Hybrid Interim Executive Director, Strategic Communications bei University of New Mexico

The UNM Office of the President is accepting internal applications for an interim position of Executive Director of Strategic Communications at UNM. The expected period of service is from 2-6 months and includes an opportunity to be a candidate for the permanent role.

This senior leadership position reports to the President and works closely with executive leadership in overseeing university-wide communications strategy and crisis response. The Executive Director will play a pivotal role in advancing, protecting, and articulating the university’s mission and values to all stakeholders.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the development and evaluation of comprehensive communication and marketing plans that align with university goals and brand identity.
• Serving as the university’s primary media contact; overseeing press inquiries, news releases, proactive media outreach, and official statements.
• Managing all aspects of crisis communication, including planning, message development, and rapid response protocols.
• Contributing to content creation for digital, print, social media, and video platforms while overseeing a dynamic team of communications professionals.
• Cultivating relationships across the university and community.
• Guiding research and analytics initiatives to measure and refine communications strategies.

See the Position Description for additional information.

• Employees in this job title are subject to the terms and conditions of an employment contract. Employment contracts are typically subject to review and renewal on an annual basis.

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, PR, journalism, or related field
• 7 years of progressive communications leadership experience, ideally in higher education
• Current UNM employee in good standing

• Master’s degree in communications, PR, journalism, or related field
• Proven crisis communication expertise.
• Experience serving as spokesperson or primary media contact.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage complexity under tight deadlines, and counsel senior executives.
• Proficiency with digital communications platforms and analytics tools.

Please attach a letter of interest with a summary of your relevant qualifications.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.