Executive Communications Coaching
My research-backed coaching programs help higher education executives lead with confidence on social media, in the press, and across campus channels.
Guiding Effective Communication for Leaders — On Campus and Online
In today’s higher education landscape, senior leaders must navigate shrinking budgets, shifting enrollment, political pressures, and an increasingly digital-first “public square.” Every message you deliver carries weight for your institution’s reputation, financial health, and community trust.
That’s why executive communication can’t be left to chance. It requires strategy.
My team and I work with higher ed leaders to elevate how they show up across every channel — campus-wide updates, Board of Trustees briefings, donor events, media interviews, and digital platforms. My coaching ensures your communications are not only authentic and human, but also operationally sound and strategically aligned with your institution’s goals.
Higher Ed Leadership Coaching Services
With me as your partner, you’ll gain the confidence and tools you need to deliver messages that protect institutional credibility, foster belonging, and move your mission forward over the next 3, 6, or 12 months.
Executive Coaching & Consulting
We’ll engage in a series of one-on-one sessions to support your executive communications strategy — including channels like social media, web, media relations, and/or internal platforms. You’ll meet with Josie regularly, with additional access available between sessions.
Leadership & Communications Audit
To begin our work together, you’ll receive a comprehensive audit report reviewing your digital presence. We’ll examine how you show up online, as well as opportunities to better align your executive communications with institutional and personal goals.
Executive Benchmark Scorecard
We’ll conduct a comparative benchmark analysis to gauge your online presence against peers and aspirational leaders. This will highlight where you’re leading the way — and reveal gaps that may be limiting your influence, credibility, or connection within the campus community.
Digital Toolkit
Clients have access to a variety of templates and resources that help operationalize executive communications. These may include content calendars, data/reporting dashboards, planning tools, and more.
Strategic Communications Roadmap
You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Your roadmap will outline recommended next steps to transform your executive communications, grounded in research-based insights and industry best practices.
Custom Content Creation
For leaders short on time or without the resources to produce content, my team can craft social media captions, graphics, video scripts, and other creative assets. We’ll work with your voice, audience, and goals — keeping you consistent, credible, and impactful without adding more to your plate.
We Don’t Just Guide Leaders. We Partner With Your Team.
We can collaborate with your marketing team and staff to turn strategy into measurable results. From increasing brand visibility to strengthening stakeholder engagement and streamlining processes, we ensure your leadership goals translate into lasting impact.
Proven Guidance, Real Results
About Josie
I’m Dr. Josie Ahlquist — digital engagement and leadership strategist, researcher, author, and educator. I help higher education professionals and mission-driven organizations harness the power of digital communication to lead with authenticity, build thriving online communities, and tell their stories with purpose.
Through my consulting work, I offer tailored, hands-on support in marketing and communications strategy, executive coaching, upskilling for teams, and keynote speaking. My approach is grounded in research and fueled by empathy, helping clients lead online with clarity and confidence.
You can follow my insights and interviews on my blog and podcast, with content featured by EdTech Magazine, Inside Higher Ed, and The Chronicle of Higher Education. I’m also the author of Digital Leadership in Higher Education (2020), an Amazon #1 New Release.
Let’s connect! You’ll find me on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and Bluesky.
