and other influential figures in higher education.
• Produce engaging content across various media, including podcasts, articles, and direct communications to customers.

Event Strategy & Coordination

• Oversee the planning and communication strategies for upcoming events, ensuring the executive communications team is well-positioned to support Laura’s engagements.

Streamlining & Process Improvement

• Implement processes for efficient executive communications, including mapping out and engineering communications workflows.
• Define and standardize the executive communications function, aiming for full operational effectiveness within the next 12 months.

Performance Expectations

• Immediately engage with current projects, triaging and prioritizing upcoming events.
• Develop a strategy to enhance communication with university presidents and higher education stakeholders.
• Within six months, establish a streamlined executive communications workflow.
• By 12 months, ensure the executive communications function is fully operational and effectively supports the CEO’s office.

Success Metrics

• Cohesive, consistent executive communications and messaging that reflect the organization’s values.
• Enhanced visibility and clarity in Laura’s public engagements and communications.
• Established and standardized communications processes within the executive communications team.

What you will bring

• Background in Communications: Prior experience in executive communications, speech writing, or journalism, ideally within higher education or a university president’s office.
• Proven Writing Skills: Strong portfolio with writing samples demonstrating experience in speech writing, thought leadership, and executive-level messaging.
• Higher Education Focus: Experience working closely with university leaders or within an academic environment.
• Process-Oriented: Ability to develop and implement structured communications processes.

• Comprehensive health coverage: medical, dental, and vision 
• Flexible time off 
• Thrive Flex Lifestyle Account (LSA) that allows you to contribute towards your health, financial or learning interests
• 401k w/ match & BrightPlan - to help you save for the future
• Parental Leave
• 5 charitable days to support the community that supports us
• Telemedicine
• Wellness
  • Headspace Care (mental health)
  • Wellbeats (virtual fitness classes)
• RethinkCare & Wellthy– caregiver support
• Diversity and inclusion programs which provide access to internal employee resource groups 
• Employee referral bonuses to encourage the addition of great new people to the team
• We Foster a learning culture with:
  • Education Assistance Program 
  • Professional development opportunities

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