Assistant Vice President Internal Communications

Johns Hopkins, founded in 1876, is America's first research university and home to nine world-class academic divisions working together as one university.

We are seeking an Assistant Vice President Internal Communications who is an experienced leader who will guide the development, execution and measurement of strategic internal communications programs that align, inspire, and engage faculty and staff around the institution’s mission, strategy, and priorities. This key role will guide the development and execution of a multi-faceted, next generation internal communications program that boosts faculty and staff’s understanding and awareness of university administration, responsibilities, priorities and initiatives, ensuring we are telling a clear and consistent story and reaching all stakeholders. A strong collaborator, the candidate will work directly with communications staff across University Administration to ensure alignment and coordination with shared stakeholders. The ideal candidate is intellectually curious and entrepreneurial, culturally aware, an authentic and direct communicator, and enthusiastic about the role internal communications plays in bringing the institution’s mission to life. Reporting directly to the VP of Communications you will work in partnership to shape culture and engagement and drive high performance. A successful candidate will play a crucial role in helping the university become the most desirable place to work in Baltimore.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Build, launch and manage next generation internal communications strategies and channels that connect faculty and staff to the institution’s mission and strategy to drive engagement, performance, and measurable impact.
• Partner with Senior Leadership and support HR organization to build and leverage communications strategies focused on: Employer Value Proposition (EVP), Total Rewards/Benefits, Inclusion and Diversity, Learning and Development, Talent Management, HR transformation, key company initiatives and special projects that impact affiliates.
• Lead university announcements, cadence, editorial calendar, supporting materials and approvals.
• Drive Culture communications and engagement activities including university-wide award and recognition programs to spotlight and celebrate the work of our faculty and staff, celebrating the university’s accomplishments, promoting the mission, and supporting an inclusive work environment.
• Partner with Schools and Units to amplify the voice of the faculty and staff to ensure we are telling a clear and consistent story across all faculty and staff touchpoints.
• Communicate effectively with all levels of the university through excellent written and verbal communications skills; Translate complex challenges into simple and clear communications.
• Leverage entrepreneurial mindset to distill complex data and insights into easy-to-digest, leader-ready materials and continuously improve based on effectiveness; Measure and report on the effectiveness of communication and scale or refine based on what is working/what is not working.
• Grow and develop a high-performing internal team, helping to advance their professional development and align their capabilities with the university’s strategic priorities.

Special Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Exceptional writing and copy-editing skills, with ability to synthesize complex concepts and translate into simple, clear, and effective communications, Impeccable verbal communications, and people skills.
• Deep knowledge of employee comms and culture-building strategies; Proven history delivering effective internal communications programs that translate strategic thinking into action plans and output.
  
• Bring an innovative approach to internal communications; Strong knowledge of best-in-class internal communications practices and proficiency with next generation communications tools.
  
• Demonstrate a learning mindset, critical thinking skills and strong problem-solving capabilities; Sees the opportunity and possibility in challenges; Enjoys making the impossible possible.
  
• Ability to effectively balance high-level strategizing and planning with meticulous execution.
  
• Comfort and confidence collaborating with senior leaders in fast-paced, highly decentralized, high stakes situations; Proven ability to successfully influence, facilitate and partner with leaders and their communications staff at all levels.
  
• Ability to make decisions in a fast-paced and changing environment; ability to anticipate future needs.
  
• Strong leadership skills with proven expertise leading, inspiring, and developing a high-performing team, building individual skills and team capabilities.
  
• Ability to roll up your sleeves and execute; History of producing excellent results.
  
• Excellent judgment and creative critical thinking skills, with the ability to navigate complex dynamics, anticipate future needs, and make strategic decisions in a changing environment; Proven experience successfully managing and navigating through complex crises.
  
• Ability to articulate and represent the faculty and staff voice.
  
• Hyper diligence: ability to work under pressure and within tight deadlines.
  
• Knowledge of social media and new media channels, and ability to integrate in a high-impact way to engage faculty and staff.
  
• Manage ambiguous and challenging tasks.
• Take initiative and personal accountability to lead oneself, meet deadlines and deliverables.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations, Communications, Interpersonal Communications, or related field.
  

• Ten plus years of directly related experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Work experience in large organizations, decentralized organizations.

Classified Title: Assistant Vice President
Job Posting Title (Working Title): Assistant Vice President Internal Communications
Role/Level/Range: ADMOFF/01/EX
Starting Salary Range: $180,000 to $220,000
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

The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check.

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 HR Business Services Office at jhurecruitment@jhu.edu. For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711.

The following additional provisions may apply depending on which campus you will work. Your recruiter will advise accordingly.

During the Influenza ("the flu") season, as a condition of employment, The Johns Hopkins Institutions require all employees who provide ongoing services to patients or work in patient care or clinical care areas to have an annual influenza vaccination or possess an approved medical or religious exception. Failure to meet this requirement may result in termination of employment.

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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