Director, Communications - Executive Communications

Description

Southern New Hampshire University is a team of innovators. World changers. Individuals who believe in progress with purpose. Since 1932, our people-centered strategy has defined us — and helped us grow a team that now serves over 180,000 learners worldwide.

Our mission to transform lives is made possible by talented people who bring diverse industry experience, backgrounds and skills to the university. And today, we're ready to expand our reach. All we need is you.

This position will be partially based in the following office location:

Manchester, NH

For hybrid roles, employees must be able to commute to Manchester, NH on a regular basis.

The opportunity

The Director of Executive Communications leads strategic communications in support of SNHU's President and CEO, COO, and executive leadership team, ensuring communications are proactive, aligned with institutional priorities, and drive clarity, engagement, and trust across internal and external audiences. This role develops and executes high-impact communications strategies, translating complex institutional priorities into clear, compelling messaging that advances SNHU's mission and strategic goals.

Reporting to the Office of External Affairs and Communications, the Director serves as a senior strategic advisor to executive leadership, partnering closely to shape messaging, guide high-stakes communications, and ensure early engagement in key initiatives and decision-making.

This role is responsible for executive communications across a range of formats — including speeches, presentations, internal communications, and external thought leadership — and ensures consistency, quality, and alignment across all executive messaging.

What you'll do:

• Serves as a primary communications advisor to SNHU's President and CEO, COO, and executive leadership team.
• Participate early in planning to shape communications strategy, not only tactics and deliverables.
• Provides counsel on messaging, narrative framing, audience engagement, and reputational considerations.
• Supports executive visibility and positioning across internal and external audiences.
• Leads development of executive communications, including speeches, talking points, presentations, remarks, and written communications.
• Translates complex institutional strategies and priorities into clear, compelling narratives tailored to specific audiences.
• Ensures executive messaging is consistent, authentic, and aligned with SNHU's voice and strategic priorities.
• Supports preparation for key engagements, including internal events, external speaking opportunities, media interactions, and more.
• Develops comprehensive communications plans to support executive initiatives, announcements, and strategic priorities.
• Coordinates with cross-functional teams across across the university to execute integrated communications strategies.
• Supports communications for high-visibility, high-impact initiatives and moments requiring executive voice and presence.
• Supports prioritization of executive communications needs, balances competing demands, and identifies high-impact opportunities.
• Surfaces risks, dependencies, and trade-offs to inform decision-making.
• Applies OEAC processes consistently and contributes to continuous improvement of executive communications practices.
• Ensures executive communications move through OEAC workflows effectively, maintaining quality, consistency, and timeliness.
• Partners across teams to ensure alignment between executive messaging and broader institutional communications.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of executive communications through feedback, engagement, and outcomes.
• Identifies opportunities to strengthen messaging, channels, and approach over time.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

What we're looking for:

• Seven years of experience in communications, public relations, marketing, or related fields.
• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Communications, or related field.
• Strong strategic communications planning skills, including messaging and narrative development.
• Superior writing, editing, and storytelling capabilities.
• Demonstrated experience advising leaders and managing complex communications projects.
• Strong interpersonal skills; ability to work effectively with diverse constituencies in an inclusive community.

We believe real innovation comes from inclusion - where different experiences, perspectives and talents are celebrated. So if you're wondering whether SNHU is right for you, take the leap and apply. You might be just the person we're looking for.

Compensation

The annual pay range for this position is $77,794.00 - $124,491.00. Actual offer will be based on skills, qualifications, experience and internal equity, in addition to relevant business considerations. We expect this position to be hired in the following target hiring range $85,961.00 - $116,299.00.

Exceptional benefits (because you're exceptional)

You're the whole package. Your benefits should be, too. As a full-time employee at SNHU, you'll get:

• High-quality, low-deductible medical insurance

• Low to no-cost dental and vision plans

• 5 weeks of paid time off (plus almost a dozen paid holidays)

• Employer-funded retirement

• Free tuition program

• Parental leave

• Mental health and wellbeing resources