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Vice President of Communications
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Position Number: 5911312
Location: Denver, CO
Position Type: Academic Vice Presidents and Provosts

Vice President of Communications

University of Colorado Denver

Vice President of Communications - 35831 University Staff Description

Who We Are:

System Administration, which also houses the Office of the President, is located in the uptown neighborhood of Denver with a few smaller offices located on the campuses. Many of our departments support the educational and research missions of the four University of Colorado campuses, but System Administration is not considered a campus. We provide diverse opportunities for professional development, innovation, and collaboration with talented staff and faculty. Learn more about CU System Administration.

The Office of University Relations is responsible for all official public communication regarding the Office of the President, which includes but is not limited to responding to requests from constituents, the news media for information, interviews and official statements.. University Relations also produces the weekly CU Connections, news and information for CU Faculty and Staff, collaborates on the systemwide marketing initiative and the implementation of an online communications outreach tool, among many other print, web and social media projects.

Position Summary:

The Vice President of Communication is the leader of University Relations and reports directly to the Senior Vice President for External Relations and Strategy (SVP). With policy direction provided by the president of the university and SVP, the Vice President of Communication serves as a member of the president's executive staff and coordinates and facilitates internal and external communications and communications-related strategy for the University of Colorado (CU) System.

The position coordinates and collaborates with communication colleagues on its four campuses (Boulder, Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, and Colorado Springs). The position provides strategic communication/issues management advice to the university president, SVP and the leadership team, as well as to the institution's governing Board of Regents. Its primary duties include regular communications, executive communications for the president (and in selected instances, the university's governing Board of Regents), issues management, crisis communications, media relations, and contributing to and providing support for other work of the external relations team in the areas of marketing, outreach, and engagement initiatives. The position often writes drafts of communications for the president, board of regents and other members of the executive team and works closely with the team to ensure an effective voice for the president in a variety of written and oral presentations.

The vice president oversees a communications office of professional-level staff at the system level responsible for executive communications, social media, website content and management (cu.edu), and system-wide internal communications (CU Connections). The position also serves as media spokesperson and press secretary for the president and Board of Regents, in addition to selected media relations for state and national legislative issues. This position works closely with campus communications vice chancellors regarding awareness of campus issues that may affect the president and/or regents.

The position convenes and leads regular meetings of the campus communication leaders to address items of common interest. The vice president also may need to coordinate with the University of Colorado Foundation's leadership and communications team related to communications and issues management related to fundraising.

This position reports to the Senior Vice President for External Relations and Strategy and is a member of the president's executive staff, is an Officer of the Administration, and is exempt from the State of Colorado Classified Staff System.

Where You Will Work:

This position is located at 1800 Grant St. in Denver, Colorado, and is expected to be in the office 3-4 days per week.

Diversity and Equity:

The University of Colorado System Administration Office is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse workforce. The university strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication and understanding. We encourage applications from women, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons within the LGBTQ+ community and all veterans.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

Serves as a member of the president's executive team and leads the university's communications, issues management, and crisis communications.
At the direction of the SVP and in collaboration with leadership team, plans, directs, and executes the overall communications strategy for the president, Board of Regents, and system administration.
Builds and maintains strong relationships with the media across Colorado.
Coordinates to advance the president's goals, partnering with the president's executive team and other team members on operational and key initiatives.
Manages the University Relations office to include oversight of the department's budget and supervision of professional level staff.
Serves as media spokesperson on issues relating to the president, Board of Regents, system administration and selected legislative issues and selected fundraising issues.
Coordinates with campus communications vice chancellors and convenes and chairs regular meetings of that group.
Oversees executive communications, including the president's monthly electronic newsletter (circulation of 500,000 students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, donors, regents, community members), social media, selected internal communication and speeches.
Writes communications and presentations for the president, and for the board of regents or other team members as needed. Works closely with the executive writer on execution of materials for the president.
In coordination with the SVP, provides strategic advice to university leadership.
Works with External Relations team to pitch stories to the local media regarding outreach and engagement, legislative and advancement activities.
Pitches media on stories that are a priority for the president and the university.
Under direction from the SVP, contributes to CU's systemwide marketing, branding and communications vision and strategy.
Manages social media, multimedia, and video content, to advance communications goals.
Develops and implements crisis communications plans or major announcements, as necessary.
Coordinates with CU Foundation and Advancement leaders and communicators on communications/issues management related to fundraising.
Ensures all communications reflect the diversity of all of Colorado.
Leads all public-facing communications to ensure timely updates on all outward facing platforms
Performs other duties and special projects assigned.

What We Offer:

Salary: The anticipated hiring range has been established at $265,000 - $285,000.

CU System Administration takes into consideration a combination of the selected candidate's education, training and experience as it relates to the position, as well as the position's scope and complexity, internal pay equity and external market value when determining a salary level for potential new employees.

Benefits: With our unparalleled range of benefits, including top-notch healthcare, comprehensive wellness programs, enriching professional development, and a dynamic work-life balance, we ensure your holistic growth and happiness.

