Manager of Communications

Overview

Reporting directly to the Senior Associate Dean for Finance and Administration, the Manager of Communications provides strategic leadership for communications, marketing, and public relations for the Office of the Dean of the Faculty (ODoF). The position develops and executes integrated communications strategies that support institutional priorities, advance organizational objectives, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and enhance the visibility and reputation of the Office of the Dean of the Faculty and its constituent faculty and academic professional communities.

The Manager serves as ODoF's principal communications advisor, counseling senior leadership within ODoF and, as needed, other campus administrative offices on messaging, issues management, organizational change, media relations, crisis communications, governance-related communications, and other complex or sensitive matters affecting faculty and academic professional populations. The role leads communications planning, content strategy, web governance, branding, assessment, and continuous improvement initiatives while managing communications projects, external vendors, freelancers, and student staff. Working collaboratively with University Communications and partners across Princeton, the position ensures that communications are coordinated, effective, data-informed, and aligned with University priorities and standards.

For full consideration, please submit cover letter with resume.

Responsibilities

Communications, Content Development & Public Relations (35%)

• Lead the creation, editing, and dissemination of communications across web, digital, print, email, presentation, and multimedia platforms.
• Develop messaging, executive correspondence, speeches, reports, presentations, newsletters, publications, briefing materials, and other communications for internal and external audiences.
• Oversee media inquiries and coordinate responses in partnership with University Communications.
• Publicize faculty accomplishments, awards, initiatives, and institutional priorities through strategic storytelling and promotional activities.
• Maintain editorial quality, consistency, and adherence to University branding and style standards.

Strategic Communications (25%)

• Develop and implement comprehensive communications and marketing strategies supporting the mission, priorities, and initiatives of the Office of the Dean of the Faculty.
• Serve as the principal communications advisor to the Dean of the Faculty and ODoF senior leadership on messaging, organizational change, governance matters, issues management, and sensitive communications.
• Partner with University Communications and campus communicators to ensure alignment with institutional communications priorities and strategies.
• Develop crisis response communications and communications strategies, protocols, and guidance for emerging issues.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen the visibility, reputation, and effectiveness of ODoF communications.

Digital Communications, Web Governance & Analytics (15%)

• Direct web content strategy, governance, and content management for the Office of the Dean of the Faculty website and related digital properties.
• Establish website governance processes, content ownership structures, and publication standards.
• Lead digital accessibility compliance efforts and ensure alignment with University standards and best practices.
• Monitor, analyze, and report on website, email, and communications performance metrics.
• Use analytics, constituent feedback, and communications assessments to improve engagement and effectiveness.

Project Management, Operations & Resource Management (15%)

• Manage complex communications projects from planning through execution.
• Develop communications workflows, production schedules, editorial calendars, and process improvements.
• Recruit, train, supervise, and coordinate student interns, freelancers, photographers, designers, writers, and other external vendors.
• Oversee vendor relationships, negotiate contracts and pricing, and manage communications-related budgets and resources.
• Conduct benchmarking and research on higher education communications trends and best practices.

Institutional Initiatives & Special Projects (10%)

• Lead communications planning and implementation for significant institutional initiatives, strategic projects, and organizational change efforts.
• Support faculty governance, academic affairs, labor relations, major technology implementations, and other cross-functional initiatives through strategic communications planning and execution.
• Develop high-level reports, briefing materials, and presentations for University leadership, trustees, and external audiences.
• Represent ODoF on University committees, working groups, and communications networks.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, English, Higher Education Administration, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, marketing, public relations, media relations, content strategy, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing communications strategies for complex organizations with multiple stakeholder groups.
• Experience writing and editing for a variety of audiences and communication platforms, including web, digital, print, email, reports, speeches, presentations, and executive correspondence.
• Experience managing communications projects involving multiple partners, deadlines, and competing priorities.
• Experience managing vendors, freelancers, contractors, interns, or project teams.
• Exceptional writing, editing, proofreading, and storytelling skills.
• Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.
• Knowledge of editorial standards and style guides, including AP Style and/or Chicago Manual of Style.
• Strong presentation development and executive communications skills.
• Ability to develop, implement, and assess integrated communications and marketing plans.
• Ability to advise senior leaders on communications strategy, stakeholder engagement, and sensitive communications matters.
• Knowledge of media relations, issues management, and organizational communications best practices.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage numerous concurrent projects under deadline pressure.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships and work effectively across departments and organizational levels.
• Demonstrated ability to establish processes, workflows, and operational improvements.
• Exercise sound judgment and discretion when handling sensitive and confidential information.
• Experience managing web content and digital communications platforms.
• Experience using content management systems, preferably Drupal.
• Knowledge of web analytics and communications performance metrics.
• Knowledge of digital accessibility standards and best practices.
• Knowledge of print production and digital publishing processes.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud applications, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, or equivalent design tools.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Preferred

• Master's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, Higher Education Administration, or related field.
• 7-10 years of professional communications experience.
• Experience in higher education communications, academic administration, or similarly complex mission-driven organizations.
• Experience supporting executive leadership teams and advising senior administrators on communications strategy.
• Experience developing communications for governance, labor relations, organizational change, policy implementation, or crisis response initiatives.
• Experience leading institution-wide or cross-functional communications initiatives.
• Experience conducting communications assessment, audience research, benchmarking, and stakeholder engagement studies.
• Experience overseeing web governance, content strategy, and digital communications operations.
• Experience managing communications budgets and external vendor relationships.

Standard Weekly Hours

36.25

Eligible for Overtime

No

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Probationary Period

180 days

Essential Services Personnel (see policy for detail)

No

Physical Capacity Exam Required

No

Valid Driver's License Required

No

Experience Level

Mid-Senior Level

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Salary Range

$101,000 to $112,000