Senior Writer, Executive Communications
The Senior Writer for Executive Communications is responsible for writing all high-level communications, including speeches, remarks, communications strategies and correspondence for the President in pursuit of the strategic goals of the university. Reporting to the Vice President for Marketing and Communications (MarCom), and working closely with the President and the Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations, the Senior Writer for Executive Communications is also responsible for coordinating and writing presidential statements and correspondence in response to controversial issues and noteworthy events.
The person in this role will also be responsible for working with Development on selected key materials in support of the University's philanthropic program, such as compelling campaign endowment proposals and materials in support of the comprehensive campaign. Based on dynamic interaction with the President, the VP MarCom and the VP for Development, the incumbent will develop strategies and messaging that effectively advance the President's strategic priorities for the university. The Presidential Writer also works closely with other members of MarCom, Development and Alumni Relations, as well as other units across campus to coordinate messaging and enhance the President's position as a thought leader.
The Senior Writer for Executive Communications will be expected to cultivate close and effective working relationships with the academic deans and faculty, members of the offices of the Provost, the Chief Experience Officer, Strategy and Community Outreach, Chief Financial Officer, and Equity and Inclusion. These relationships will allow the Presidential Writer to effectively develop communication strategies for the President's messaging.
The Senior Writer for Executive Communications will also work on various writing for the Offices of Development and Alumni Relations, as well as MarCom. The incumbent will be responsible for contributing as a writer for various communications, including internal communications as needed.
About Quinnipiac:
Quinnipiac is a private, coeducational, nonsectarian institution located 90 minutes north of New York City and two hours from Boston. The university enrolls more than 9,500 students in 110 degree programs through its Schools of Business, Communications, Education, Computing and Engineering, Health Sciences, Law, Medicine, Nursing, and the College of Arts and Sciences. Quinnipiac is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as both a best-value school and a top national university, and has also earned recognition in Princeton Review's "The Best 387 Colleges". Quinnipiac has been named a "Great College to Work For" as determined by a comprehensive industry survey. For more information, please visit qu.edu. Connect with Quinnipiac on Facebook and follow Quinnipiac on Twitter and Instagram @QuinnipiacU.
Responsibilities:
Presidential messages: 45%
Draft all formal written communications from the President, including: messages to the campus community, alumni, trustees, and parents; articles, op-eds, and correspondence in Quinnipiac publications and external publications . Draft talking points and full speeches that the President uses in various venues. This may include speeches to large groups, remarks at receptions for faculty, donors, parents, or students, and talking points in small settings on campus and off campus.
Development and Alumni Relations communications: 30%
The Senior Writer for Executive Communications will serve as the lead strategic writer for high end materials that will help to engage alumni, parents, friends, corporations and foundations in Quinnipiac University's philanthropic program. This will include materials in support of the University's comprehensive campaign as well as compelling and personalized campaign endowment proposals, including proposals for foundations and corporations that will secure transformational philanthropy for the University, stewardship letters and reports, as well as speeches and event scripts. The Presidential Writer will work closely with Development on these matters.
Other communications duties: 10%
Responsible for communications projects as assigned by the Vice President for MarCom, including drafting internal communications for the university
Presidential communications and messaging strategy: 10%
Conduct research regarding topics, individuals, and issues to ensure that all presidential remarks are informed and current, and reflect most favorably on the president and the university. Coordinate with others in MarCom, Development and Alumni Relations, and the academic administration in the development and implementation of a presidential communications and messaging strategy that reflects the president's goals and initiatives and enhances the president's role as a thought leader. While not responsible for drafting every message, the incumbent will coordinate with, and provide guidance to, these offices on presidential communications, and messaging to donors, alumni, parents, faculty, students, and staff
Managing presidential communications efforts: 5%
Identify areas for streamlining presidential communications efforts, and develop a strategy to fill these gaps, such as by the development of standard approaches and messaging for recurrent circumstances. Identify potential avenues to expand effective presidential communications and messaging at Quinnipiac and beyond. Coordinate with others in the Office of the President to anticipate and coordinate scheduling and all circumstances in which the President will be expected to make remarks
Oversee email communications, especially replies to mass emails
Undertake special projects for the President relating to communications strategy
Other duties as assigned.
Education Requirements:
Bachelor's degree required
Master's degree preferred
Qualifications:
Five or more years of demonstrated experience working within complex organizations, including experience writing and providing communications advice to senior leadership. Fewer years of direct experience may be acceptable if the candidate demonstrates other relevant outstanding experience and abilities
Superb writing skills
Higher education administrative experience is desirable
Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with diverse internal and external constituent groups
Ability to analyze, understand and communicate complex issues
Values and respects diversity as an individual, in a team and within groups while fostering an inclusive and supportive environment
Unquestionably superb writing skills - ability to write effectively and clearly across a range of media - often while working under tight deadlines.
Demonstrated ability to exhibit accuracy and an attention to detail in all their work, whether with the President or with colleagues across campus or contacts outside the institution
Possess an ability to capture the distinctive voice of the President in speeches, remarks and correspondence
Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations and a commitment to diversity and inclusion
Special Instructions to Applicants: TO APPLY: Applications must be submitted electronically and include:
1. A resume
2. A cover letter addressing how your experience supports the requirements of this position and Quinnipiac's commitment to diversity and inclusion
3. Three (3) Writing Samples
Quinnipiac University has a strong commitment to the principles and practices of diversity and inclusion throughout the University community and welcomes candidates who enhance that diversity.
We offer a comprehensive benefits package for full-time faculty and staff which includes tuition remission and a culture that is inclusive and driven by excellence.
Quinnipiac University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
To apply, visit https://career.qu.edu/cw/en-us/job/495441/senior-writer-executive-communications