Sr. Speech Writer (Office of the President)

Johns Hopkins University•Baltimore, MD

76d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Sr. Speech Writer who will report to the Sr. Director of Leadership Communications and Engagement. They will serve as a lead member of the writing team in the Office of the President, which is responsible for telling the story of Johns Hopkins University, the nation's first research university, and conveying the priorities of the President to a broad array of national and local audiences. Through speeches, talking points, and other communications, this person plays a critical role in helping to articulate the vision and ideas of the University President in compelling and creative ways. The person in this role must know a good story when they see one and thrive on producing deeply researched and thoughtful analysis on myriad topics from social and economic challenges facing the nation, to the future of higher education, to the student experience, to the University's partnership with its hometown of Baltimore, among many others. They must be an exceptional writer who can produce high-quality written work on a tight deadline, gather and translate complex information for a variety of audiences, and navigate and interpret feedback from a wide range of partners and stakeholders in a complex and fast-paced environment. A successful candidate will be creative, self-motivated, flexible, and highly collaborative, and will bring both humanity and good humor to their work.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree.
Three years of demonstrated professional experience working within complex organizations, including experience writing and providing communications for senior leadership. Writing samples may be requested during the selection process.
Additional education may substitute for required experience and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/ graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

Nice To Haves

Excellent oral and written communications skills.
Excellent research, analytical, and storytelling skills.
Knowledge of grammar usage and editorial style guidelines.
Ability to craft a well-timed joke, a plus.
Ability to synthesize and analyze information quickly.
Ability to maintain the utmost discretion and diplomacy in interacting with high-level individuals and maintain confidences at all times.
Ability to conceive events and media moments preferred.
Ability to work in a fast-paced and decentralized environment, while balancing competing priorities and managing multiple assignments.
Ability to be flexible and self-motivated in order to deliver high quality work product in multiple communications mediums.

Responsibilities

Write and edit speeches and other high-level materials for university events and various speaking engagements for high-impact internal and external audiences.
Be a thought partner to university leaders and the Sr. Director in producing materials that support and amplify the President's voice and priorities, including speeches, scripts, op-eds, talking points, statements, presentation materials, and other leadership communications.
Communicate information of a highly complex nature in a clear, precise, and compelling way.
Lead in conceiving and ensuring high-level execution of the President's events, messages, and presentations.
Review and edit drafts of communications materials and talking points provided by other offices to ensure they reflect the University President's voice and priorities.
Ensure that all remarks and other public statements prepared for the President, including those prepared by other offices, are accurate, fact-checked and proofed.
Identify and explore new avenues to effectively communicate the President's message to the appropriate audiences.
Monitor and analyze developments and major issues in higher education to ensure they are appropriately addressed and articulated.
Develop and sustain contacts with university leadership, faculty, staff, and other constituents.
NOTE: Please include three writing samples with resume and cover letter.