Director of Executive Communications - Hybrid - Ellucian
Herndon, VA 20190
About the Job
Unlock Learning For AllHere at Ellucian, we are motivated by a mission - power education so institutions can empower student success. We are the global market leader in EdTech for higher education, serving more than 2,900 customers and reaching over 22 million students in 50 countries. We are dedicated to helping higher education unlock learning for all by providing solutions that support the entire student lifecycle and deliver insights needed now and into the future.Values Rooted in PurposeWe 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.About the OpportunityAre 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 impactExecutive Speech Writing & Thought LeadershipCraft 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 DevelopmentBuild 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 & CoordinationOversee the planning and communication strategies for upcoming events, ensuring the executive communications team is well-positioned to support Laura’s engagements.Streamlining & Process ImprovementImplement 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 ExpectationsImmediately 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 MetricsCohesive, 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 bringBackground 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.What makes #EllucianlifeComprehensive 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 interests401k w/ match & BrightPlan - to help you save for the futureParental Leave5 charitable days to support the community that supports usTelemedicineWellnessHeadspace Care (mental health)Wellbeats (virtual fitness classes)RethinkCare & Wellthy– caregiver supportDiversity and inclusion programs which provide access to internal employee resource groups Employee referral bonuses to encourage the addition of great new people to the teamWe Foster a learning culture with:Education Assistance Program Professional development opportunities#LI-JG1#LI-Hybrid
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.About the OpportunityAre 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 impactExecutive Speech Writing & Thought LeadershipCraft 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 DevelopmentBuild 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 & CoordinationOversee the planning and communication strategies for upcoming events, ensuring the executive communications team is well-positioned to support Laura’s engagements.Streamlining & Process ImprovementImplement 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 ExpectationsImmediately 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 MetricsCohesive, 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 bringBackground 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.What makes #EllucianlifeComprehensive 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 interests401k w/ match & BrightPlan - to help you save for the futureParental Leave5 charitable days to support the community that supports usTelemedicineWellnessHeadspace Care (mental health)Wellbeats (virtual fitness classes)RethinkCare & Wellthy– caregiver supportDiversity and inclusion programs which provide access to internal employee resource groups Employee referral bonuses to encourage the addition of great new people to the teamWe Foster a learning culture with:Education Assistance Program Professional development opportunities#LI-JG1#LI-Hybrid
Source : Ellucian