Job Description

University of Utah Job Description

Job Summary

The Executive Speech Writer will be a leader in helping the President of the University of Utah shape the brand of the university, creatively tell stories and share experiences that engage, inspire and strengthen internal and external audiences’ confidence in the University.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, or related area, or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience); four years of related experience; and demonstrated leadership and effective communications skills required.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Disclaimer

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Essential Functions

• Lead efforts to position the President as a thought-leader, engaging faculty, staff, students and other university stakeholders as appropriate.
• Vet and prioritize speaking/appearance invitations.
• Produce or, when appropriate, oversee production of creative, thought-provoking materials for the President, including: quotes, statements, talking points, speeches, presentations (development to delivery), thought papers, reports, opinion pieces, videos/scripts, correspondence (letters and emails) and other communications. The manager will handle the President’s social media.
• Maintain the President’s website, including updating and refreshing content.
• Align President’s communication and that of other senior leaders with institutional themes.
• Develop a communications strategy to position the President as a thought-leader and spokesperson for key trends in higher education.
• Work with the Chief of Staff, the Communications Director and the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer to coordinate the President’s crisis, emergency and sensitive communications.
• Develop a plan for regular communications and sharing of communication assets to key campus and community constituents.
• Stay current on relevant issues and trends effecting higher education so they may be reflected in the President’s communications.
• Coordinate and collaborate with University Marketing & Communications on behalf of the President’s Office.
• The Executive Communication Manager may, as time allows and appropriate, assist with communication needs of other university executives, particularly to provide consistency in voice and messaging.

Comments

Work Environment and Level of Frequency typically required

Nearly Continuously: Office environment.

Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required

Nearly Continuously: Sitting, hearing, listening, talking.

Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking. 

Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.