Presidential Communications Director - The George Washington University

I. JOB OVERVIEW

Job Description Summary:

The Office of Communications and Marketing is comprised of a high-performing team responsible for advancing the university’s reputation and telling GW’s story through a diverse array of university channels, including digital and web properties and publications, multimedia and web properties, creative services, publications, media relations and paid marketing efforts across the university. This office drives the strategy and tactics for highlighting and raising the visibility of the university’s experts, initiatives, and accomplishments.

The Office of Communications and Marketing is currently seeking a Presidential Communications Director. The office combines the communications, marketing, and creative services for the university. Communications and Marketing develop and implement strategies and tactics for showcasing and raising the visibility of the university’s experts, initiatives, and accomplishments. It manages media inquiries and interviews with senior university leadership and produces print and online publications to showcase the university.

Presidential Communications Director
Reporting to the Vice President for Communications and Marketing in the Office of Communications & Marketing (OCM) and in close coordination with the Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives and Engagements the Presidential Communications Director manages communications for the university President and Office of the President. The individual in this role will have the exciting opportunity to support the communications of Ellen Granberg, the university’s 19th President.

The Presidential Communications Director is an experienced communications professional who serves as the President’s voice in both written and spoken communications. This individual is a leader who will work closely in coordination with the Office of the President to develop long-term proactive communications support for high-priority initiatives while also managing a high volume of daily presidential communications needs.

Responsibilities include:

• Developing a proactive annual presidential communications plan and managing the day-to-day communications needs for the university President.
• Writing and editing talking points and speeches for the President’s public events and meetings, as well as messages to the university community, statements, quotes and high-level correspondence.
• Reviewing and editing briefings for events in which the President is participating.
• Creating a social media plan and developing content for the President’s social media accounts, such as Instagram, X/Twitter, and LinkedIn.
• Collaborating closely with fellow colleagues in OCM (media relations, editorial, internal communications, multimedia, digital content, web) and stakeholders in schools and administrative departments across the university to execute communications priorities.
• Participating in rapid response communications efforts to monitor and address issues in consultation with OCM colleagues.
• Overseeing the Office of the President email address and coordinating appropriate responses.
• Managing the Office of the President website.

Excellent writing skills and ability to quickly synthesize complex information are imperative in this role. Developing and fostering positive relationships with many stakeholders and ability to interact with executives also is critical.

Applicants with previous experience as a communications manager or director for an executive, particularly in higher education, or as a speechwriter or journalist in a fast-paced environment, are encouraged to apply.

Performs other related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.

Minimum Qualifications:

Qualified candidates will hold a Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization plus 7 years of relevant professional experience, or, a Master’s degree or higher in a relevant area of study plus 5 years of relevant professional experience. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position. Degree requirements may be substituted with an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Additional Required Licenses/Certifications/Posting Specific Minimum Qualifications:

Preferred Qualifications:

Hiring Range

$88,562.15 - $128,379.87

GW Staff Approach to Pay

Healthcare Benefits

GW offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, time off & leave, retirement savings, tuition, well-being and various voluntary benefits. For program details and eligibility, please visit

II. JOB DETAILS

Campus Location:

Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.

College/School/Department:

External Relations

Family

Comm, Mktg & Media

Sub-Family

Communications and Public Relations

Stream

Individual Contributor

Level

Level 4

Full-Time/Part-Time:

Full-Time

Hours Per Week:

40

Work Schedule:

Monday - Friday (daytime hours) Occasional evenings/weekends

Will this job require the employee to work on site?

Yes

Employee Onsite Status

Hybrid

Telework:

Yes

Required Background Check:

Criminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, Social Security Number Trace, and Sex Offender Registry Search

Special Instructions to Applicants:

• Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status
• Three samples of relevant written work (for example speeches, talking points, briefings, communications plans)

Internal Applicants Only?

No

Posting Number:

S013315

Job Open Date:

09/17/2024

Job Close Date:

If temporary, grant funded or limited term appointment, position funded until:

Background Screening

Successful Completion of a Background Screening will be required as a condition of hire.

EEO Statement:

The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.