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Executive Director Of Communications Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Director of Communications

New York, NY · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

Reporting directly to the CEO, the Director of Communications works in close collaboration with the Vice President of Development and Chief of Staff. The Director of Communications will also receive ...

Umbra Lab Inc.

$175 - $210/hr

Reporting to the VP of Communications, the Director will lead the day-to-day execution of Umbra ... Internal & Executive Communications * Lead Umbra's internal communications efforts, helping ensure ...

Umbra

Director of Communications

Arlington, VA · On-site

Reporting to the VP of Communications, the Director will lead the day-to-day execution of Umbra ... Internal & Executive Communications * Lead Umbra's internal communications efforts, helping ensure ...

Community Food Bank

Director of Communications

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$90K - $124K/yr

The Director of Communications leads the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona's (CFB's) external ... The Director works cross-functionally with executive leadership, Fund Development, Community Impact ...

DuPage County ROE

Director of Communications

Wheaton, IL · On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

Until Filled Position Director of Communications Building District Office Position Type ... Experience collaborating directly with executive leadership to craft and execute comprehensive ...

Garner Health

Director of Communications

New York, NY · On-site

$230K - $260K/yr

We are seeking an exceptional Director of Communications to join our Marketing team . This role ... and the positioning of executive leadership as industry thought leaders * Build compelling ...

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Executive Director Of Communications information

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$64K

$123.3K

$191.5K

How much do executive director of communications jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive director of communications in the United States is $123,324.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,000.00 and $140,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an executive director of communications do?

An Executive Director of Communications is responsible for overseeing an organization's internal and external communication strategies. They manage public relations, media outreach, brand messaging, and often supervise a team of communications professionals. Their role involves ensuring consistent messaging across all platforms, handling crisis communications, and working closely with senior leadership to align communication efforts with organizational goals. They also develop and implement policies to enhance the organization's reputation and engagement with key stakeholders.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an executive director of communications?

To thrive as an Executive Director of Communications, you need expertise in strategic communication planning, public relations, and a relevant bachelor's or master's degree, often in communications, journalism, or a related field. Familiarity with media monitoring tools, content management systems, and crisis communication platforms is typical, along with experience managing large-scale campaigns. Outstanding leadership, relationship-building, and persuasive communication skills set successful candidates apart in this role. These skills are crucial for shaping organizational messaging, protecting reputation, and ensuring cohesive communication across all channels.

How does an executive director of communications typically collaborate with other departments to ensure consistent messaging across an organization?

An Executive Director of Communications regularly works with leaders from marketing, HR, operations, and executive teams to align messaging and maintain brand consistency. They often facilitate cross-departmental meetings and develop communication plans that incorporate input from various stakeholders. This collaborative approach ensures that internal and external communications support organizational goals and reflect a unified voice, which is critical for maintaining credibility and trust with audiences.

What is the difference between Executive Director Of Communications vs Communications Director?

AspectExecutive Director Of CommunicationsCommunications Director
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, or related field; often prefers advanced degrees and extensive experienceRequires a bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, or related field; experience varies
Work EnvironmentExecutive-level, strategic planning, overseeing entire communications department, often in non-profit or large organizationsOperational role, managing day-to-day communications activities, media relations, and content creation
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in non-profits, government agencies, large corporationsUsed across various industries, including corporate, non-profit, and government

In summary, the Executive Director Of Communications holds a higher strategic and leadership role, overseeing the entire communications function, while the Communications Director focuses on managing daily communications activities and media relations. Both roles require strong communication skills but differ in scope and seniority.

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Executive Director Of Communications jobs near you
Infographic showing various Executive Director Of Communications job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,324 per year, or $59.3 per hour.

Director of Communications

University of Chicago Library

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

University Of Chicago rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

170th of 630 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Department

PSD Data Science: Staff Leadership


About the Department

The Data Science Institute at the University of Chicago was established to support the development of emerging efforts in data science and AI across the University. The staff in the Data Science Institute support the University's community of scholars, their shared ideals, and the core values that make the University a singular intellectual destination. Together with the University's deans and department chairs, the Data Science Institute provides the opportunities, infrastructure, and resources that encourage our faculty and other scholars to pursue their finest work. We are part of the Physical Sciences Division which includes departments and several interdisciplinary research institutes and centers.


Job Summary

The Director of Communications leads efforts to highlight groundbreaking research, partnerships, and educational programs in data science and AI, expanding the visibility of the Data Science Institute (DSI) and continuing to develop the brand and reputation of the Institute. Reporting to the Senior Director of Partnerships and Chief of Staff, the Director of Communications oversees the development and optimization of internal and external communication mechanisms and infrastructure within DSI to improve capabilities and brand alignment across a variety of programs, events, initiatives, and teams. Executes a strategic plan that incorporates all DSI programming and ensures goals align across distinct areas.

