Senior External Relations Specialist
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Job Summary
The Senior External Relations Specialist plays a critical role in amplifying the work of the Division of Student Life through strategic communication and coordination with key partners. Reporting to the Assistant Vice Chancellor, this position will lead the development and execution of communications that support executive leadership and showcase Student Life's position as a national leader. The Senior External Relations Specialist is also responsible for managing crisis and emergent communication needs for the Division of Student Life, including developing emergency communication plans, creating talking points and responses to media inquiries, and crisis communication in alignment with Strategic Relations and Communications. This role will require on-call shifts and availability on nights and weekends. This position will also assist with communications related to organizational change and public relations for Student Life.
The ideal candidate is a strong, adaptable writer with proven experience in issues management and a deep understanding of complex communication environments. They are politically astute, collaborative, and able to navigate dynamic situations with discretion and professionalism. This position works directly with the Assistant Vice Chancellor to implement the overall strategy.
Who We Are
The Division of Student Life consists of 30 departments that provide student support and services dedicated to helping students become successful, curious, competent individuals during their time at CU Boulder.
Vice Chancellor for Student Life (VCSL)
The first priority of the Division of Student Life is students' development as successful, intellectually curious learners and as healthy, competent, active citizens of the world. Student Life encompasses all the basic support services that enhance the classroom experience: where students eat, sleep, build community, make friends, and where students can go when they need help.
Student Life is committed to enhancing the factors that lead to academic success while mitigating the obstacles that may impede progress. In collaboration with other members of the campus community, the division provides educational opportunities, resources, and support to help each individual student reach their academic and personal goals. The Division supports student success by creating inclusive environments that address the social, emotional, physical, spiritual, professional, and academic needs of all students in order to increase retention, academic progress, and graduation rates.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
Crisis and Emergent Communications
- Works closely with Assistant Vice Chancellor (AVC), division leadership, and Strategic Relations and Communications (SRC) to implement timely communications during emergency or high-impact situations, including internal messages, talking points, and responses to media inquiries.
- Proactively develop and implement emergency communication strategies for the Division of Student Life, including drafting communication plans for the Student Life Crisis Response Committee, as well as proactively preparing direct messages, templates, responses, and talking points for use during critical incidents.
- Provides on-call support for the division's emergency and crisis communication needs.
- Monitor emerging situations and advise on potential risks and reputational issues.
- Reports and raises issues to the Assistant Vice Chancellor as needed.
Executive Communications
- Write speeches, design presentations, and prepare talking points for the Vice Chancellor and other executive leaders in Student Life.
- Shape messages to reflect leadership voice, while advancing Student Life goals and priorities.
- Identify additional opportunities for Student Life leaders to share their expertise and thought leadership through forums, conferences, publications, interviews, and other campus/community events, both locally and nationally.
- Work with senior leadership to draft internal communications to Student Life staff, including talking points, email messages, scripts, etc.
- Anticipate reputational considerations and advise on messaging, tone, timing, and audience impact.
Strategic External Communications
- Find opportunities and develop content for proactive media relations efforts in partnership with AVC, Student Life Communication and Marketing, and Strategic Relations and Communications.
- Support communication efforts related to advancement and donor relations in partnership with Parent Giving.
- Collaborate with external partners to maintain positive relationships and manage shared messaging.
- Coordinate development of messaging framework and issues briefings in partnership with Strategic Relations and Communications.
- Develops and implements communication strategies for the execution of multi-platform communication plans that inform varying audiences.
- Builds and maintains effective relationships with Student Life departments and campus partners to assess needs, provides solutions, and improve communication strategies.
- Stays abreast of industry developments to maintain the professional competence, knowledge, and skills necessary for the satisfactory performance of all assigned responsibilities, including changes in regulations, technology, and standard processes.
Assessment
- Reviews and assess data to improve communications and increase engagement.
- Works with the AVC and the data and assessment liaison to establish objectives, goals, and identify and track important metrics.
What You Should Know
This is a hybrid work opportunity. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, with rotating on-call nights and weekends for emergent issues and communication needs.
What We Can Offer
The starting salary for this position is $80,376-$85,000.
Benefits
Be Statements
What We Require
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
- 5+ years of experience in external communications, public affairs, or related roles, preferably in higher education, government, or another similar institution.
- 2-3+ years of experience managing emergency or crisis communications.
What You Will Need
- Proven ability to work under pressure, manage multiple deadlines, and maintain discretion with confidential matters.
- Political competence and understanding of sensitive and high-profile issues.
- Exceptional interpersonal, public speaking, writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
What We Would Like You to Have
- A bachelor’s or master’s degree in Student Affairs, Higher Education, Communication, Marketing, Advertising, or other related fields.
- 7+ years of experience managing communication campaigns and emergent communications.
- Highly developed skills in facilitating collaborative work among communication specialists.
- Intermediate or advanced experience with a customer relations management system.
Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:
- A current resume.
- A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.
We may request references at a later time.
Please apply by August 20, 2025 for consideration.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.
Posting Contact Information
Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources
Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu