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SENIOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS AND ISSUES MANAGEMENT
One of the country’s most selective public research universities, Clemson University serves a uniquely driven and highly accomplished student body.
Ranked consistently as one of the best national public university by U.S.News & World Report, Clemson is a science- and engineering-oriented college dedicated to teaching, research and service. Founded in 1889, we remain committed both to world-class research and a high quality of life. In fact, 91 percent of our seniors say they’d pick Clemson again if they had it to do over.
Clemson’s retention and graduation rates rank among the highest in the country for public universities. We’ve been named among the best values by Kiplinger magazine in 2013, and SmartMoney in 2012 ranked us No. 7 in student return on investment.
Our beautiful college campus sits on 1,400 acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, along the shores of Hartwell Lake. But we also have research facilities and economic development hubs throughout the state of South Carolina — in Greenville, Greenwood, Columbia and Charleston.
WELCOME TO CLEMSON!
Clemson is calling...are you ready to answer the call?
One of the most productive public research universities in the nation, Clemson University attracts and powerfully unites students, faculty and staff whose greatest desire is to make a difference in the lives of others.
Clemson has recently been named a top 25 public college in the country by the Wall Street Journal, a top South Carolina employer by Forbes and a Military Friendly Employer for five years running. Through our research, outreach and entrepreneurial projects, Clemson University and its employees are driving economic development and improving quality of life in South Carolina and beyond.
So,... are you ready?
JOB SUMMARY:
The Senior Executive Director of Crisis Communications and Issues Management is a high-impact, high-visibility leader who thrives in complexity, sees around corners and brings clarity in moments of uncertainty. This role leads Clemson University's crisis communications and issues managment strategy, ensuring the University anticipates, prepares for and effectively responds to reputational, operational and policy-related risks. The ideal condidted is a seasoned professional who brings a blend of public-sector and higher education crisis experience and thrves in fast-moving environmets requiring sound judgment, message discipline and strategic foresight.
The Senior Executive Director of Crisis Communications and Issues Management is responsible for monitoring emerging issues (local, state, regional and national), advising senior leadership, shaping narratives in high-stakes situations and protecting the University's credibility across stakeholders. This role will be highly collaborative with University partners to align crisis and issues strategies with University priorities and brand positioning. Other duties as assigned.
JOB DUTIES:
40% - Essential - Issues Management:
Monitor and identify emerging reputational, legislative, regulatory and social issues. Develop proactive messaging frameworks and scenario plans. Maintain issues trackers and early-warning systems. Advise on risk mitigation and narrative positioning.
30% - Essential - Crisis Strategy and Response:
Develops and executes crisis communication strategies and response plans including response messaging, statements, FAQs and internal communications. This role will serve as the primary communications advisor to senior leadership during crises and sensitive issues.
20% - Essential - Media Relations:
Advise and work with media relations team to manage high-scrutiny or highly-sensitive inquiries.
10% - Essential - Training:
In concert with University partners, lead crisis simulations and tabletop exercises. Assist in media training for senior leaders. Maintain and update crisis communications protocols.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Education - Bachelor's Degree
Work Experience - 7+ years - crisis communications, issues manaement, public affairs, political communications or corporate reputation.
PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:
Work Experience - 12+ years -crisis communications, issues manaement, public affairs, political communications or corporate reputation.
RESPONSIBILITIES
JOB KNOWLEDGE
Comprehensive Job Knowledge - Comprehensive knowledge of theories and practices and ability to use in complex, difficult and/or unprecedented situations
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
No Supervisory Duties - Not responsible for supervising employees.
BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIES
No Budget Responsibilities - No fiscal responsibility for the department's budget.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Stand for prolonged period
Sit (stationary position) for prolonged period
Walk or move about
Communicate, converse, give direction, express oneself
WORKING CONDITIONS:
WORK SCHEDULE:
Standard Hours: 37.5/week
COMPENSATION INFORMATION
Expected salary range: $ 79,600.00 - $ 115,000.00
Salary is dependent upon several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's previous experience, knowledge, skills and performance in accordance with Clemson's compensation guidelines.
ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL LEVEL
Normal Operations
Required to follow emergency facility closure directives, and not normally expected work on-site during emergency situations.
JOB LOCATION:
Clemson, SC
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
March 23, 2026 at 11:55 pm
MILITARY AND VETERAN:
MILITARY EQUIVALENCY:
Clemson University is proud to allow educational equivalency for military technical certifications and trainings that directly relate to the job duties.
VETERAN PREFERENCE:
South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.
State policy for veteran preference states that for qualifying, full-time permanent positions, a veteran applicant may receive preference if they meet the job's minimum qualifications, were discharged under honorable conditions from the military, and submit their DD-214 for confidential review by the Office of Human Resources.
To claim Veteran Preference for qualifying positions, email hrjob@clemson.edu upon submission of your application.
CLOSING STATEMENT:
Clemson University is an EEO/AA employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to characteristics protected by applicable law including disability and protected veteran status.