William & Mary seeks a collaborative and innovative communications professional for the position of Executive Director of Content & Strategy. Overseeing the Content & Strategy Team, the Executive Director is responsible for university-wide public relations and communications planning, storytelling including the W&M News, social media strategy, internal communications, and content strategy.

As a member of the University Communications (UC) Leadership Team, the Executive Director reports to the Chief Communications Officer (CCO). The UC leadership team also includes the executive directors of media relations and web development and strategy. This position also works with the president and Cabinet, and partners closely with University Marketing, Government Relations colleagues and communications professionals across the university. The role operates within a highly matrixed environment, requiring collaboration and influence across academic, administrative, and external-facing units.

Full, updated position announcement:
https://nessearches.com/ex-dir-content-strategy-wm/

Compensation
Compensation for the position will be competitive and based on the skills and experience of the selected candidate and the agreed upon portfolio of responsibilities; the range identified for this role is $120,000-$150,000. This is a hybrid position based in Williamsburg, Virginia, which offers a flexible work environment. William & Mary also offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package.

To Apply
NES, a higher education search firm specializing in enrollment, marketing, and communications searches, is assisting William & Mary with this search for an Executive Director of Content & Strategy. For more information, or to nominate someone for this position, contact Laura Robinson (laura.robinson@nessearches.com) or Liz Daly (elizabeth.daly@nessearches.com). All conversations will remain confidential unless otherwise stated and agreed. Interested candidates should submit a résumé and a letter of interest describing their unique qualifications for the role, as well as a relevant writing sample that demonstrates the ability to write clearly and effectively, and shows an understanding of complex messaging (provide context and intent for the piece). Candidates should also provide the names and contact information of at least five professional references. For confidentiality, references will not be contacted without permission. For best consideration, all application materials should be submitted electronically to WM@nessearches.com by January 5, 2026. The position is campus-based and the preferred start date is Winter, 2026.

William & Mary values diversity and invites applications from underrepresented groups who will enrich the research, teaching and service missions of the university. The university is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and encourages applications from women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes
The ideal candidate will possess a bachelor’s degree (a master’s degree is preferred) with seven to ten years of professional experience in communications, public relations or a related field. Ideally, this candidate will have expertise in AP style; experience working with higher education communications professionals; accreditation in Public Relations (APR) through the Public Relations Society of America or other communications strategy and public relations certifications; and advanced knowledge of project management methodology and practices.

The Executive Director will also possess a sense of diplomacy, emotional intelligence, and have the ability to prioritize and balance responsibilities, using a sense of humor as needed. In addition, the Executive Director should possess the following qualifications:

• Strong consulting and leadership skills, with the ability to impact, interpret, and implement communication plans and strategies; demonstrated ability to identify short and long-range strategic goals and contribute to their achievement;
• Creativity, discretion, and independent judgment, with excellent analytical, organizational, planning, strategic, conceptualization and problem-solving skills;
• Exceptional writing and experience with shaping complex messaging for varying audiences, formats and platforms;
• An exceptional editor with the heart of a teacher;
• Demonstrated success in establishing content strategy;
• Insight into how audiences discover and engage with content today, balancing authentic storytelling with an awareness of digital and algorithmic reach;
• Recent and progressive experience developing and leading cross-functional project teams from inception to completion;
• Self-starter with strong initiative and the ability to manage multiple relationships and projects concurrently in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment; great degree of flexibility, efficiency, and initiative in work style, with the proven ability to adapt to changes;
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with a strong service-oriented approach, commitment to excellence, and the proven ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment; 
• Experience in talent development and mentorship;
• Proven experience in complex public relations strategies and communications plans;
• Ability to weave together complex messaging, threading the needle between promotional and authentic content;
• Strategic storyteller who unites creativity and clarity; and
• Respectful of the people, history, and tradition of the institution while also challenging the status quo with innovative and creative ideas and approaches.

About NES (formerly Napier Executive Search)

NES (formerly Napier Executive Search) specializes in senior level enrollment management searches for post-secondary institutions. Established in 2014, the firm's search consultants bring extensive experience in enrollment management positions along with knowledge of today's employment landscape. Calling on our past experience in higher education enrollment roles and extensive sales and consultative experience with deans, directors and vice presidents across multiple states and regions, we nurture connections with enrollment professionals.

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