No-cost or low-cost medical & dental plan options, some inclusive of IVF assistance.
Disability, Life, Vision Insurance options.
Multiple retirement planning options including a mandatory 401(a) plan where CU contributes 10% of your gross pay, a 401k or 403b plan and a 457 deferred compensation plan.
Pre-tax savings plans, such as Health care and Dependent care flexible spending accounts.
Embrace a healthy work-life balance with ample sick and vacation leave, along with at least 12 paid holidays. This includes a dedicated week off for winter break.
6 weeks of parental leave to adjust to the joys of parenthood.
A tuition benefit program for you and/or your dependents.
Free RTD EcoPass and Free Onsite Parking at our 1800 Grant Street Office.
Many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Additional taxable fringe benefits may be available.

For more information on benefits programs, please review our Comprehensive Benefits Guide.

Access our Total Compensation Calculator to see what your total rewards could be at CU. (This position is a University Staff position)

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Please ensure your resume includes any and all relevant experience to be accurately assessed against these qualifications. You must meet all minimum requirements listed at the time of application to be considered for this role.

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education, or equivalent professional experience (professional experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis).
Fifteen (15) years' professional experience in strategic communications, marketing, journalism, and/or public relations, which includes:
- Building successful internal and external communications, issues management and communications programs and integrated strategies.
- Experience in executive-level communications.
- Experience in developing communication plans and crisis communication plans.
- Experience in working directly with the media and serving as an organizational spokesperson.
- Experience managing staff and budget.
Seven (7) years' experience in a leadership role in a complex organization, which includes directing large-scale communication, issues management, developing and implementing strategies and initiatives, and managing personnel and finances.

Preferred Qualifications:

Eleven (11) years' experience in a leadership role in a complex organization, which includes directing large-scale communication, issues management, developing and implementing strategies and initiatives, and managing personnel and finances.
Experience in:
- Advising/working with an organizational governing board, board of directors or elected officials.
- Overseeing social media operations.
- Coordinating and collaborating across a complex organization.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of the educational, research, business, organizational, audiences and fundraising structures and activities of CU, including its mission, campuses, departments, and colleges and the services they provide.
Collaboration skills, including the ability to work with others from different areas and backgrounds to reach a common goal.
Excellent oral, written, and listening communication skills, including the ability to accurately, clearly, and concisely convey messages, information, concepts, and details.
Understanding of and familiarity with Colorado media.
Demonstrated strong writing skills.
Employee management, supervision, and team building skills, including the ability to train and coach others, communicate effectively, manage conflict, recognize good behavior, and establish and maintain accountability.
Ability to consider multiple audiences, sometimes with competing interests.
Understanding of landscape and trends in higher education.
Research skills, including the ability to use a variety of resources to ask questions, gather information, and review, analyze, and interpret data.
Ability to communicate and work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and ages.
Ability to handle and maintain sensitive and confidential material and information.
Ability to navigate a complex political environment.
Ability to develop and maintain effective media, public, and stakeholder relations.
Ability to develop, write, and implement a variety of communications strategies and campaigns used to reach a variety of audiences.
Ability to develop and reach specific and measurable communications goals.

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please attach the following as separate documents to your application:

A cover letter identifying the job specific minimum qualifications you possess
A resume including any and all relevant experience to be accurately assessed against the qualifications listed in the posting.

Please ensure you check the "Job Specific Attachments" box next to each document on the "Required Documents" page of the application for the appropriate documents to be attached.

Per the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, you are not required to provide your date of birth, dates of school attendance, or dates of graduation on your resume or cover letter. If an application requires additional materials, such as a transcript or certification, you may redact identifying information relating to your date or birth, dates of school attendance, or dates of graduation.

When to Apply:

For full consideration completed applications must be submitted by January 16, 2025. Reference checking is a standard step in our hiring process. You may be asked to provide contact information, including email addresses, for up to five references as part of the search process for this position. *Please note: All application materials must be submitted through CU Careers; emailed materials will not be considered.*

Sponsorship Statement:

We are unable to sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial history, motor vehicle history and/or fingerprinting background check. The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that a verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of work. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

ADA Statement:

We are committed to an inclusive and barrier-free search process. We provide accommodations for applicants requesting accommodation through the search process such as alternative formats of this posting. Individuals with disabilities in need of accommodations throughout the search process should contact the ADA Coordinator at: systemhr@cu.edu.

Application Materials Required: Cover Letter, Resume/CV Job Category
: Executive Primary Location
: Denver Department: S0001 -- System Administration - 50049 - University Relations Schedule
: Full-time Posting Date
: Jan 6, 2025 Unposting Date
: Jan 17, 2025, 6:59:00 AM Posting Contact Name: System HR Recruiting Posting Contact Email: SystemHR.Recruiting@cu.edu Position Number: 00669617

To apply, please visit: https://cu.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?job=35831&lang=en