Communications Manager

High Meadows Environmental Institute (HMEI) – the interdisciplinary center of environmental research, education, and outreach at Princeton University -- seeks a creative, energetic, and highly skilled communications professional to serve as Manager, Communications. Reporting to the Executive Director, the incumbent will manage comprehensive communications functions for the Institute with a goal of increasing visibility and engagement among stakeholders, affiliates, and the public. 

Summary of Role and Responsibilities:

• Work with HMEI’s leadership to establish communications goals and priorities and execute strategies that advance HMEI’s identity, reputation, and mission as a world leading interdisciplinary center of excellence for environmental scholarship and teaching.
• Produce and publish content that aligns with HMEI’s strategic goals and engages a wide range of audiences and stakeholders.
• Serve as a resource for faculty, administrative staff, and program managers, to highlight and promote HMEI research and teaching programs, priority activities, research outcomes, and faculty and student achievements.
• Ensure the accuracy, quality, and consistency of presentation across communications channels, materials, and social media platforms.
• Contribute to the planning, production, and staging of HMEI events including endowed lecture series, faculty/research forums, and special/sponsored events.

To be successful in this role, the incumbent must be a versatile communicator, a collaborative team player, and strategic in approach.

Principle Communications activities include:

Content Strategy: Develop and implement communication strategies that convey the institute’s mission and priorities, increase visibility, and expand stakeholder engagement.

• Prioritize story ideas and develop messaging on major institutional activities.
• Promote HMEI programs, events, and outreach activities to engage broad audiences including faculty, students, alumni, and the public.
• Develop and implement social media strategies to deliver timely reporting on news and important announcements.

Content Creator: Develop, write, edit, and publish content for distribution in different formats and across communications channels including web, digital, social media, and print publications. 

• Produce and publish feature stories, news, newsletters, announcements, and reports that recognize faculty and student achievements, research, and program outcomes.
• Maintain HMEI’s website as a dynamic information resource for news, information on programs and personnel, archival retention, and donor stewardship.
• Coordinate the integration of graphics, photography, video, and other visual materials to enhance the presentation and effectiveness of print and digital communications.
• Ensure well written, accurate, and consistent messaging and content across communications channels and platforms.
• Utilize effective composition, visual design, and editorial skills to ensure that communications adhere to HMEI visual standards and comply with University style guides.
• Assure consistency and alignment with HMEI and University messaging, brand, core values and priorities.
• Hire and direct outside service providers (freelancers, photographers, videographers) to assist in content generation and production of communications materials.
• Author, review, and edit press releases. Create presentation materials as requested.

Outreach and Collaboration: Work collaboratively with HMEI colleagues and others including personnel in the offices of University Communications, Dean for Research, and Advancement, among others, to exchange ideas and content, coordinate reporting, and plan and produce events in such a way as to expand HMEI’s reach and impact. Serve on campus-wide communications committees and working groups as appropriate and requested.

To apply:  submit resume, cover letter, and up to three (3) professional writing samples. The cover letter should explain why you desire the position and why you would excel in the role.

Essential Qualifications: 

Bachelor’s degree. 5+ years experience in the communications field. 

Superior oral and written communications skills. Able to communicate complex ideas clearly and concisely in multiple formats and across a variety of media. Creativity in approaching assignments. Able to constructively edit others’ work for grammar, spelling, format, and tone. Knowledge of AP and/or Chicago Manual style.

Experience managing social media platforms to deliver content and messaging.  

Knowledge of print and digital content production and best practices. Familiarity with web design and content management systems

Strong leadership skills: Models a highly communicative and collaborative leadership style that fosters an environment of trust and reliability among the stakeholder community. Customer focused and proactive. Demonstrates excellent judgment and exercises discretion, personal integrity, and professionalism. Self-motivated with ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Organized. Proven success in project management. Ability to meet tight deadlines, prioritize, and work on several projects simultaneously.

Problem solving skills; ability to respond quickly to changing needs and priorities.

Attention to detail.

Proficiency in Microsoft desktop applications (PowerPoint, Word, Excel).  

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience writing on technical or scientific material is a plus but not necessary. We are seeking a top-notch communicator who is curious about and skilled at explaining complexity for a general audience. Experience in a University setting.  Experience hiring and managing freelancers (writers, copy editors, designers, and photographers). Interest in environmental issues.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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