Job Details

Executive Assistant To The Chancellor

The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) invites applications and nominations for the position of Executive Assistant to the Chancellor. This is a renewable, full-time, non-tenured, administrative position and reports to the Chancellor. The position will be located in Reno or Las Vegas, Nevada.

The NSHE is comprised of eight institutions: two universities, a state college, four community colleges and research institute. The public system of higher education in Nevada continues to experience growth with significant opportunities in serving over 105,000 students and 15,000 employees.

The Assistant Vice Chancellor of Strategic Communications will serve as NSHE's senior-most communications leader, reporting directly to the Chancellor and serving as a member of the Chancellor's executive leadership team. The incumbent will be responsible for developing, executing, and overseeing a systemwide strategic communications framework that elevates NSHE's visibility, advances policy priorities, and strengthens stakeholder trust.

This position will support the Chancellor in setting NSHE's public voice and brand identity, ensuring that all messaging is accurate, coordinated, and strategically aligned across internal and external audiences. The Assistant Vice Chancellor of Strategic Communications will provide leadership and mentorship to communications personnel, including the Public Information Officer, and work closely with campus communications teams to ensure cohesive representation of NSHE systemwide.

Additionally, they will ensure consistent, timely, and compelling communications that elevate the profile of NSHE, the Board of Regents, and the eight member institutions, while fostering collaboration with campus communications teams.

Salary grade: This position offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with the candidate's education, experience, and certification/training. In addition to base salary, employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Comprehensive health insurance: includes health, dental, vision, and life insurance. Additionally, an employer paid long term disability plan is included.
• Outstanding retirement plan: professional employees are required to participate in the 401(a) Retirement Plan Alternative (RPA). Employee contributions of 19.25% are matched 100% by the employer and employees experience an immediate vesting in the plan. Employees who currently or previously participated in Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) of Nevada may be eligible to continue in the PERS plan.
• Paid leave: generous annual leave (accrual of 2 days per month), sick leave (granted 30 days at time of hire), 12 paid holidays, and paid family leave.
• Education benefit: employees and their qualified dependents may take advantage of a tuition savings benefit. Faculty may take up to six credits per semester at a reduced rate and their dependents may access an unlimited number of credits, if they meet specific criteria.
• Additional perks: Employee assistance programs and professional development opportunities.

Approximate starting date: November 1, 2025

Minimum qualifications: A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in communications, public relations, marketing, or a related discipline, with seven (7) years of progressively responsible communications experience, including three (3) years in a leadership role; OR a master's degree from a regionally accredited institution in communications, public relations, marketing, or a related discipline, with five (5) years of progressively responsible communications experience, including three (3) years in a leadership role.

Preferred qualifications:

• Master's degree in a related field.
• Executive-level communications experience in higher education, government, or corporate settings.
• Experience overseeing multi-platform digital communications strategies.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities: Successful candidates must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities. It is recommended that applicants for this position address each of the following items in the letter of application:

• Principles and practices of strategic communications, public relations, and media engagement.
• Digital communication tools, social media platforms, and website management best practices.
• Crisis communications and issues management strategies.
• Higher education governance and legislative processes, preferably within Nevada.
• Work under tight deadlines and manage multiple priorities.
• Exercise sound judgment, discretion, and political acumen.
• Collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders in complex organizations.
• Translate complex policy and academic topics into clear, accessible messages.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling abilities.
• Strong public speaking and presentation skills.
• Relationship-building and stakeholder engagement.
• Analytical skills to assess communications effectiveness.

Responsibilities: The duties of this position will include, but not be limited to, the following areas of responsibility:

• Serve as the Chancellor's senior advisor on communications, media strategy, and public messaging.
• Design, develop, recommend, and implement a system-wide strategic communications plan aligned with NSHE priorities. Lead integrated messaging across all platforms, ensuring alignment between NSHE central communications and institutional messaging, as delegated by the Chancellor.
• Establish performance benchmarks and evaluation metrics for communications effectiveness.
• Serve, when designated by the Chancellor, as NSHE's lead spokesperson on systemwide issues, particularly those with legislative, policy, or reputational implications. Build and maintain strategic relationships with local, state, and national media outlets, legislators, higher education leaders, business partners, and community influencers.
• Develop and distribute high-impact speeches, testimony, op-eds, and briefing materials for the Chancellor and Regents on behalf of the Chancellor and Regents, ensuring alignment with their approved positions.
• Serve as a key leader in crisis communications planning, response, and execution under the Chancellor's direction.
• Develop and maintain a crisis communications plan for NSHE.
• Anticipate emerging issues and develop proactive strategies to mitigate reputational risk.
• Coordinate with legal counsel, government relations, and campus leadership during sensitive or high-profile situations.
• Direct the systemwide digital strategy, in alignment with the Chancellor's guidance, ensuring high-quality, accessible, and engaging content across NSHE's website, social media channels, and other digital platforms.
• Protect and advance NSHE's brand identity, ensuring consistent application of visual and messaging standards.
• Lead efforts to improve accessibility, usability, and audience engagement online.
• Monitor analytics to inform recommendations and strategy to the Chancellor and leadership team.
• Strengthen communication channels and strategies with Regents, campus leadership, faculty, staff, and students in coordination with the Chancellor.
• Oversee and coordinate messaging for system-wide initiatives, policy updates, and legislative matters as assigned.

To apply: The application process will be handled through the Workday on-line search process. Application materials must include a current resume, detailed cover letter, and names, addresses, and telephone numbers of four professional references willing to be contacted. Applicants should fully describe qualifications and experience, since the initial review will serve to evaluate applicants based on documented, relevant qualifications and professional work experience. Applications will be considered incomplete without all requested materials. References will only be contacted for those who advance to the final phase of the search and with prior consent of the applicant. The review of materials will begin immediately. Materials should be addressed to Stephanie Flatt, Senior Human Resources Generalist, and are to be submitted via on-line application at . For assistance with NSHE's on-line applicant portal, contact Stephanie Flatt at (775) ###-####.

Internal applicants: Current employees within the Nevada System of Higher Education MUST use the "Find Jobs" process within Workday to find and apply for jobs at NSHE institutions. Once you log into Workday and type "Find Jobs" in the search box which will navigate to the internal job posting site. Locate the specific job posting by typing the requisition number (e.g. R0000000) in the search box.

Application deadline: Applications may be submitted until the position is filled. The review of materials will begin immediately, however, for full consideration applications should be submitted by September 14, 2025.

Required attachment(s): Application materials must include a current resume, detailed cover letter, and names, addresses, and telephone numbers of four professional references willing to be contacted.

For more information about the Nevada System of Higher Education, please visit our website at . The Nevada System of Higher Education hires only United States citizens and aliens lawfully authorized to work in the U.S.

NSHE is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to achieving excellence through diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to