Director of Communications, 150 Forward

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Closing Date:

07/01/2026

Type of Position:

Marketing and Communications StrategyNo

Job Type:

Regular No

Institution Name:

University of Arkansas, Fayetteville

Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas is a land grant institution, classified by the Carnegie Foundation among the nation’s top 2 percent of universities with the highest level of research activity. The University of Arkansas works to advance the state and build a better world through education, research, and outreach by providing transformational opportunities and skills, fostering a welcoming climate, and nurturing creativity, discovery, and the spread of new ideas and innovations.

The University of Arkansas campus is located in Fayetteville, a welcoming community ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. The growing region surrounding Fayetteville is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and one of the nation’s strongest economies. Northwest Arkansas is also quickly gaining a national reputation for its focus on the arts and overall quality of life.

As an employer, the University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary.

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions, you should review before applying for the opening.

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Department:

Research and Economic Development Communications

Summary of Job Duties:

The Director of Communications for 150 Forward is a hands-on communications professional responsible for supporting executive leadership priorities through strategic planning, writing, coordination, and day-to-day communications execution. Reporting to the Director of Research and Economic Development Communications and Assistant Director of Executive Communications in University Relations, the position combines high-level strategy with practical implementation to support institutional priorities, leadership visibility, stakeholder engagement, and organizational initiatives connected to the university’s 150 Forward Strategic Plan. The position will be embedded in the 150 Forward Transformation Management Office (TMO).

This role develops communications plans and executes the work required to bring those plans to life - including writing, editing, project coordination, content development, and collaboration across campus partners. The Director serves as both a strategic advisor and an active contributor who helps ensure communications are timely, clear, aligned, and audience-centered. The Director is expected to work in close collaboration with the TMO Director as well as the Chancellor and Provost, and vice chancellors, to substantially advance awareness and understanding of the University’s success and aspirations.

The position supports communications connected to strategic planning, institutional initiatives, organizational change, executive engagement, and university-wide priorities while also managing routine communications deliverables and operational responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic and Executive Communications:

Develop and implement strategic communications plans supporting 150 Forward priorities and executive leadership initiatives

Serve as a communications advisor to university leadership on messaging, stakeholder engagement, and communications planning

Draft and edit executive communications including speeches, talking points, presentations, campus messages, reports, op-eds, briefing materials, and strategic correspondence

Translate complex institutional priorities, initiatives, and organizational changes into clear, compelling, audience-centered messaging

Build communications frameworks that reinforce institutional mission, strategic goals, and university reputation

Coordinate proactive communications strategies related to institutional transformation, change management, and campus-wide initiatives

Stakeholder Engagement and Change Communications:

Lead communications efforts that support organizational alignment, engagement, and adoption of strategic initiatives

Develop audience-specific messaging and communications strategies for faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors, governing bodies, and community stakeholders

Coordinate communication timelines, channels, and deliverables aligned with institutional milestones and leadership priorities

Facilitate feedback mechanisms and stakeholder listening strategies to inform communications planning and decision-making

Support leadership visibility and engagement through internal forums, events, strategic meetings, and campus initiatives

Collaborate with colleges and administrative units to ensure coordinated, consistent communications across the institution

Content Development and Storytelling:

Develop strategic narratives and communications materials that communicate institutional priorities, outcomes, and impact

Write, edit, and produce communications content across digital, print, presentation, video, and executive communication platforms

Ensure messaging consistency, editorial quality, and brand alignment across communications initiatives

Identify opportunities to elevate institutional reputation through thought leadership, storytelling, and strategic visibility initiatives

Coordinate with University Relations teams including media relations, digital communications and creative services, as well as college communicators on integrated campaigns and initiatives

Project Management and Collaboration:

Manage multiple communications projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment

Build collaborative relationships with university leadership, academic units, and communications partners across campus

Provide communications counsel and support during sensitive or high-profile initiatives and organizational changes

Monitor communications effectiveness and recommend adjustments based on audience feedback, engagement, and institutional priorities

Support special projects and strategic initiatives assigned by University Relations or executive leadership

Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, English, higher education administration, or a related field

• Experience developing and implementing strategic communications plans and stakeholder engagement strategies

• Experience with writing, editing, and storytelling across multiple communication formats and audiences

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least five years of progressively responsible professional experience in strategic communications, executive communications, public relations, or organizational communications

• Demonstrated experience supporting senior or executive leadership communications

• Master's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, higher education, organizational leadership, or a related field

• Experience in higher education, public-sector, healthcare, nonprofit, or similarly complex organizations

• Experience supporting organizational change initiatives or transformation efforts

• Experience with executive speechwriting and presentation development

• Experience collaborating across decentralized organizations with multiple stakeholder groups

• Familiarity with digital communications strategies, analytics, and audience engagement practices

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of strategic planning and change management communications principles

• Strategic thinking and ability to align communications with institutional priorities

• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills

• Strong judgment and political acumen in complex organizational environments

• Ability to synthesize complex information and communicate with clarity and purpose

• Skilled in message development, executive presence, and communications planning

• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities and deadlines

• Collaborative mindset with strong cross-functional partnership skills

• Commitment to professionalism, service, inclusion, and institutional excellence

• Strong organizational, project management, and collaboration skills

• Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information with professionalism and discretion

Additional Information:

Commensurate with education and experienceCover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), ResumeProof of Veteran StatusJulia Menke, Sr. HR Partner, jmenke@uark.edu
Crystal Ellis, Strategic Talent Acquisition Specialist, ce031@uark.edu

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Pre-employment Screening Requirements:

Criminal Background Check, Sex Offender Registry

The University of Arkansas is committed to providing a safe campus community. We conduct background checks for applicants being considered for employment. Background checks include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. For certain positions, there may also be a financial (credit) background check, a Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) check, and/or drug screening. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication or adverse financial history information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas seeks to attract, develop and retain high quality faculty, staff and administrators that consistently display practices and behaviors to advance a culture that embeds equal opportunity, educational excellence and unparalleled access for all.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University’s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All Application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Constant Physical Activity:

N/A

Frequent Physical Activity:

N/A

Occasional Physical Activity:

N/A

Benefits Eligible:

Yes