Director of Special Projects

The Director of Special Projects leads special projects, programs, and content development initiatives. The Director is on the leadership team of the Office of Communications, which is responsible for the distribution of news and information about the University, the content and design of University's home page, media relations, digital communications (including social media), print and web design, publications, visual communications, and other initiatives.

Principal responsibilities:

The Director develops, coordinates, and implements strategic projects. Deliverables may include editorial, special events, media relations, videos, photography, social media, graphic design, publications and/or other materials.

• The purpose of the role is to advance key communications initiatives that have been identified to support the University’s strategic priorities, each with a specific defined scope and timeline, and requiring significant cross campus planning, collaboration, and execution.
  
• The Director will develop the communications plan, working with communications staff and campus partners to execute the plan and report on results. The Director will have the ability to create and manage project teams, working in partnership with the Director of Project Management in communications to plan and track resources and workflow.
• The Director, as an experienced and senior leader on the team, will also take on additional office-wide management projects as directed by the Communications executive team.

Essential qualifications

• A bachelor's degree and at least 10 years of successful experience in communications and content creation, preferably in a leadership or managerial role.
• Ability to communicate in writing and orally clearly, compellingly, and quickly. Must have relevant crisis and issues management experience and skills.
• A track record of creative storytelling around complex issues.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex tasks under significant time pressures in multi-stakeholder settings.
• Facility with digital implementation of communications strategies, including through web, mobile and social media and demonstrated adaptability as media channels evolve over time.
• Proven ability to build relationships to work effectively with and influence and provide strategic counsel and practical advice to key stakeholders, team members, and senior leadership.

• Strong presentation skills with a proven ability to communicate effectively with a diverse group of people and audiences.  

• Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion in handling confidential information and material.

• The final candidate will be required to pass a background check.

Preferred qualifications:

• Knowledge of and affinity with colleges and universities and their characteristics and missions, and especially Princeton or institutions of a comparable nature.
• Knowledge of national and international issues of particular concern to colleges and universities.
• An appreciation of Princeton's commitments to excellent teaching and research, diversity and affordability, and leadership and service.  

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.  KNOW YOUR RIGHTS