Southwest Research Institute (SwRI), founded in 1947, is a leading nonprofit R&D organization tackling complex technical challenges across a wide range of disciplines. The Director of Corporate Communications, based at the San Antonio campus, is a highly visible leader responsible for shaping both internal and external communications that support SwRI’s mission, values, and technical achievements. The role oversees messaging that strengthens the Institute’s brand; manages programs such as websites, publications, press releases, social media, events, and tradeshows; and leads a team that provides design, video, photography, print, and web services to support divisions and Institute-wide initiatives.
- Lead integrated strategic communications strategies that strengthen awareness of SwRI’s programs and elevate the corporate brand.
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Partner with leadership to support business development through targeted messaging, tools and communications guidance.
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Enhance storytelling and develop marketing materials and promotional content for technical and administrative groups.
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Provide expert communication support to media, the public, and other audiences in accordance with Institute policies.
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Serve as SwRI’s spokesperson and lead high-level media engagements.
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Manage internal and external corporate communications channels, including websites, publications, press releases, media relations, social media, events, tradeshows, and other digital and print platforms.
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Oversee specialists delivering design, videography, photography, audio, print, and web services.
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Support special assignments and strategic initiatives on behalf of SwRI leadership.
- Oversee the Communications Department by managing daily operations and directing a staff of approximately 35, including budgeting, project coordination, performance management, employee development, and billing.
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Lead Communications initiatives identified by Executive Leadership and Institute Vice Presidents.
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Review internal and external communication materials to ensure quality and alignment with corporate policy.
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Identify and resolve issues related to planning, content development, production and workflows.
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Support Executive Leadership by drafting and editing sensitive or high-profile communications.
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Provide presentations to technical teams on leveraging communications for business development and outreach efforts.
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Present onboarding overviews about SwRI and the Communications department.
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Stay current on best practices in print, digital and support-service communications to continuously improve department programs.
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Provide timely notification and follow-up reporting on emergencies, accidents, illnesses, and other critical issues to the appropriate SwRI POCs and the Executive Team, after reporting such incidents to emergency responders, if necessary.
- Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Digital Media Communications, Public Relations, English, or related field required; advanced degree preferred.
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A minimum of twenty years of corporate communications experience in an R&D or technical environment.
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Proven skills in internal/external communications, media/public relations, and crisis management.
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Strong technical and creative writing, proofreading, and editing abilities.
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Familiarity with stylebooks, media monitoring tools, and performance measurement utilities.
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Capable of leading projects independently, setting objectives, and implementing solutions.
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Effective interpersonal and teamwork skills, able to motivate staff for high-quality content.
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Ability to meet deadlines under pressure.
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Highly organized and detail-oriented.
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Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and Teams.
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Valid driver's license required.
Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Applicant must be a U.S. citizen.
