Director, Executive Communications

Department: Kellogg Communications
Salary/Grade: EXS/12

Job Summary:

Kellogg's Integrated Marketing and Communications (IMC) team is seeking a Director, Executive Communications. Reporting to Kellogg's CMCO, the Director, Executive Communications is a key member of Kellogg's Integrated Marketing and Communication (IMC) team as serves as a key communications partner to Kellogg leadership. This role is responsible for developing messages, remarks, and presentations that support leadership engagement, visibility across the Kellogg community and with select alumni and advisory boards. The Director also shapes and executes internal communication efforts, helping connect faculty, staff, and students to Kellogg's brand, priorities, values and key initiatives.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Write and edit executive communications primarily for the Dean, including speeches, remarks, briefing materials, and key messages; may also support senior leaders as needed.
• Develop presentations for the Dean and senior leadership in partnership with creative and design teams.
• Advise on content and engagement strategies that advance the Dean's priorities with internal and select external stakeholders.
• Support select external communications, including industry speaking opportunities, and partner with the CMCO and senior leadership across IMC, Alumni Relations and Development, and the Dean's Office to ensure aligned, consistent messaging.
• Partner with senior leadership team and IMC team to develop and execute internal communication strategies that support institutional priorities and drive engagement across faculty, staff, and students.
• Create and manage internal communications content to support these efforts.
• Plan and deliver key staff communications, including regular staff town halls and briefings, to support effective information flow across the organization.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations or related field, or the equivalent combination of education, training and experience from which comparable skills can be acquired.
• Minimum of 8 - 10 years of experience in all aspects of executive and internal communications with increasing levels of responsibility.
• Strong strategic communication experience, excellent writing and editing skiils, and proven track record in developing and implementing communication strategies that engage audiences and enable achievement of organization goals.
• Proven ability to counsel executive and senior leaders on effective internal communication and communication best practices and approaches.
• Extensive understanding and experience in creatively using a variety of channels, including web and social media for communication.

Minimum Competencies:

• Demonstrated ability to work with all levels of business and administrative management and build strong relationships across a complex organization.
• Deep experience in storytelling and message development, including the ability to develop and modify messaging/tone and select channels for different stakeholders and objectives.
• Strong aptitude for critical thinking and ability to navigate complex topics and issues with a focus on developing communication solutions that achieve desired results.
• Proven good judgment and an ability to work collaboratively with many groups on a wide-range of topics to achieve established objectives.
• Proven experience partnering and influencing cross-functional teams of subject matter experts.
• Executive presence and ability to work with tact, diplomacy and discretion.
• Strong organizational, project management skills and workflow coordination skills.
• Demonstrated ability in handling multiple priorities and meeting tight deadlines.
• Ability to quickly analyze and integrate information from relevant (and sometimes disparate) sources.
• Demonstrated initiative and ability to self-start.
• Strong executive presence.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum of five years experience in a mid-senior communications role.

Target hiring range for this position will be $115,000 - $125,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Benefits:

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.

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