Executive Director of Content & Strategy

Job Requisition: JR101120 Executive Director of Content & Strategy (Open) Job Posting Title: Executive Director of Content & Strategy Department: CC00253 WM001 | WMUA | University Communications Job Family: Staff - Communications Worker Sub-Type: Regular (benefited) Job Requisition Primary Location: William & Mary Primary Job Posting Location: William & Mary Job Description Summary: University Communications (UC) serves as William & Mary’s central communications office, comprising three teams that support and promote the vision, mission and values of the university. The Media Relations Team includes the university spokesperson and leads national media outreach, response, strategy and emergency communications. The Web Development & Strategy Team provides a suite of services to support campus digital and web communications, including collaborative planning, concepts, strategy and communications tools. The Content & Strategy Team leads public relations strategy, content strategy, communications planning, storytelling, internal communications, and social media. Part of University Advancement at William & Mary, University Communications coordinates closely with University Marketing and associated groups. Job Description: Required Qualifications: Overseeing the Content & Strategy Team, the Executive Director is responsible for public relations, content strategy and message development, and communications strategic planning. This includes storytelling across university platforms, including the W&M News and the flagship social media platforms. As a member of the University Communications Leadership Team, the Executive Director of Content & Strategy reports to the Chief Communications Officer (CCO). This position works with the president and their leadership team and partners closely with University Marketing, Government Relations colleagues and communications professionals across the university. The Executive Director develops, implements and supports integrated and university-wide strategic communications plans, public relations initiatives, event communications planning, and special projects. Working with the University Communications (UC) Leadership Team, this position raises W&M’s visibility as a nationally preeminent R1 research institution and leading liberal arts university. Specifically, this position is charged with advancing an integrated, data-informed content strategy across all university platforms that identifies and articulates high-impact opportunities and maximizes the university’s brand platform. The position supervises an experienced group of communications professionals, including writers for W&M News, research communications, internal communications and social media specialists. This is a hybrid position based in Williamsburg, Virginia, which offers a flexible work environment. Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Extensive professional experience in public relations or a related field (typically 7-10 years). Exceptional writing and editing skills for a variety of formats, including longform storytelling, message maps, talking points and university-wide statements. The ability to develop complex messaging for varying audiences. Threading the needle! Demonstrated success in implementing data-informed content strategies across varying platforms. Experience using analytics to inform broader communications strategies. Recent and progressive experience developing and leading cross-functional project teams from inception to completion. Strong leadership skills, with the ability to affect, interpret and implement communication plans. Demonstrated ability to identify short and long-range strategic goals and contribute to their achievement. Creativity, discretion, and independent judgment, with excellent analytical, organizational, planning, strategic, conceptualization, and problem-solving skills. The ability to manage multiple relationships and projects concurrently in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment; a great degree of flexibility, efficiency, and initiative in work style, especially under deadline constraints, with the proven ability to adapt to changes. Exceptional interpersonal skills with a strong service-oriented approach, commitment to excellence, and the proven ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment. Expertise in AP style. Preferred Qualifications: Experience working in higher education communication. Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) through the Public Relations Society of America or other communications strategy/public relations certification. Advanced knowledge of project management methodology and practices. Conditions of Employment: This position has been designated as essential and may require reporting to work when the university is officially closed. Is the position remote work eligible? Hybrid (works remotely at least 1 day per week but not full-time). Additional Job Description: Special Instructions NES, a higher education search firm specializing in enrollment, marketing, and communications searches, is assisting William & Mary with this search for an Executive Director of Content & Strategy. For more information, or to nominate someone for this position, contact Laura Robinson (laura.robinson@nessearches.com) or Liz Daly (elizabeth.daly@nessearches.com). All conversations will remain confidential unless otherwise stated and agreed. Interested candidates should submit a résumé and a letter of interest describing their unique qualifications for the role, as well as a relevant writing sample that that demonstrates the ability to write clearly and effectively and shows an understanding of complex messaging (provide context and intent for the piece). Candidates should also provide the names and contact information for at least five professional references. For confidentiality, references will not be contacted without permission. For best consideration, all application materials should be submitted electronically to WM@nessearches.com by January 5, 2026. The position is campus-based and the preferred start date is Winter, 2026. Salary: Commensurate with experience Job Profile: JP0360 - Development Communications Manager - Exempt - Salary - S17 Qualifications: Compensation Grade: S17 Recruiting Start Date: 2025-11-07 Review Date: 2026-01-06 Position Restrictions: No Restriction - Continuing E&G funded position and not term-limited EEO is the Law. Applicants can learn more about William & Mary’s status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the "Know Your Rights" poster published by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. https://www.eeoc.gov/know-your-rights-workplace-discrimination-illegal Background Check: William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check. Remote Work Disclaimer: Remote work eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to approval. Employee eligibility depends on the likelihood of the employee succeeding in a remote work arrangement and the supervisor’s ability to manage remote workers. Departments and/or Human Resources may amend, alter, change, delete, or modify eligibility. William & Mary and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) are vibrant, innovative and engaged communities and we are delighted about your interest in a career with us. Apply tot his job Apply To this Job