Executive Communications Manager (Temporary)

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• Upload Resume or Curriculum Vitae for automatic population of information to the application.
• The contact information, work experience, and education listed on your Resume/CV will be parsed and input into your Montclair application.
• Review information and double-check all fields containing information that the system parsed – the software is intelligent, but you need to verify that the data is accurate.
• In the “My Experience” section, you will find a Resume/CV upload option where you can submit your cover letter and all other supporting documents.

Note: If you have an expansive CV, we recommend that you apply manually and only include the positions you have held in the last ten (10) years. You will then be able to attach your Resume/CV, as well as all other supporting documentation in the "My Experience" section of your application.

Job Description

SUMMARY:

The Executive Communications Manager will play a critical role in enhancing the national visibility of Montclair State University as part of the institution’s central communications organization. This full-time  position will report to the University’s Media Relations Director. 

The Executive Communications Manager will have a strong ability to leverage strategic communications tactics in order to position executives as thought leaders, with a sensitivity to risk and positioning the University in an appropriate light; a high degree of initiative and attention to detail; a strategic focus accompanied by strong tactical execution; exceptional written, oral, and digital communications skills; the ability to analyze and identify industry trends and issues and position executives favorably in the appropriate medium; and an understanding of and commitment to Montclair State University, in particular, and public higher education in general. 

**Note: This is a Temporary position working 35 hours per week for the duration of approximately four (4) months.**

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• In collaboration with the Media Relations Director and the Vice President for Communications and Marketing, help to develop a proactive strategy to continuously position University administrators as thought leaders in both the higher education industry and in mainstream media, including goals and  performance benchmarks.

• Regularly draft various long and short-form content on behalf of University leaders in accordance with University Mission and Strategic Plan, including op-eds, web content, internal and external correspondence, speeches and presentations, and social media posts.

• Analyze and interpret industry trends and issues, and develop background materials and recommendations for appropriate communications strategies.

• Develop comprehensive calendar of target industry events including conferences and speaking engagements, with corresponding dates for content submissions.

• Manage University President’s social media presence, including Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

• Draft ad hoc content to respond to emergent issues and crises.

The above statements reflect the principal functions of the job and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the position.

QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

• A minimum of three (3) years demonstrated experience providing communication support to C-Level executives.

• Ability to complete multiple competing projects accurately and on time.

• Exceptional written, oral and digital skills, including capability to write for the ear as well as the eye.

• Understanding of and commitment to diversity and inclusion.

PREFERRED:

• College degree in public relations, communications, or the humanities.

• Earned credentials that demonstrate advanced knowledge of public relations and organizational communications, such as Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) or Accreditation in Business Communications (ABC), or a master’s degree in public relations or closely related discipline.  

• Experience serving a higher education institution.

• Demonstrated experience in:

  • Strategic communications planning

  • Social media use

  • Issues management

  • Crisis communications

PROCEDURE FOR CANDIDACY

Applicants should include a resume and cover letter describing how their background, skills and education match the needs of the University. When applying, please take a moment to carefully read and follow t