Senior Director, Strategic Communication for Finance and Administration

External Applicants :

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Job Description Summary

Reporting to the Chief of Staff for the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (EVP / CFO), this position leads the development and execution of the Finance and Administration (F&A) communications and engagement strategy. The position works closely with the F&A Leadership Team and facilitates collaboration with divisional subject matter content experts to create and deliver compelling communications and events that engage and inform staff across the division, across the Wake Forest University campus community, and with relevant community and industry groups. In driving strategic alignment with the University’s goals, values, and brand, the position serves as a liaison to the Vice President and Chief Communication Officer, the University Marketing and Communications team, as well as other senior communications leaders and key stakeholders. Departments and functions that comprise the Finance & Administration division include Business Strategy and Planning; Facilities, Real Estate, and Planning; Finance; Hospitality and Auxiliary Services; Human Resources; Information Systems; and Sustainability.

• This position is not eligible for sponsorship of non-immigrant or immigrant visa status through Wake Forest University. All eligible applicants are encouraged to apply.

Job Description

Essential Functions :

Strategic Communication Leadership (30%)

Leads the overall strategic communication function for the Finance & Administration division, developing and implementing collaborative and inclusive strategies to support the division's brand ideals and standards of excellence in alignment with the University’s vision, mission, and goals.

Works with the EVP / CFO and Finance & Administration leadership team to identify communication priorities and develop strategies to address them.

Engages the Finance & Administration leadership team in the design and development of change management campaigns and the communication strategies that are needed to support outcomes across audiences.

Leads the hub and spoke integration of communication talent across the division (writing, social media, video / photography, graphic design, etc.) to develop division-wide communications and engagement opportunities.

Provides guidance and support to the EVP / CFO and Finance & Administration leadership team in their roles as leaders and spokespersons, develops and implements a communication strategy that elevates Finance & Administration leaders as experts in their fields and, in collaboration with government and community affairs leaders on campus, connects divisional leaders with community organizations and outlets.

In collaboration with the Chief of Staff, serves as a primary liaison to the University’s senior Communication Officer, the University Marketing and Communications team, the University’s crisis communications team, as well as other senior communications leaders and key stakeholders.

Manages confidential and sensitive information with discretion and integrity, maintaining trust with University leaders and compliance with University policies.

Content Development and Distribution (30%)

Manages and contributes to the creation, review, and distribution of high-quality content that represents the work of the division, utilizing an integrated communication approach for connecting with faculty, staff, students, and prospective employees.

Develops compelling narratives and materials that highlight the achievements and initiatives of F&A employees.

Facilitates regular reviews of the divisional websites, in coordination with interdepartmental communicators, to drive strategic alignment.

Maintains the primary webpage for the Office of the EVP / CFO.

Develops print and digital collateral in coordination with interdepartmental communicators.

Supports the Chief of Staff in the development of relevant materials for Board of Trustees meetings.

Provides a standardized set of communication templates and processes to reinforce a unified approach across Finance & Administration.

Collaboration, Coordination, and Engagement (30%)

Works directly with the Finance & Administration leadership team to facilitate cross-functional projects, processes, and communications in close collaboration with subject matter experts across the different divisional teams.

Develops, maintains, and shares a collaborative content calendar to ensure that F&A communications are timely and distributed in coordination with broader University-wide internal communications.

Supports employee engagement goals through storytelling and recognition, including regular assessment of impact.

Plans and executes regular Finance and Administration engagement events, including but not limited to division-wide gatherings and engagement opportunities with and for the EVP / CFO.

Maintains regular evaluations and opportunities for learning and development to ensure that all internal communications are clear, consistent, and in alignment with evolving University brand standards.

Metrics and Assessment (10%)

Develops and maintains key performance indicators (KPIs) and regular assessment metrics for the effectiveness of communications and employee engagement efforts. Assesses and reports on feedback from employees, leaders, stakeholders, and campus constituents.

Collaborates with University Marketing and Communications to monitor and measure the effectiveness of internal communications, and make recommendations for improvement based on feedback and data analysis.

Tracks the performance of Finance & Administration content on other University platforms.

Regularly analyzes and reports on communication activities, making data-driven adjustments as needed.

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities :

Bachelor’s degree and ten years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Demonstrated experience in leading and managing complex projects, including production timelines, that drive collaboration and strategic alignment.

Exceptional project management skills, including the ability to organize and lead multiple, concurrent initiatives within budget and on time.

Demonstrated ability to facilitate the design of innovative solutions and communication approaches.

Change management aptitude; the ability to collaborate on effective communications that support change management.

Strong writing skills and the ability to translate complex ideas, messages, and concepts into digestible, relevant content for the intended audience.

Strong influencing skills while being inclusive of other points of view and the ability to understand the pulse of the organization.

Excellent collaboration skills with specialist groups and colleagues at both departmental and campus-wide levels.

Self-motivated, proactive, and committed to continuous improvement.

Superior communication, interpersonal, facilitation, and presentation skills.

Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision.

Proficient in website management, digital newsletter platforms, and social media.

Proficient using Google Office Suite applications.

Proficient writing and editing using AP Style.

Proficient using Adobe Creative Suite applications and Canva.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities :

Master’s degree in Communication or a related field.

Supervisory experience and / or experience facilitating cross-functional collaboration.

Experience with human-centered design thinking and the deployment of design abilities in the development of change management campaigns.

Experience in higher education.

Accountabilities :

Oversees an engagement and recognition event budget.

May supervise staff, including hiring, scheduling, and assigning work, reviewing performance, and recommending salary increases, promotions, transfers, demotions, or terminations.

Physical Requirements :

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk working on a computer.

Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

Additional Job Description

Time Type Requirement

Full time Note to Applicant :

This position profile identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for performance. It cannot encompass all specific job tasks that an employee may be required to perform. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform job-related duties as may be reasonably assigned by his / her supervisor.

In order to provide a safe and productive learning and living community, Wake Forest University conducts background investigations and drug screens for all final staff candidates being considered for employment.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified candidates to apply without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, disability and military or veteran status.

Accommodations for Applicants

If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact AskHR@wfu.edu or (336) 758-4700.