Strategic Communications Advisor-Human Resources

Reporting to the Executive Director, HR Strategic Initiatives

We are seeking a Strategic Communications Advisor-Human Resources who will serve as the strategic communications lead for all HR activities, program launches, critical updates, and policy changes, working in close collaboration with HR leaders and other identified internal and external stakeholders. This role will be responsible for the design, creation, and execution of all human resources communications, including communications internal to HR staff and external messaging to employees, faculty, and staff of the university. This role will have direct and intentional collaboration with members of the University’s Office of Communications and Office of the President to ensure widespread, consistent, and effective communication efforts across various internal and external audiences.

This position will work to reinforce existing communications strengths and further develop an innovative, substantive, and proactive stance to enhance the overall HR communications presence and effectiveness across the University. This position requires a strong operational ability to translate the strategy set by the HR Leadership Team into effective communications and the ability to influence outcomes.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Oversees communication efforts for the University’s Human Resources function, ensuring that messages related to programs, initiatives, and policies are effectively conveyed to employees. Utilizes a range of communication methods to ensure clarity and understanding.
• Takes the lead in developing and implementing strategies to integrate the HR vision, strategy, and priorities throughout the organization via strategic communication channels. These efforts aim to ensure alignment with broader organizational goals and values.
• Organizes and facilitates stakeholder meetings to gather insights and assess the scope of communication needs across various departments and levels within the University.
• Designs comprehensive communication plans tailored to different audiences, including senior leaders, faculty, staff, and retirees, as well as external stakeholders such as prospective employees, peer institutions, and community members.
• Collaborates closely with University Central Communications and other relevant departments to ensure consistency in messaging and standards. Actively participates in knowledge sharing and adopts best practices to enhance communication effectiveness.
• Provides guidance and support to HR leaders, including the Vice President of HR, in their roles as strategic leaders and spokespersons. Assists in preparing them for public forums, events, and media engagements related to HR issues.
• Utilizes strategic communication to encourage desired behaviors among employees, such as participation in benefits enrollment, wellness programs, and performance evaluations.
• Establishes and monitors key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies and initiatives. Utilizes data analysis to continuously refine communication approaches and channels.
• Champions innovation in communication tactics, seeking to enhance efficiency and engagement by challenging existing processes and introducing leading-edge strategies and technologies.
• Manages employee communication channels to ensure efficient and effective delivery of messages. Incorporates employee feedback and external research findings to optimize communication strategies.
• Collaborates on strategic communication projects with various Central HR Centers of Excellence and divisions, contributing expertise and support as needed to achieve organizational goals.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field.
• Five years of related experience.
• Additional education may substitute for required experience, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in stakeholder management and change communication.
• Proven achievements in large-scale communications and change programs.
• Knowledge of information dissemination and advocacy techniques, including alternative ways to inform and motivate via written, verbal, and visual media.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, communicating effectively as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Ability to analyze information and evaluate results to choose the best solutions and solve problems.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.
• An advanced degree in business, communications, Human Resources, or a related field is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience and effectiveness working with senior management during times of significant and substantive change, including a major programmatic launch/revision, organizational structure redesign, leadership transition, or transformational shift in priorities.

Special Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively with a broad range of people in a variety of organizational situations.
• Ability to work in a complex decentralized institution, with a high tolerance for ambiguity.
• Must possess the professional ability to act as a catalyst for change through positive energy.
• Able to effectively articulate goals and objectives and help others to clearly understand their value in supporting the accomplishment of those goals.
• Proficiency in interacting with and influencing senior organizational leaders in a highly matrixed organization.
• Demonstrates flexibility and manages change in ways that result in productive performance.
• Must be able to work effectively and independently in an environment with multiple priorities.
• Must be able to adapt to varying business challenges while always maintaining a focus on professionalism and customer service.

Classified Title

Communications & Marketing Manager

Job Posting Title (Working Title)

Strategic Communications Advisor-Human Resources

Role/Level/Range

ATP/04/PE

Starting Salary Range

$72,600 – $127,000 Annually (Commensurate with experience)

Employee Group

Full-Time

Schedule

M-F/8:30-5:00

Exempt Status

Exempt

Location

Hybrid/Eastern High Campus

Department Name

VP of Human Resources

Personnel Area

University Administration

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