Responsibilities

  • Manages DSI's communications staff, meeting regularly to provide support, helping set goals in alignment with DSI's strategy, reviewing work product, and evaluating performance.

  • Leads the continued development of the DSI brand and messaging.

  • Oversees DSIwebsite, helping tomaintainsecurity, compliance, and brand alignment.

  • Drives strategy and content creation for DSI's channels, including newsletters, website, and social media.

  • Acts as a strategist and project lead to plan, develop anddisseminateinformation designed to keep the University informed of the Institute's programs, researchaccomplishmentsand point of view.

  • Provides communicationstrainingsfor DSI staff and researchers on best practices for websites, social media, and more.

  • Creates communications plans for internal and external announcements that take into consideration points of conflict and complex interests of a wide range of stakeholders.

  • Crafts internal and external messages on behalf of the Faculty Directors and Executive Director, including responses to sensitive or complex issues, speeches, scripts, talking points, and more.

  • Writesarticles and releases as needed.

  • Creates and cultivates pathways for UChicagoexpertisein data science and AI to contribute to national conversations.

  • Builds communications plans for research initiatives and graduate programs.

  • Coordinates with counterparts, including internal and external institutions, departments, and organizations (UChicago departments and institutes, other partner institutions, Industry Affiliate members, nonprofit partners, etc.) to achieve consensus for major news releases.

  • Analyzes data to assess the effectiveness of communication strategies anddevelopsplans for improvement.

  • Assiststhe program directors with marketing of graduate programs through the development of campaigns and creation of collateral to ensure brand alignment.

  • Serves as project manager for other communications projects (e.g., donor engagement, annual report, etc.).

  • Hires and manages contractors (photographers, graphic artists, web development, etc.) as needed.

  • Assistsin the creation and promotion of campaigns that cultivate an environment of belongingforDSI constituents.

  • Collaborates with University's central media relations and news teams todisseminateinformation designed to keep the public informed and maximize outreach efforts.

  • Makes high-level contributions to the media interface, including writing press releases,planningand organizing media coverage for major events, and crafting responses to sensitive or controversial issues.

  • Solvescomplex and unique problems related to the writing, preparation, and/or delivery of information from or about the unit.

  • Develops the writing, preparation, and/or delivery of information from or about the unit. Is accountable formaintainingthe unit's goals and communications strategy in publications, announcements, and speeches.

  • Provides leadership and supervision of communications staff. May manage the communications budget.

  • Performs other related work as needed.


Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.


Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.


Certifications:

---

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

  • Graduate degree in a related field.

Experience:

  • Experience working in higher education or data science organizations.

  • Experience working with researchers.

  • Experience with public relations, journalism, marketing, content marketing, digital storytelling, website management, and/or social media.

  • Experience with developing recruitment marketing strategies to enhance student enrollment.

  • Experience with strategic planning.

  • Supervisory experience.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

  • Strong computer skills including knowledge of email distribution software, Adobe CreativeSuiteand/or similar applications.

  • Advanced skills in WordPress, GoogleAnalyticsor similar platforms; CSS/HTML a plus).

  • Experience using Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft PowerPoint.

Preferred Competencies

  • An understanding of and passion for data science and AI.

  • Ability to develop strategic communications for a large organization.

  • Excellent written and spoken communications skills (including knowledge of correct English usage,Chicagoand AP style guides).

  • Effective strategicprofessionalwho can clearly communicate complex issues to a variety of audiences.

  • Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

  • Organized self-starter, able to work strategically and independently.

  • Effectivebridge-builder, able to work across communities.

  • Ability to successfully manage a workload that balances long-range planning with the unanticipated daily demands of managing publicly visible projects.

  • Must be able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and under tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

  • Demonstrated success in building collaborative relationships with diverse constituencies.

  • Able to work with a diverse workforce in acomplexdecentralized environment.

  • Exceptional organizational skills.

  • A resourceful problem-solver and critical thinker, able to be proactive inleveragingopportunities and anticipating and averting problems.

Application Documents

  • Resume (required)

  • Cover Letter (required)

  • Published writing sample (link or PDF of article, blog, op-ed, web copy, etc.)-STEM content (required)


The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.
When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.


Job Family

Communications


Role Impact

People Manager


Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5


Drug Test Required

No


Health Screen Required

No


Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No


Pay Rate Type

Salary


FLSA Status

Exempt


Pay Range

$110,000.00 - $125,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.


Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.


Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at:http://securityreport.uchicago.edu.Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

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