Academic Partnerships assists primarily regional universities in increasing their access and impact by making their academic programs available to students online. Founded in 2007, AP's mission is to expand access to high-quality, affordable, and workforce-relevant education, especially for working and adult students. AP brings single-minded dedication to student success, an integrated set of services, and data-driven performance to our collaboration with university partners.

The Senior Director, External Communications will support, maintain, and enhance the public perception of Academic Partnerships (AP) by identifying and proactively targeting key audiences through various forms of communication. Reporting to the Chief Communications Officer (CCO), this role will be responsible for proactively managing external communications initiatives of the company by developing and executing on comprehensive communications and crisis management strategies.

• Work alongside the CCO to develop and execute on an external communications strategy focused on key stakeholders.
• Draft communications, materials, and assets to articulate the Academic Partnerships value proposition, aligned with the new brand.
• Identify critical relationships with trade reporters, key local, regional, national media outlets and influencers to facilitate relationship building.
• Monitor, analyze, and communicate public relations results using monitoring and analytics tools.
• Develop and oversee content creation, including but not limited to customer communications, press releases, pitches, executive communication, blogs, opinion editorials, talking points, annual reports, thought leadership, etc.
• Lead initiatives to engage target audiences in story telling through testimonials, written articles, videos, etc.
• Work closely with the Communications and Research/Strategy and Data teams to create and publish PR campaigns (ROI, Voice of the Online Student) and the annual Impact Report.
• Work with cross-functional teams to identify and track areas of risk and areas of opportunity.
• Create proactive plans to address potential risks and be prepared to brief and advise the CCO, CEO and Executive Leadership Team should a crisis arise. For areas of opportunity - work with the team to seek out stories and facilitate pitches and interviews.
• Proactively address and plan for issue management alongside the CCO.
• Work alongside the Government Affairs Team and CCO in the creation of proactive and reactive communications relating to regulatory guidance/potential legislation.
• Collaborate across departments to create external-facing highlight/spotlight pieces.
• Effectively communicate PR & Communications plans, objectives, and results to stakeholders at all levels.
• Keep abreast of media related to customers, competitors, and the space.
• Mentor other team members within the PR & Communications team and beyond.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, Communications, or other related discipline; master's degree preferred.

• 8-10+ years corporate or agency role where external communications/crisis communications management was the focus is required.
• Previous work with government affairs/government relations preferred.
• Demonstrates an understanding of the online higher education landscape and the intricacies and sensitives of the space.
• Proven ability to develop and lead external communications and public relations strategies and effectively communicate recommendations to executive leadership.
• Experience with crisis communications and proactive communications planning.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to handle multiple projects and deadlines at once.
• Experience presenting to executive leaders such as the Executive Leadership Team, university leadership and faculty, Board of Directors, etc.
• Self-starter with the ability to think beyond traditional approaches and keep evolving ideas and strategies.
• Experience working with and managing agency relationships and performance.
• A flexible person who is comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with last-minute changes that are typical within a PR/Communications setting.
• Excellent verbal and written communicator with critical thinking skills and the ability to collaborate across teams.
• A flair for creating persuasive content and communicating effectively (and differently) depending on the medium.
• Demonstrated ability to move seamlessly from leadership to individual contributor-level activities. Willingness to roll up their sleeves and be "hands on."
• Proficient in MS Office including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and additional presentation formats.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

Academic Partnerships is an equal-opportunity employer and committed to hiring a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Academic Partnerships is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Academic Partnerships offers the following comprehensive benefits:

• PTO - accumulated from day one
• 11 designated holidays
• Medical - four options (including PPO and HDP)
• Dental
• Vision
• Life & Disability (company paid)
• Flexible Spending Account & Health Savings Account (company contribution to HSA)
• Retirement plan with company match
• Maternity / Paternity / Parental Leave (company paid)
• Volunteer Time Off

Supplemental Benefits:

• Wellness program
• Alternative medicine options
• Pet discounts
• Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity

Personal and Professional Development:

• Continuous Professional and Leadership Development Programs
• Tuition Reimbursement for employees and their dependents