Assistant Vice President for Strategic Communication and Public Relations

Job Description

Title:Assistant Vice President for Strategic Communications and Public Relations
Division:University Advancement
Reports to:Vice President for University Advancement and Chief of Staff
Location:Hoboken NJ (hybrid working model)

The Assistant Vice President for Strategic Communications and Public Relations provides executive leadership for Stevens Institute of Technologys communications public relations and institutional storytelling functions within the Division of University Advancement.

Reporting to the Vice President for University Advancement and Chief of Staff this position advances Stevens mission and reputation through integrated strategies that elevate the universitys visibility strengthen engagement among key audiences and align communications across advancement enrollment and academic priorities. The AVP oversees a team of directors and professional staff responsible for strategic communications public and media relations multimedia social media executive communications and crisis communications ensuring a unified and data-informed approach to advancing the Stevens brand.

The position operates during a period of intense scrutiny for higher education. Shifting federal policy funding uncertainty and growing public skepticism about the cost and value of a degree are reshaping how universities communicate and defend their reputations. The AVP must lead in this environment with sound judgment and steady execution advancing Stevens reputation while managing fast-moving issues that carry institutional risk.

• Lead the development and execution of integrated communications strategies that promote Stevens reputation among national industry and peer audiences.
• Oversee storytelling initiatives that highlight Stevens academic strengths faculty research student success alumni impact and strategic partnerships.
• Serve as a senior advisor to university leadership on messaging positioning and reputation management.
• Direct the universitys crisis and issues communications ensuring timely coordinated and strategic responses.
• Represent the Division of University Advancement as a member of the senior leadership team and provide counsel on communications planning and resource alignment.

• Guide proactive earned media strategy to increase Stevens visibility in national regional technology and higher education outlets.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with journalists editors and influencers to promote faculty expertise and institutional achievements.
• Ensure alignment of media outreach with strategic goals for enrollment advancement research and corporate partnerships.
• Oversee reputation monitoring and analytics to assess impact and inform continuous improvement.

• Lead the development and execution of the universitys creative content strategy across all owned earned and paid channels.
• Direct the creation of core narrative frameworks campaign concepts scripts video storylines feature content and multimedia assets that serve as the foundation for Stevens marketing enrollment advancement and reputation-building efforts.
• Partner with Marketing to ensure that all paid campaigns are grounded in original creative direction developed under Strategic Communications.
• Oversee content pipelines and editorial planning to ensure cohesive storytelling and a consistent brand voice across institutional initiatives.
• Ensure that creative content aligns with Stevens mission strategic priorities and audience insights while driving measurable engagement and visibility.

• Lead development of speeches op-eds video scripts letters and remarks for the president and senior leadership maintaining voice consistency and strategic alignment.
• Manage internal and external announcements presidential messages and key university statements.
• Provide direct strategic counsel to senior leadership on sensitive communications and institutional messaging.

• Direct social media strategy for the university and the presidents office ensuring cohesive on-brand engagement across platforms.
• Oversee a significantly expanded multimedia function with advanced production technical and digital content capabilities supporting reputation enrollment and advancement initiatives.
• Leverage analytics and digital tools to optimize reach engagement and storytelling impact.
• Champion innovation through new platforms AI-informed content development and multimedia collaboration.

• Partner with Development and Alumni Engagement Corporate and Government Relations Enrollment Management Academic Affairs Student Affairs and schools to align messaging and maximize impact.
• Provide thought leadership and creative direction for an ambitious comprehensive communications for major institutional initiatives and events including undergraduate and graduate enrollment Innovation Expo Commencement the launch of the School of Computing and strategic partnerships.
• Serve as a division communications liaison to university committees working groups and external partners.

• Lead and mentor a team that includes director-level leaders (Public and Media Relations Strategic Communications Multimedia) and professional staff across strategic communications public relations social media and multimedia.
• Provide leadership through periods of organizational change staffing transitions and increased institutional demand.
• Foster professional development collaboration and operational efficiency through clear performance goals and careful team management.
• Manage unit budgets contracts and vendor relationships to ensure strategic use of resources.
• Ensure continuity of operations quality and morale in a fast-paced environment characterized by high-volume demands complex institutional priorities and evolving organizational structures.

• Bachelors degree in communications journalism marketing or a related field; masters degree preferred.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications public relations or integrated marketing within higher education or a comparable complex organization.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing data-informed communications strategies that strengthen institutional reputation and engagement.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and provide strategic counsel to senior leadership.
• Strong writing editing and presentation skills with demonstrated expertise in executive communications.
• Experience managing media relations social media strategy and multimedia production in alignment with institutional goals.
• Demonstrated judgment discretion and professionalism in handling sensitive and confidential issues.

• Experience within an advancement alumni engagement or integrated communications environment.
• Familiarity with analytics SEO and reputation measurement tools.
• Understanding of higher education reputation drivers and the national media landscape

• Strategic thinking and planning
• Leadership and collaboration
• Crisis management and judgment
• Data-informed decision-making
• Innovation and adaptability
• Commitment to excellence and institutional mission

The Assistant Vice President for Strategic Communications and Public Relations plays a pivotal leadership role in advancing Stevens Institute of Technologys national and global reputation. This position directly contributes to institutional success by shaping perception driving visibility among target audiences and ensuring cohesive messaging across advancement enrollment and academic communications.

Department

Division of University Advancement

Compensation Range

In compliance with the New Jersey Wage Transparency Act the annual base salary range for this position is $180200.00 - $252266.67. This range represents the Universitys good faith estimate of possible compensation at the time of posting. Stevens Institute of Technology determines compensation based on factors including the positions scope and responsibilities the candidates experience education skills internal equity market data and organizational considerations. The final salary will be set considering departmental budget qualifications and relevant credentials. This pay range represents base pay only and excludes additional forms of compensation such as incentives stipends or other applicable pay components. For a full overview of our benefits offerings please refer to the Stevens Institute of Technology Benefits Guidebook available at:

Benefits Guidebook

EEO Statement:

Stevens Institute of Technology is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Accordingly Stevens adheres to an employment policy that prohibits discriminatory practices or harassment against candidates or employees based on legally impermissible factor(s) including but not necessarily limited to race color religion creed sex national origin nationality citizenship status age ancestry marital or domestic partnership or civil union status familial status affectional or sexual orientation gender identity or expression atypical cellular or blood trait genetic information pregnancy or pregnancy-related medical conditions disability or any protected military or veteran status.

Stevens is building a diverse faculty staff and student body and strongly encourages applications from people of all backgrounds. Stevens is a federal contractor under the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as well as other federal seeks candidates who will contribute to a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students faculty and staff.