We are seeking a Sr. Director of Issues Management and Strategic Communications is a newly created role that will direct university wide communications planning and execution for sensitive reputational matters, issues management, and emergency preparedness, as well as playing a critically important role in driving the development and execution of communications strategies that advance the priorities of the university as detailed in the institution’s Ten for One strategic plan. Reporting to the Senior Associate Vice President for Communications and Strategic Initiatives (SAVP) the Senior Director will manage a cross-functional team of experts in issues management, media relations, and strategic communications. At the direction of the SAVP and VP of Communications, the Senior Director will liaise closely with the Office of the President and Office of the Provost, as well as partners in key operational, academic, and strategic areas of the university, including Development and Alumni Relations, Federal Strategy, and Government and Community Affairs.

The Senior Director will advance a data and research-driven approach to communications strategy, and direct the creation of strategic communications reports, analysis, and message guidance to keep leaders and communications professionals across the institution informed of emerging trends, issues, and best practices.

Operating in a highly decentralized and matrixed environment that prioritizes close collaboration and broad consultation, this individual will need to work collegially and effectively across the institution while strengthening centralized communications resources and systems to promote unified messaging and shared awareness of issues management best practices, processes, and playbooks. The Senior Director will, in partnership with other leaders in the central Office of Communications, support the continued growth and evolution of communications strategy and practice at Johns Hopkins, work to ensure communications coordination across the university’s 10 academic divisions, and regularly convene communicators across the institution to advance strategic alignment and professional development.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Direct the long-term planning and day-to-day workflow of a strategic communications team expert in issues management and crisis communications, strategic communications, media relations, and digital analytics.
• As part of this, you will proactively manage the performance and ongoing development of the team through mentoring, coaching, 1:1s, trainings, and professional advancement opportunities.
• Lead reputationally sensitive and high-priority multi-stakeholder communications initiatives from beginning to end, ensuring strategic alignment and execution to the highest standards of excellence.
• Advance the continued growth and evolution of the strategic communications team’s media monitoring and digital analytics resources and capacities, and champion the integration of research and data in strategic communications planning and decision-making across the institution.
• Collaborate with the Office of Government and Community Engagement and Office of Federal Strategy, to support strategic priorities for the institution at the federal, state and local level.
• Serve as an effective evangelist for strategic communications best practices who can gain stakeholder buy-in, instill confidence in clients and across internal teams, and develop productive and collegial relationships with colleagues and leaders across the institution.
• Oversee benchmarking research and the development of enhanced social listening and issues landscape monitoring and reporting products.
• Serve as a key member of the Office of Communications’ leadership team and assist the Vice President, SAVP, and AVPs in the refinement and execution of a strategic plan for the organization.
• Lead special communications projects of strategic importance, as directed by the Vice President or SAVP.
• Coordinate the work of external consultants or other partners as needed.
• Represent the office and the SAVP as necessary in University initiatives, meetings, and events.

Special knowledge, skills and abilities

• Ability to thrive in a large, decentralized, and fast-paced organization, and to manage multiple complex projects and initiatives simultaneously. Close collaboration within the communications team and with divisional communications professionals is essential.
• A data-driven approach, with the discipline and curiosity to measure everything.
• Appreciation of the unique responsibilities and challenges of working at an elite university and an anchor institution in Baltimore City.
• A level of experience working for high-profile organizations or individuals, and the confidence to build credibility and collaborate with the most senior University leadership.
• Strong writing and editing skills, including a proven history of writing effectively for different communications platforms, formats and audiences, and the ability to simplify complex information for lay audiences.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of digital communications strategy, platforms and tools, including email and newsletters, web content strategy, content management platforms, and other related technology.
• Strong knowledge of the national politics and policy landscape.
• Excellent project management skills and a seasoned leader of people and teams.
• Ability to juggle multiple projects simultaneously, and to meet complicated and frequent deadlines with calm, humor, and exceptional professionalism.
• Proven track record of successfully develop and implementing complex, multi-stakeholder projects from concept to completion.

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• Twelve to fifteen years of communications experience.
• Five years of senior level management experience.

• Demonstrated experience and effectiveness as a manager and leader in a large, complex organization
• Experience effectively counseling C-Suite executives or other senior leaders on reputation management strategies and crisis communications best practices
• Candidates with a professional background in politics and government, large corporations, or higher education are strongly encouraged.

Classified Title: Sr. Director Public Relations/Corp Comm 
Job Posting Title (Working Title): Sr. Director of Issues Management and Strategic Communications   
Role/Level/Range: L/05/LG  
Starting Salary Range: $111,800 - $195,900 Annually (Commensurate with experience) 
Employee group: Full Time 
Schedule: Monday-Friday/ 8:30am - 5:00pm 
Exempt Status: Exempt 
Location: Hybrid/JH at Keswick 
Department name: ​​​​​​​University Communications  
Personnel area: University Administration