Executive Director, Strategic Communications

Penn Information Systems & Computing

Executive Director leading the integrated communications strategy for the University of Pennsylvania's administrative enterprise. Managing a high-performing communications team and advising senior leaders on messaging and media relations.

Posted 7/28/2026full-timePhiladelphia • Pennsylvania • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $167,379 - $200,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Expertise in developing and executing comprehensive communications strategies, advising senior executives on strategic messaging, and managing media relations and crisis communications. Proven ability to lead teams, manage budgets, and navigate complex organizational environments.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Master's DegreeCommunications LeadershipExecutive CommunicationsMedia RelationsCrisis Communications

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Strategic MessagingProject ManagementWritingEditingBudget Management

Soft Skills

Interpersonal CommunicationJudgmentProfessionalism

Industry Keywords

Reputation ManagementThought LeadershipVendor ManagementChange CommunicationsDigital Communications

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Build and operationalize a newly integrated communications organization serving the EVP Office and its divisions.
Develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy that advances the organization's strategic priorities.
Advise the Executive Vice President and divisional leaders on executive communications, strategic messaging, and reputation management.
Oversee executive communications, including speeches, presentations, talking points, leadership messaging, and thought leadership.
Lead proactive and reactive media relations and crisis communications for the organization.
Manage the communications budget, vendors, and major communications initiatives.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Master's degree plus 7 – 10 years of progressively responsible communications leadership experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Demonstrated success advising senior executives and leading strategic, executive, media, crisis, digital, and change communications.
Experience building and leading teams, managing budgets, and overseeing vendor relationships.
Exceptional writing, editing, project management, and interpersonal communication skills.
Demonstrated judgment, professionalism, and experience navigating complex organizational environments and advising senior leaders.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health insurance
Tuition assistance
Retirement plans
Time away from work
Long-term care insurance
Wellness and work-life resources
Professional and personal development resources
Discounts and special services
Flexible work hours
Penn Home Ownership Services
Adoption assistance