James Madison University · 7 hours ago
Director of Presidential Communications and Engagement
Harrisonburg, VA
Full-time
Onsite
Director/ExecutiveJames Madison University is a selective public institution located in Harrisonburg, Virginia, committed to preparing students for meaningful lives. They are seeking a Director of Presidential Communications and Engagement to lead the development and execution of presidential communications and support engagement with university constituents.
AssociationNon Profit
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
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Communication, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field is required
Proven experience in executive communications, public relations, or strategic engagement
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
Preferred
Master's degree in Communication, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field
Experience working in higher education or a similarly complex organization
Benefits
JMU’s Dual Career and Community Resources Program is available for candidates that will be relocating to the area.
Company
James Madison University
James Madison University offers programs on the bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels with its primary emphasis on the undergraduate student.
Founded in 1908Harrisonburg, Virginia, USA
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Johnny Ginnity, SES, FACHE
University Lecturer--CEO
Caroline Shelly
Co-founder and President of SMAD Club
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