Job Description

Executive Communications Specialist Posting Number
req26393 Department
RII Research Communications Department Website Link
www.research.arizona.edu Location
Tucson Campus Address
Tucson, AZ USA Position Highlights

Office of Research & Partnerships (ORP) Marketing and Communications Team at the University of Arizona is in search of an Executive Communications Specialist. The Executive Communications Specialist fosters effective communication between Office of Research and Partnership senior leaders and various audiences, including industry and government partners, donors, faculty, staff and students, alumni, and community members in order to advance the University's strategic vision. Develops and delivers integrated communication strategies and products that support senior leadership and advance institutional research priorities. This role provides strategic communications counsel with a focus on executive communications and thought leadership, high-visibility institutional messaging and media relations. The position operates independently, influences key stakeholders, and manages sensitive, high-impact communications across internal and external audiences.

Lasting Impact through Strong Partnerships: By collaborating with industry, government, nonprofits and communities, The University of Arizona translates discovery into action that drives progress for the public good, extending the impact of research far beyond the university campus.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here

Duties & Responsibilities

• Write, evaluate, review, and edit high-quality executive-level communications including speeches, talking points, presentations, briefing materials, correspondence, and leadership messages.
• Ensures consistency, clarity and alignment of executive messaging with institutional brand, values and strategic goals.
• Serves as a trusted communications advisor to senior leaders, providing counsel on messaging strategy, tone, timing and audience considerations.
• Prepare leaders and subject-matter experts for media engagements through briefing documents and message development.
• Plan, develop and implement integrated marketing and communications strategies for thought leadership and media relations to enhance the visibility and public profile of executives, leadership priorities and research initiatives.
• Collaborate with marketing professionals, creative staff, digital specialists, and campus partners to align content with institutional brand standards.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of communication best practices, techniques and standards.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to exercise discretion when interacting with executives and senior leaders.
• High degree of innovation, creativity and attention to detail.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

Preferred Qualifications FLSA
Exempt Full Time/Part Time
Full Time Number of Hours Worked per Week
40 Job FTE
1.0 Work Calendar
Fiscal Job Category
Communication and Marketing Benefits Eligible
Yes - Full Benefits Rate of Pay
$65,687 - $85,393 Compensation Type
salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE) Grade
9 Compensation Guidance
The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator Career Stream and Level
PC4 Job Family
Content Development Job Function
Communications & Marketing Type of criminal background check required:
Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive) Number of Vacancies
1 Target Hire Date
Expected End Date
Contact Information for Candidates
Lisa Black | Lisa33@arizona.edu Open Date
6/30/2026 Open Until Filled
Yes Documents Needed to Apply
Resume, Cover Letter, and One Additional Document Special Instructions to Applicant Along with your Resume & Cover Letter, please include 2 original writing samples with your application. Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University’s campuses. These reports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.