New

Director of Executive Communications

Rutgers University

life insurance, employee discount

United States, New Jersey, New Brunswick

Jan 22, 2026

Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title	Director of Executive Communications
Job Category	Staff & Executive - Advertising/Marketing/Public Relations/Communications
Department	New Brunswick Chancellor
Overview	Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is a leading national research university and the State of New Jersey's preeminent, comprehensive public institution of higher education. As one of the largest employers in the State of New Jersey, Rutgers University is committed not only to the students and the State that we serve, but also to the faculty and staff who work on our campuses. For two consecutive years, Rutgers is ranked on Forbes' list of America's Best Large Employers. Rutgers holds #64 of 500 employers and is the #1 New Jersey employer on the publication's 2023 list. Rutgers' commitment to its employees includes maintaining and fostering a safe, diverse, and respectful workplace environment, creating employment opportunities for our nation's military veterans, and ensuring accessibility and accommodation for individuals with disabilities.
Posting Summary	Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a Director of Executive Communications for the New Brunswick Chancellor. Reporting to the Chancellor, the Director of Executive Communications serves as the principal strategist and lead architect for the Chancellor's communications, messaging, and public positioning. Among the key duties of this position are the following: Works in collaboration with the Vice Chancellor for Communication and Marketing, this role exists to shape and elevate the voice, visibility, and impact of the Chancellor of Rutgers-New Brunswick, advancing the institution's mission, vision, and priorities through consistent, compelling, and data-informed executive communications. Functions as a strategic advisor to the Chancellor, providing counsel on messaging and public engagement. Works closely with the Vice Chancellor to maintain alignment with university-wide communications strategy while ensuring the Chancellor's distinctive voice and brand identity are consistently represented. Leads the development and execution of clear, compelling, and consistent messaging for the Chancellor across written, digital, and spoken formats. Drafts, edits, and produces a wide range of communications including speeches, emails, talking points, statements, presentations, and constituent responses, ensuring accuracy, tone alignment, and message discipline. Anticipates communication needs by monitoring campus issues, national trends, and feedback from university leadership. Manages day-to-day operation of the Chancellor's communication channels and ensures content is aligned with the Chancellor's priorities. Manages the Office of the Chancellor email inbox ensuring timely, coordinated, and comprehensive responses. Coordinates with senior leaders, school/department communicators, and the President's Office to ensure message alignment and appropriate sequencing. Reviews engagement and performance metrics and provides recommendations to improve clarity, reach, and resonance. Produces and manages content for presentations, high-profile events, video scripts, talking points, op-eds, multimedia pieces, and major campus announcements. Develops messaging frameworks and thematic narratives for annual priorities, major initiatives, and Chancellor-led projects. Prepares the Chancellor for public appearances, meetings, and interviews through well-researched briefing materials, background notes, and key message guidance. Maintains and updates content on the Chancellor's website, LinkedIn page, and emerging platforms, ensuring a cohesive executive digital brand. Tailors messaging to diverse internal and external audiences and adapts communications based on engagement insights and audience response. Supports the planning and rollout of high-visibility university initiatives by coordinating messaging, timing, and supporting materials across stakeholders. Works closely with the Vice Chancellor for Communications & Marketing to translate strategic communication goals into actionable plans and deliverables. Builds relationships with campus partners to gather information, ensure readiness for announcements, and streamline communication flow. Helps identify authentic visibility opportunities such as thought-leadership placements, campus engagements, and community/partner communications. Coordinates logistics and communication needs for public events and appearances, ensuring the Chancellor is fully prepared with accurate and impactful materials.
FLSA	Exempt
Grade	08
Salary Details
Minimum Salary	108670.000
Mid Range Salary	137547.000
Maximum Salary	166424.000
Offer Information	The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.
Benefits	Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include: Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable) Life insurance coverage Employee discount programs
Position Status	Full Time
Working Hours
Standard Hours	37.50
Daily Work Shift
Work Arrangement
Union Description	Admin Assembly (MPSC)
Payroll Designation	PeopleSoft
Seniority Unit
Terms of Appointment	Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility	ABP

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	Bachelor's degree preferably in communications, public relations, journalism, public policy, English, marketing, or a related field. Minimum of five years of progressive experience in executive communications, speechwriting, strategic communications, or related roles.
Certifications/Licenses
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities	Must anticipate needs, navigate sensitive matters with discretion, and translate the Chancellor's leadership priorities into powerful, resonant communications that reach diverse internal and external audiences. Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills with the ability to craft compelling messages for diverse audiences. Demonstrated ability to translate complex topics into clear, accessible communications. Proven experience advising senior leaders and navigating sensitive or high-stakes issues with discretion. Strong strategic thinking, planning, and project management skills. Ability to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. High proficiency with digital content management systems, email platforms, social media, and analytics tools. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with senior leaders, faculty, staff, and external partners.
Preferred Qualifications	Master's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, higher education administration, public policy, or related field. 7-10 years. Experience working in higher education, public sector leadership, or executive-level communications. Experience developing message frameworks and managing complex communication rollouts. Familiarity with multimedia content development and executive digital branding.
Equipment Utilized	Software and platforms such as Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Adobe Creative Suite (or equivalent), CMS tools, social media management dashboards, and project management platforms.
Physical Demands and Work Environment	General office environment requiring extended computer use. Ability to attend events on campus and occasionally work evening or weekend hours to support high-profile engagements or urgent communications. Must be able to travel between Rutgers locations as needed.
Special Conditions

Posting Details

Posting Number	26ST0120
Posting Open Date	01/22/2026
Special Instructions to Applicants
Regional Campus	Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Home Location Campus	College Ave (RU-New Brunswick)
City	New Brunswick
State	NJ
Location Details

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement