Director of Special Projects

The Director of Special Projects drives strategic messaging on key initiatives in the Office of Communications and across the University through expert planning, flawless writing and deft navigation of a complex organization. The Director will serve as a member of the Office’s senior leadership team and as the primary strategic communications partner of the University’s Office of Government Affairs in Washington.

About the Office of Communications

The Office of Communications protects and enhances the reputation of Princeton as one of the world’s great universities, and supports its research and teaching mission. The Office of Communications develops and delivers strategic messages to key audiences through the University website, the University’s primary social media channels, media relations and other channels.

Principal responsibilities:

• Develop and execute key communications initiatives that have been identified to support the University’s strategic priorities, including defining the scope and timeline of each project and leading cross-campus planning, collaboration, and execution.
• Serve as the primary strategic communications partner of the Office of Government Affairs in Washington, planning and executing communications that support OGA’s direct engagement with the executive and legislative branches, as well as broader communications efforts that support the University’s related priorities.
• Create and manage project teams drawn from the staff of the Office of Communications and campus partners to execute initiatives.
• Work closely with the AVP for Communications on teamwide planning and leadership development.

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.
• Experience engaging in communications or government advocacy around government 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 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.

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.