James Madison University
Director of Presidential Communications and Engagement
James Madison University, Virginia, Minnesota, United States, 55792
Director of Presidential Communications and Engagement
Join to apply for the Director of Presidential Communications and Engagement role at James Madison University The Office of the President is seeking a dynamic and strategic communicator to serve as Director of Presidential Communications and Engagement. This leadership role is central to shaping and delivering the President’s voice and also supporting units within the Office of the President across campus and beyond, ensuring thoughtful, timely, and impactful engagement with all university constituents. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the mission and visibility of the university at the highest level. The successful candidate will be a trusted advisor, a creative strategist, and a collaborative partner in advancing presidential priorities. Duties and Responsibilities
Lead the development and execution of presidential communications, including speeches, letters, and campus‑wide emails. Develop and maintain the President’s voice and tone across all communications, ensuring consistency, authenticity, and alignment with institutional values and presidential priorities. Collaborate with University Communications to coordinate messaging, media responses, and institutional announcements. Support guest relations for the Office of the President, including hospitality and follow‑up for football, basketball, and other presidential events and engagements. Assist with on‑site coordination of presidential guests in the football and basketball suites. Attend games regularly as a representative of the Office of the President. Support communications related to Commencement in partnership with University Events. Direct the Presidential Engagement Fellows program, fostering meaningful student involvement and leadership, and lead the recruitment and hiring of the cohort. Chair the university awards committee for key awards given by the University/Office of the President. Serve as a key liaison to local government officials and the local community, including representing the Chief of Staff and President on internal and external commissions and committees. Collaborate closely with units within the Office of the President to support, connect, and advance the strategic initiatives of those units as they align with presidential priorities. Facilitate collaborations across divisions to support and advance the President’s strategic initiatives through strong teamwork and shared purpose. Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Communication, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field is required; Master’s degree is preferred. Proven experience in executive communications, public relations, or strategic engagement. Experience working in higher education or a similarly complex organization is preferred. Exceptional written communication skills, with demonstrated experience crafting high‑level, sensitive correspondence, speeches, presentations, and strategic documents. Proven ability to develop and execute executive‑level communication strategies that support institutional priorities and reflect presidential vision. Skilled in managing sensitive communications with discretion, professionalism, and sound judgment, serving as a trusted advisor to senior leadership. Strong relationship‑building and collaboration skills across internal and external stakeholders, including alumni, donors, and government officials. Adept at leveraging digital platforms and understanding event protocol to enhance executive messaging and ceremonial communications. Highly organized and detail‑oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently in a fast‑paced, high‑profile environment, including flexible availability for events and activities. Employment Details
Seniority level: Not Applicable Employment type: Full‑time Job function: Administrative, Writing/Editing, and Other Industries: Higher Education Benefits
Medical insurance Vision insurance Pension plan Paid paternity leave Tuition assistance Disability insurance Paid maternity leave
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Join to apply for the Director of Presidential Communications and Engagement role at James Madison University The Office of the President is seeking a dynamic and strategic communicator to serve as Director of Presidential Communications and Engagement. This leadership role is central to shaping and delivering the President’s voice and also supporting units within the Office of the President across campus and beyond, ensuring thoughtful, timely, and impactful engagement with all university constituents. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the mission and visibility of the university at the highest level. The successful candidate will be a trusted advisor, a creative strategist, and a collaborative partner in advancing presidential priorities. Duties and Responsibilities
Lead the development and execution of presidential communications, including speeches, letters, and campus‑wide emails. Develop and maintain the President’s voice and tone across all communications, ensuring consistency, authenticity, and alignment with institutional values and presidential priorities. Collaborate with University Communications to coordinate messaging, media responses, and institutional announcements. Support guest relations for the Office of the President, including hospitality and follow‑up for football, basketball, and other presidential events and engagements. Assist with on‑site coordination of presidential guests in the football and basketball suites. Attend games regularly as a representative of the Office of the President. Support communications related to Commencement in partnership with University Events. Direct the Presidential Engagement Fellows program, fostering meaningful student involvement and leadership, and lead the recruitment and hiring of the cohort. Chair the university awards committee for key awards given by the University/Office of the President. Serve as a key liaison to local government officials and the local community, including representing the Chief of Staff and President on internal and external commissions and committees. Collaborate closely with units within the Office of the President to support, connect, and advance the strategic initiatives of those units as they align with presidential priorities. Facilitate collaborations across divisions to support and advance the President’s strategic initiatives through strong teamwork and shared purpose. Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Communication, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field is required; Master’s degree is preferred. Proven experience in executive communications, public relations, or strategic engagement. Experience working in higher education or a similarly complex organization is preferred. Exceptional written communication skills, with demonstrated experience crafting high‑level, sensitive correspondence, speeches, presentations, and strategic documents. Proven ability to develop and execute executive‑level communication strategies that support institutional priorities and reflect presidential vision. Skilled in managing sensitive communications with discretion, professionalism, and sound judgment, serving as a trusted advisor to senior leadership. Strong relationship‑building and collaboration skills across internal and external stakeholders, including alumni, donors, and government officials. Adept at leveraging digital platforms and understanding event protocol to enhance executive messaging and ceremonial communications. Highly organized and detail‑oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently in a fast‑paced, high‑profile environment, including flexible availability for events and activities. Employment Details
Seniority level: Not Applicable Employment type: Full‑time Job function: Administrative, Writing/Editing, and Other Industries: Higher Education Benefits
Medical insurance Vision insurance Pension plan Paid paternity leave Tuition assistance Disability insurance Paid maternity leave
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