Responsibilities

• Develop and execute integrated communications strategies that advance Academy priorities, reputation and visibility.
• Serve as a strategic communications partner to the dean, Development and External Relations leadership and other Academy leaders.
• Develop communications plans and messaging for major initiatives, partnerships, program launches, announcements and events.
• Write and edit executive communications, including speeches, talking points, presentations, correspondence, announcements and briefing materials.
• Identify and develop compelling stories featuring Academy students, faculty, alumni, programs, research, ventures, partnerships and philanthropic impact.
• Create, write and edit content across newsletters, email campaigns, publications, donor communications and other digital and print platforms.
• Manage the Academy’s editorial calendar to ensure communications are coordinated, timely and aligned with strategic priorities.
• Lead public and media relations efforts, including developing press materials, pitching stories, responding to media inquiries, preparing individuals for interviews and identifying thought-leadership opportunities.
• Develop, write, edit, design and manage content for the Academy’s website, digital communications and social media channels, ensuring consistent messaging, voice and editorial quality.
• Partner with Development and External Relations leadership to develop and execute communications strategies and materials that support donor communications, stewardship, fundraising initiatives, alumni engagement and industry partnerships.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, English or a related field. Combined experience and education may substitute for the minimum education requirement.
• Five years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, higher education communications, nonprofit communications or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience developing communications strategies and creating content for multiple audiences and platforms.
• Exceptional writing, editing, proofreading and verbal communication skills.
• Experience developing executive communications and supporting senior leaders.
• Strong editorial judgment and storytelling ability.
• Experience with media relations, including press materials, media inquiries, story pitching and interview preparation.
• Experience developing and managing website, email, newsletter and social media content.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, competing priorities and complex review processes.
• Ability to translate complex, interdisciplinary, academic or technical subject matter into accessible and engaging content.

Preferred

• Advanced degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, higher education administration or a related field.
• Experience in higher education, advancement, nonprofit, technology, design, entrepreneurship, innovation, media or the creative industries.
• Experience developing donor communications, philanthropic impact stories, fundraising materials or stewardship communications.
• Experience with content management systems, email marketing platforms, social media management tools, project management systems and digital analytics platforms.
• Knowledge of search engine optimization, digital accessibility and web content best practices.
• Experience managing creative professionals, freelancers, agencies or external vendors.
• Experience supporting crisis communications, issues management or sensitive institutional announcements.
• Experience providing strategic direction or supervision to communications professionals, student employees or external partners.