Director, Executive Speech Writing and Internal Communications

Department: Kellogg Communications
Salary/Grade: EXS/12

Job Summary

About This Position

The Director, Executive Speech Writing and Internal Communications is a key member of the Integrated Marketing and Communication (IMC) team at Kellogg. The Director takes primary writing responsibility for the dean's speeches for events, messages and remarks for gatherings, and presentations to advance the dean's engagement and visibility to external and internal audiences. The Director will also lead the development of and implementation of internal (staff, faculty, students) communication to inform and drive engagement in support of Kellogg's brand, key initiatives, and timely news.

Write dean speeches, remarks, and messages for the dean. Provide recommendations on content and engagement strategies to advance the dean's priorities with internal and select external stakeholders. Consult with stakeholders and Kellogg faculty experts to draft materials and prepare background briefs. Create compelling presentations in partnership with the creative and design team. Contribute expertise to select external communications including industry speaking opportunities. Work closely with the CMCO, Sr. Director, Communications, senior leaders in Alumni Relations and Development, and the Dean's Chief of Staff to ensure message alignment and consistency.

Write internal communications on behalf of the dean. Work closely with the senior leadership team and Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) team to develop and implement integrated internal (staff, faculty, students) communication to drive stakeholder engagement and advance the school's priorities and key initiatives. Provide strategic change communication counsel to senior leaders on initiatives, programs and issues affecting internal stakeholders. Develop messages, content and materials to support these strategies.

Plan key staff communication events such as regular staff town halls and briefings to support the good flow of information flow through the organization.

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 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.
• Proven expertise in developing internal communication during times of crisis and other difficult situations.

Minimum Competencies:

• Demonstrated ability to work with all levels of business and administrative management and build strong relationships across a complex organization.
• Ability to work on tight deadlines, managing multiple projects at once.
• Responsiveness and ability to troubleshoot in real time as information unfolds.
• Self-starter who drives the process to meet deadlines with impactful product (the speech, remarks, etc.)
• 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.
• Executive presence and ability to work with tact, diplomacy and discretion.
• Strong organizational, project management skills and workflow coordination skills.
• Ability to quickly analyze and integrate information from relevant (and sometimes disparate) sources.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum of five years experience in a mid-senior communications role. Speech writing experience is preferred.

Target hiring range for this position will be between $118,000 - $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, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! 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 strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.

#LI-AS1