Coastal Carolina University is currently accepting applications for the following full-time position: Director of Executive Communication and Engagement in the Office of the President.
The Director of Executive Communications and Engagement serves as a strategic partner to the President by crafting clear, compelling, and consistent messaging that reflects the President’s voice and the University’s mission. This position leads executive speechwriting, messaging development, and branded presentation creation for diverse internal and external audiences, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and University Marketing and Communications. The role also provides sophisticated event handling and advance support, preparing briefing materials, managing run‑of‑show logistics, and accompanying the President to key engagements to ensure seamless execution and real‑time responsiveness. As a liaison and planning partner with campus leaders, donors, board members, and external stakeholders, the position supports relationship building through personalized communications and high‑level coordination. Additionally, the role collaborates closely with the Chief of Staff to align presidential messaging with strategic initiatives, track emerging issues, and contribute to the planning and execution of signature university events. This position requires exceptional judgment, discretion, communication skills, and the ability to anticipate needs in a fast‑paced environment while maintaining a polished and professional presidential presence.
How to Apply
Interested candidates may apply online at https://jobs.coastal.edu/postings/122317. Applicants must submit cover letter, resume, and contact information for at least three (3) professional references. Deadline to apply: August 7, 2026.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, English, political science, public administration, or a related field. At least five (5) years of professional experience in executive communications, speechwriting, strategic messaging, public affairs, or a closely related field.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in communications, journalism, English, public administration, higher education leadership, or a related field. Experience working in higher education, government, nonprofit leadership, or another mission‑driven sector. Background in executive‑level speechwriting for presidents, chancellors, elected officials, CEOs, or similar high‑visibility leaders. Experience serving as an advanced lead or event handler for dignitaries, high‑profile speakers, or senior executives. Experience developing presentations, visual communication materials, or branded content for diverse internal and external audiences. Experience with issues management, message frameworks, or strategic communication planning. Experience working collaboratively across departments and with high‑level stakeholders.
Duties include, but are not limited to:
- Executive Communications Development: Lead the creation, refinement, and delivery of high‑impact presidential communications—including speeches, remarks, talking points, presentations, and strategic correspondence—ensuring accuracy, consistency of voice, and alignment with institutional priorities.
- Strategic Messaging & Issues Support: Research key topics, synthesize complex information, and develop messaging frameworks that support the president’s engagement on emerging issues, governance matters, and institutional initiatives.
- Presidential Event Preparation & On‑Site Support: Prepare comprehensive briefing materials and run‑of‑show documentation for presidential appearances and provide on‑site advance support to ensure smooth execution, optimal visibility, and effective real‑time decision‑making.
- Stakeholder Engagement Planning: Serve as a strategic liaison between the President’s Office and internal/external partners — including advancement, marketing, academic leadership, and community leaders — to coordinate messaging, event planning, and executive engagement opportunities.
- Administrative & Strategic Partnering: Collaborate closely with the chief of staff as a confidential advisor to ensure presidential communications and engagements are timed, framed, and executed to advance university goals; maintain discretion in handling sensitive information and support special projects such as sponsorship review and development of presidential materials.
Director (UP03/61123210/FTE-S01175P), full-time position with benefits. Salary range $80,000.00 – $95,000.00. Normal work hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Must be flexible to meet the special scheduling needs of the university. May require occasional overnight travel. May require evening or weekend work to meet deadlines or handle high-priority issues.
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