Senior Communications Officer

Nevada State University appreciates your interest in employment. To ensure your application process runs smoothly, we ask that you keep in mind the following when completing your application:

• The required documents are listed below on the posting. Your application may not be considered if you do not attach the required documents.

• Draft applications are saved automatically and can be accessed through your candidate home account. Completed applications must be submitted prior to the close of the recruitment. Once a recruitment has closed, applications will no longer be accepted.

• Please note, recruitment will close without notice when a hiring decision has been made.

If you need assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please contact the Human Resources department at (702) 992-2320 or apply@nevadastate.edu.

The Senior Communications Officer (SCO) plays a pivotal role in providing comprehensive communications support to the Office of the President and the institution. This includes executive, media, internal, and crisis communications. The SCO frequently collaborates with executive and senior leaders, as well as marketing and events staff, to effectively communicate messages to students, staff, faculty, and the NSHE Board of Regents. The SCO serves as the official spokesperson for the institution and the primary speechwriter for the President. This role requires close collaboration with the Office of the President and the Executive Team to ensure alignment with institutional messages, themes, and priorities.

The SCO is responsible for establishing and maintaining relationships with NSHE and local government communications staff and regional and national media. The SCO manages a public relations consultant to help promote positive coverage of events, trends, and activities. Additionally, the SCO provides communications and media counsel to the President and other Nevada State leadership as needed. The role identifies and develops opportunities for earned media to enhance Nevada State’s reputation, promote public education, and communicate the President’s agenda and direction. The SCO also coordinates speaking engagements, press conferences, and media appearances.

Reporting to the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Public Affairs, the SCO will develop and implement both external and internal communications strategies for the Office of the President. This involves crafting remarks, talking points, emails, reports, PowerPoint presentations, op-eds, social media and web content, and collateral materials. As such, the SCO must be a very strong writer. The SCO will work closely with executive and senior staff and faculty to translate complex concepts into compelling language for diverse internal and external audiences. The SCO will exercise sound editorial judgment and maintain discretion.

Diversity and Inclusion Statement: 

Nevada State University, a four-year Minority Serving public institution with a statewide mission, is dedicated to excellence in teaching and learning and committed to the advancement of a diverse and largely under-served student population. Designated a Hispanic Serving (HSI) and Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Institution (AANAPI), Nevada State is a university where teaching and student support are valued above all else.  

A majority of our students are first generation, racial/ethnic minorities, parents, and/or returning students, of whi