• Presidential Communications Officer

    New Jersey Institute of Technology (Newark, NJ)


    Title:

    Presidential Communications Officer

    Department:

    Office of the President

    Reports To:

    Chief of Staff

    Position Type:

    Staff

    Position Summary:

    The Presidential Communications Officer serves as the lead strategist, writer, and coordinator for all communications on behalf of the President. Reporting to the Chief of Staff to the President, this position ensures that the President’s voice, vision, and priorities are effectively communicated to internal and external stakeholders through speeches, messages, social media, and other channels. The role requires exceptional writing skills, strong organizational abilities, and the capacity to manage messaging across a wide range of platforms and audiences.

    Essential Functions:

    Talking Points & Event Support:

    -Draft and refine the President’s talking points, scripts, and remarks for events, keynotes, videos, and meetings.

     

    -Research event details and audiences to tailor tone, content, and length appropriately.

     

    -Provide on-site support at events, staging guidance, and logistical preparation.

     

    -Collaborate with others to ensure the President has complete event briefings (schedule, introductions, technology setup, timing, etc.).

     

    -Collect feedback and observations from events to continually improve future communications and provide guidance.

    Written Communications:

    -Draft campus-wide messages, presidential letters, and ad-hoc communications.

     

    -Prepare official correspondence, including congratulatory notes, thank-you letters, and statements of recognition.

     

    -Develop written materials to support strategic priorities (e.g., presentations, reports, updates).

     

    -Review and edit communications drafted by others in the President’s Office for tone, clarity, grammar, and consistency.

    Social Media Management:

    -Create and execute a social media strategy that amplifies the President’s visibility and voice.

     

    -Draft posts, capture photos, and publish content across the President’s social media platforms.

     

    -Monitor engagement, respond to interactions, and track trends to strengthen the President’s digital presence.

    Presidential Communications Strategy:

    -Translate presidential messaging goals (e.g., transparency, leadership, community-building) into a comprehensive communications plan.

     

    -Identify audiences, channels, and timing as advance as possible for key communications initiatives.

     

    -Compile and track relevant data, stories, and metrics for use in speeches, reports, and public statements.

     

    -Align messaging with Advancement, Public Affairs, and other campus units to ensure consistency and support for institutional priorities.

     

    -Contribute to crisis communications planning and response efforts.

    Design & Creative Support:

    -Produce simple design materials (invitations, certificates, PowerPoint decks, etc.) using institutional templates and resources.

     

    -Collaborate with Advancement for complex design needs.

    Voice & Brand Stewardship:

    -Develop a deep understanding of the President’s tone, style, and priorities to draft authentic, consistent communications.

     

    -Ensure all written and spoken materials reflect the President’s voice and institutional mission.

    Prerequisite Qualifications:

    -Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, English, or related field.

     

    -5+ years of professional experience in executive communications, speechwriting, public affairs, or related fields.

     

    -Exceptional writing, editing, and research skills with proven ability to adapt voice and tone.

     

    -Experience in event support and executive coaching preferred.

     

    -Familiarity with social media strategy, content creation, and analytics.

     

    -Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.

     

    -Ability to exercise discretion, judgment, and professionalism in handling sensitive information.

     

    -Collaborative spirit and experience working across departments in a complex organization.

     

    -At the university's discretion, the education and experience prerequisites may be exempted where the candidate can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the university, an equivalent combination of education and experience specifically preparing the candidate for success in the position.

    Bargaining Unit:

    Non-Aligned

    Range/Band:

    8

    Salary Information:

    In compliance with the NJ Pay Transparency Law, the annual salary range for this position is $85,000-$100,000 (USD). NJIT considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. This pay range represents base pay only and excludes any additional items such as incentives, bonuses or other items.

     

    To learn more about the comprehensive benefits NJIT offers for this position, please visit our benefits page: https://hr.njit.edu/health-benefits.

    FLSA:

    Exempt

     

    Full-Time