Director of Presidential Communications

Brandeis University is delighted to announce a career opportunity for a seasoned higher education communications professional to serve as the Director of Presidential Communications, reporting to the President’s Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor.  Reporting to the Chief of Staff in the Office of the President, the Director for Presidential Communications will work directly with the President on the preparation of substantive, creative, occasion-specific, and well-researched speeches, responses, talking points, and other presidential communications. Serve as primary writer for presidential communications, speeches, media, and special projects, and establish a communications program to meet the president’s objectives and strategic priorities; ensure that presidential communications project the University’s mission and values, including a passionate commitment to advancing diversity, inclusion, and belonging. 

In this role you would manage Presidential correspondence on a day-to-day basis. Craft individual correspondence, letters, recommendations, and meeting notes as needed. Oversee all written and formal communications for the President including messages to the campus community, alumni, donors, trustees, and parents, as well as responses to campus-wide correspondence.  Prepare articles and correspondence in internal and external publications.  

About Brandeis University:  Brandeis University occupies a special place in the ranks of leading research universities. A young institution, boldly conceived, Brandeis is intent on carrying on the great traditions of learning at the highest levels of rigor and meaning, with a moral conviction for inclusion and justice. In a world challenged by intolerance and ignorance, and burdened by disregard and disdain for learnedness, reason, and inquiry, this university has a special and truly unique role to play. President Ronald D. Liebowitz, is a recognized administrative leader in higher education, whose academic scholarship centers on political geography, Russia, and higher education, is Brandeis’s ninth president.  To view the President’s Framework for the Future:  https://www.brandeis.edu/framework/

Responsibilities Include:

• Developing first drafts and final editing of major communication initiatives, to include: major speeches, public events, and presentations, University-wide messages including sensitive topics, and statements, articles, quotes, and other communications as directed by the President and Chief of Staff. Draft speeches, messaging, and talking points tailored to the President’s needs and crafted to emphasize and disseminate the administration's key messages in the President’s style and voice. Draft content for potential use by media outlets (e.g. op-eds, columns). Ensure high stylistic quality, a consistent tone, and accuracy in all communications. Exercise sound editorial judgment maintaining discretion.
• Researching issues of high importance to the President and strategic priorities of the University. Conduct research regarding topics, individuals, and issues to ensure that all presidential remarks are informed and current and reflect the most favorably on the President and Brandeis.
• Collaborating closely with the Office of Communications to develop and enhance University communication approaches for the President, ensuring mutual alignment on institutional messages, themes, priorities, and scheduling. Build and maintain relationships with various offices on campus including Institutional Advancement, academic units, the Provost's Office, Admissions, and others to align presidential speaking engagements and written messages with the goals of units.
• Sharing oversight of the correspondence review process in the Office of the President. Reviews and edits general correspondence prepared by other University offices and departments for the President's signature, including donor acknowledgements. 
• Participating in the University's crisis communications preparedness and response. Coordinate with others in the Office of the President in the preparation of daily briefing materials for the President. Attend staff and calendar meetings in the Office of the President to anticipate and coordinate all circumstances in which the President will be expected to make remarks.
• Undertaking special projects for the President and Chief of Staff. Develops reports and analyses as needed for the President in collaboration with the Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor.
• Drafting presidential reports to the Board of Trustees. Assists in the editing and preparation of the President's Board of Trustees materials in consultation with the Board Secretary and Chief of Staff.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in English, Journalism, Communications, or a related field. Graduate degree preferred.
• Work Experience: At least 8 years of demonstrated experience working within complex organizations including experience writing and providing communications advice to senior leadership. Additional Job Requirements: Ability to translate complex concepts into clear, compelling language for a wide range of audiences ranging from students, staff, faculty, and alumni to partner institutions and the local community.
• A demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment and excel at managing to multiple competing deadlines.
• Superb collaboration and communication skills with all levels of internal and external stakeholders. Values and respects diversity as an individual, in a team and within groups while fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment.

To receive full consideration your application must include a cover letter, resume and three (3) writing samples. 

Closing Statement

Brandeis University is committed to providing its students, faculty and staff with an environment conducive to learning and working and where all people are treated with respect and dignity. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, ethnicity, caste, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, including transgender identity, religion, disability, age, genetics, active military or veteran status and any other characteristics protected under applicable federal or Massachusetts law.