Sr. Speech Writer (Office of the President)

Sr. Speech Writer
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.

Specific Duties and 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.

Minimum Qualifications
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.

Preferred Qualifications
Skills and Knowledge
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.

Additional Job Details
Classified Title: Sr. Speech Writer Role/Level/Range: ATP/04/PF Starting Salary Range: $73,300 – $128,300 Annually (Commensurate w/exp.)

Total Rewards
The referenced base salary range represents the low and high end of Johns Hopkins University’s salary range for this position. Not all candidates will be eligible for the upper end of the salary range. Exact salary will ultimately depend on multiple factors, which may include the successful candidate’s geographic location, skills, work experience, market conditions, education/training and other qualifications. Johns Hopkins offers a total rewards package that supports our employees’ health, life, career and retirement. More information can be found here: https://hr.jhu.edu/benefits-worklife/.

Education and Experience Equivalency
Please refer to the job description above to see which forms of equivalency are permitted for this position. If permitted, equivalencies will follow these guidelines: JHU Equivalency Formula: 30 undergraduate degree credits (semester hours) or 18 graduate degree credits may substitute for one year of experience. Additional related experience may substitute for required education on the same basis. For jobs where equivalency is permitted, up to two years of non-related college course work may be applied towards the total minimum education/experience required for the respective job.

Applicants Completing Studies
Applicants who do not meet the posted requirements but are completing their final academic semester/quarter will be considered eligible for employment and may be asked to provide additional information confirming their academic completion date.

Background Checks
The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check. Johns Hopkins is committed to hiring individuals with a justice-involved background, consistent with applicable policies and current practice. A prior criminal history does not automatically preclude candidates from employment at Johns Hopkins University. In accordance with applicable law, the university will review, on an individual basis, the date of a candidate’s conviction, the nature of the conviction and how the conviction relates to an essential job-related qualification or function.

Diversity and Inclusion
The Johns Hopkins University values diversity, equity and inclusion and advances these through our key strategic framework, the JHU Roadmap on Diversity and Inclusion.

Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

EEO is the Law: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf

Accommodation Information
If you are interested in applying for employment with The Johns Hopkins University and require special assistance or accommodation during any part of the pre-employment process, please contact the Talent Acquisition Office at [email protected]. For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711. For more information about workplace accommodations or accessibility at Johns Hopkins University, please visit: https://accessibility.jhu.edu/.

Vaccine Requirements
Johns Hopkins University requires all faculty, staff, and students to receive the seasonal flu vaccine. Exceptions to the flu vaccine requirements may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons. Requests for an exception must be submitted to the JHU vaccination registry.

The following additional provisions may apply, depending upon campus. Your recruiter will advise accordingly.

The pre-employment physical for positions in clinical areas, laboratories, working with research subjects, or involving community contact requires documentation of immune status against Rubella (German measles), Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B and documentation of having received the Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccination. This may include documentation of having two (2) MMR vaccines; two (2) Varicella vaccines; or antibody status to these diseases from laboratory testing. Blood tests for immunities to these diseases are ordinarily included in the pre-employment physical exam except for those employees who provide results of blood tests or immunization documentation from their own health care providers. Any vaccinations required for these diseases will be given at no cost in our Occupational Health office.

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