Executive Director for Communications and Relationship Management

Comprised of 8 unique schools with more than 1,000 faculty, 12,000 students and 30,000 staff, the University of Rochester is a leading research university with a long tradition of breaking boundaries. As a community, the University is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that motto are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability.

The University of Rochester Office of Equity and Inclusion is dedicated to cultivating an equitable, respectful, and welcoming culture at the University of Rochester. We strive to weave diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the University’s mission to learn, discover, heal, and create. We celebrate our connections to the Rochester community and affirm that in a pluralistic culture, the definition of community includes individuals who represent every race, creed, color, ability, sexual identity, and gender.

The University of Rochester Office of Equity and Inclusion is seeking a dynamic Executive Director for Communications and Relationship Management. This position will serve as the principal point of contact for leaders concerning DEIJ matters and, with the Vice President’s guidance and input, is responsible for understanding and meeting the needs of students, staff, visitors, volunteers, and faculty relative to DEIJ.

Key responsibilities and areas of focus for the Executive Director for Communications and Relationship Management role include:

Relationship Management:
• Acts as a liaison between the Vice President and various stakeholders dealing with DEIJ issues, maintaining positive relationships with University leaders, as well as those in the community.

Engagement Management:
• Hosts events to facilitate cross-disciplinary DEIJ efforts and broadens the University’s reach by connecting with DEIJ experts.
• Manages Vice-Presidential engagements, attends relevant events to stay informed, and ensures positive guest experiences.

Leadership:
• Serves on the Vice President’s Leadership team, offering strategic guidance and representing the University on DEIJ matters externally.
• Demonstrates visible and accessible leadership, representing the Office of Equity and Inclusion at campus events and fundraising activities.

Communication:
• Develops and implements cohesive communication strategies to drive OEI’s mission and initiatives.
• Prepares reports, speeches, and presentations on DEIJ issues, serves as primary speechwriter for Vice President, and coordinates the Office’s response to relevant events in conjunction with University Communications.

The ideal candidate for the Executive Director for Communications and Relationship Management will bring 7-10 years of relevant experience which includes strong demonstrated experience designing and delivering high-level briefings, reports, and presentations with success.

The ideal candidate will possess knowledge of trends and issues impacting diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education and demonstrate effectiveness at managing multiple, complex, projects in a fast-paced environment.

Exceptional communication (written, oral, presentation) skills is an absolute must to be considered qualified for this role. Candidates will also need to demonstrate their ability to maintain the highest levels of confidentiality and discretion and demonstrate the highest levels of emotional intelligence.

Job ID: 251895

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, create – and Make the World Ever Better.

In support of our values and those of our society, the University will select faculty and staff without regard to age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion/creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other status protected by law.

This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates from underrepresented populations, veterans, and persons with disabilities consistent with these values and government contractor Affirmative Action obligations.