Senior Director of Executive Communications, EVP/COO

Senior Director of Executive Communications, EVP/COO Office Loyola Marymount University (LMU) is seeking a strategic, experienced communications leader to serve as the Senior Director of Executive Communications for the EVP/COO . This position serves as the principal communications strategist and senior communications lead for the EVP/COO, working closely with senior leadership and LMU’s Marketing, Communications, and External Relations (MarComm) division. The Senior Director will serve as a trusted strategic thought partner to the EVP/COO, helping shape, prioritize, and communicate the executive agenda supporting university administration, operations, organizational effectiveness, institutional reputation, and external engagement. The role advises on narrative, message strategy, timing, audience segmentation, channel selection, operational change communications, and sensitive issues. Key Responsibilities Executive Communications Strategy Serve as the principal communications strategist and trusted advisor to the EVP/COO. Develop communications strategies and roadmaps supporting key operational and organizational priorities. Develop an executive visibility strategy, including speaking engagements, thought leadership, digital platforms, and other high-impact channels. Translate executive priorities into clear communications objectives, integrated plans, editorial calendars, and measurable deliverables. Anticipate communications needs related to complex, cross-functional, and high-visibility matters. Exercise independent editorial and strategic judgment while appropriately escalating sensitive issues. Executive Writing & Content Development Develop and maintain an authentic executive voice for the EVP/COO aligned with LMU’s mission, brand, and tone. Research, write, edit, and finalize executive communications, including campus messages, leadership updates, speeches, remarks, correspondence, presentations, reports, FAQs, blog posts, and op-eds. Develop executive digital and social media content and engagement strategies. Translate complex operational, financial, policy, technical, risk, and organizational information into clear, compelling, audience-appropriate communications. Maintain high standards for accuracy, tone, fact-checking, quality assurance, and editorial consistency. Cross-Functional Collaboration Serve as the communications liaison between the Office of the EVP/COO and LMU’s MarComm division. Partner with senior communications leaders supporting the President, Provost, and other university leaders to ensure cohesive institutional messaging. Collaborate with leaders and subject matter experts across operations, finance, HR, IT, facilities, campus safety, auxiliary services, external relations, and other areas. Change & Issues Communications Lead or support communications related to operational change, organizational transitions, complex institutional decisions, and other high-impact or time-sensitive developments. Prepare message maps, stakeholder briefs, FAQs, scenario plans, and rapid-response materials for sensitive or reputationally significant matters. Support issues management and, when needed, crisis or emergency communications planning and execution. Communications Innovation & AI Integrate AI-enabled and emerging communications tools into research, synthesis, drafting, content development, analytics, and workflow management. Build efficient, human-centered communications workflows that improve productivity, quality, and turnaround time. Apply sound judgment regarding privacy, confidentiality, accuracy, accessibility, ethics, and institutional policies when using AI. Use audience feedback and performance analytics to assess effectiveness and inform communications strategy. Stay current on emerging executive communications practices, platforms, and AI-enabled productivity tools. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, English, marketing, or a related field; master’s degree preferred. 10+ years of progressively responsible communications experience , including substantial experience supporting C-suite, cabinet-level, presidential, provost-level, or other senior executive leadership in a complex organization. Exceptional executive writing, editing, storytelling, and strategic communications skills. Demonstrated ability to translate complex operational, financial, policy, technical, or organizational information into clear and compelling communications. Experience developing integrated communications strategies and managing multiple high-visibility projects in a fast-paced environment. Strong executive presence, judgment, discretion, maturity, and professionalism when handling sensitive or confidential matters. Proven ability to influence across functions, build strong partnerships with senior leaders, and operate effectively without direct authority. Familiarity with communications analytics and measurement. Experience using AI tools and emerging communications technologies to improve efficiency, synthesis, drafting, content quality, or decision support. Experience in higher education or another mission-driven, reputation-sensitive, and operationally complex institution is preferred . Ability to adapt to changing priorities, including occasional evening or weekend support as needed. Why LMU? This is an opportunity to join a collaborative communications team and play a critical role in helping a senior university executive communicate complex priorities with clarity, credibility, and purpose. Communications at LMU are viewed as a leadership discipline that builds clarity, trust, transparency, alignment, and institutional momentum. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of this position. #J-18808-Ljbffr Loyola Marymount University