Speechwriter, Executive Communications at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Job Description:

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Job Description SummaryReporting jointly to the Vice President for Communications and Chief Communications Officer (CCO) and the President's Chief of Staff (CoS), the Speechwriter will lead executive communications in the Office of the President and support the strategic messaging of the University by researching and writing speeches, talking points, University reports, letters, columns, opinion and thought leadership pieces, web content, and other materials. In collaboration with the VP for Communications and Chief of Staff, the Speechwriter will develop the President's messaging strategy and cycles of regular communication to support that strategy. The Speechwriter provides critical support to the University's crisis communications and issues management processes. Working closely with the Chief of Staff, the Speechwriter provides communications support to the President and University leaders on executive communications and strategic initiatives that advance the reach and reputation of the University. This position will also provide guidance and editorial support for material drafted in other offices on behalf of the President.
Job Description

Executive Communications:

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  Research and draft remarks for the President's use in public appearances on and off campus; manage the speechwriting process, synthesize diverse views into coherent and compelling messages.

  
  


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  Lead the drafting of content for external audiences (e.g. op-eds, columns, presentations, video scripts, scholarly articles, media commentary.

  
  


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  Manage content for the President's Office website.

  
  


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  Draft communications to the University community, including alumni, students, faculty, and staff.

  
  


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  Support creation of effective visual presentations to complement presidential speeches.

  
  


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  Prepare substantive correspondence in response to complex inquiries received by the President or other senior leaders.

  
  


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  Develop detailed reports and analyses as needed for the President and in collaboration with the Chief of Staff and VP for Communications.

  
  

Communications Strategy

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  Assist in assessing strategic value and return on investment of speaking and other communications opportunities for the President and in identifying valuable opportunities to position the University and its message.

  
  


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  As a partner to the Chief of Staff and VP of Communications, provide critical support when needed to advance crisis communications efforts.

  
  


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  Develop and sustain a communications strategy for the Office of the President to ensure effective communication with campus constituents and support for the University's overall communications plan, in collaboration with the CoS and CCO.

  
  


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  Plan and develop calendars for recurring communications (e.g., campus updates).

  
  


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  Collaborate with University Communications leadership team to contribute ideas to strengthen University's internal and external communications; ensure alignment of communications from other University offices to that from Office of the President so as to support an overall strategy.

  
  

Writing and Editorial Support:

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  Editing / preparation materials for Board of Trustees meetings and communications

  
  


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  Editing / preparation of materials for the President's participation and leadership in state and national boards and organizations

  
  


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  Editing / review of general correspondence generated by other University offices and departments for President's signature, including donor acknowledgments

  
  

QUALIFICATIONS:

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  Exemplary writing skills and ability to capture and amplify a distinctive voice

  
  


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  Knowledge of the academy and commitment to its values

  
  


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  Knowledge and understanding of national issues in higher education

  
  


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  Strong analytical skills and keen intellect

  
  


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  Exemplary attention to detail and editing skill

  
  


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  Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with multiple constituencies

  
  


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  Demonstrated ability to independently research complex issues and synthesize large amounts of information into effective communications and messaging quickly and effectively

  
  


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  Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and target messages to variety of audiences, including students and prospective students, parents, staff, faculty, alumni, Trustees, national higher education colleagues and general audiences interested in higher education issues

  
  


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  Curiosity about all aspects of higher education and Wake Forest University

  
  


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  Demonstrated ability to use feedback to improve specific project outcomes as well as apply those refinements to appropriate projects going forward

  
  


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  Strong organizational skills required

  
  


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  Ability to work with minimal direction and supervision and to reconcile competing points of view

  
  


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  Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities successfully and appropriately

  
  


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  Ability to deliver products in a timely fashion consistent with agreed upon deadlines; ability to establish deadlines for own work and that of others and ensure progress and completion.

  
  


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  Demonstrated success in developing effective messaging strategy to support institutional goals

  
  


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  Ability to adapt communications to particular constituencies as needed while sustaining a consistent message

  
  


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  Ability to provide clear and effective editorial direction to colleagues not under direct supervision

  
  


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  Excellent judgment and discretion

  
  

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

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  Bachelor's degree, master's degree in relevant field preferred

  
  

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  Minimum of 5-7 years professional writing experience, preferably in an academic environment and for a chief executive
  
  
  WORK HOURS:
  * Monday-Friday; 8:30 am - 5:00 pm.
  * Flexibility to work evenings and weekends.
  * Full-time Exempt position

  
  

Additional Job Description
Time Type RequirementFull timeNote to Applicant:This position profile identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for performance. It cannot encompass all specific job tasks that an employee may be required to perform. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform job-related duties as may be reasonably assigned by his/her supervisor.

In order to provide a safe and productive learning and living community, Wake Forest University conducts background investigations and drug screens for all final staff candidates being considered for employment.

Wa
ke Forest seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce while promoting an inclusive work environment committed to excellence in the spirit of Pro Humanitate. In adherence with applicable laws and as provided by University policies, the University prohibits discrimination in its employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, disability and veteran status and encourages qualified candidates across all group demographics to apply. Apply Now