We are seeking a **_Chief Speech writer, Leadership Communications,_** **_Office of the President_** , which will serve as the lead speechwriter responsible for conveying the priorities of one of higher education's longest serving presidents and the story of Johns Hopkins University, America's first research university, to a broad array of national and local audiences at a critical moment in the history of higher education in our country. Through speeches, talking points, op eds, and other communications, this speechwriter will play a key role in helping to articulate and bring to life the vision and ideas of the University President in compelling and creative ways. The Chief Speechwriter must know a good story when they see one and thrive on producing deeply researched and thoughtful analysis on a myriad of 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. They must be able to work collaboratively with a team of writers, helping them to develop and edit assignments on a fast turnaround. A successful candidate will be creative, self-motivated, flexible, and highly collaborative, and will bring wide-ranging intellect, deep humanity, and good humor to their work. **Specific Duties and Responsibilities** + Lead in conceiving and ensuring high-level execution of the President's speeches, messages, and presentations. + 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 of Leadership Communications 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. + Review and edit drafts of communications materials and talking points created by colleagues in the President's office and other university offices to ensure they reflect the University President's voice and priorities. + Ensure that all remarks and other communications prepared for the President, including those prepared by other offices, are accurate, fact-checked and proofed. + Track developments and major issues affecting higher education to ensure they are appropriately addressed and articulated. + Develop and sustain contacts with university leadership, faculty, staff, and other constituents. **Special 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 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 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. + Ability to plan and organize speeches and presentations for the Office of the President that align with the university’s goals and resonate with the target audience for various events. **Minimum Qualifications** + Bachelor's Degree in related field. + Seven or more years of demonstrated professional experience working within complex organizations, including experience writing and providing communications support to senior leadership. **Preferred Qualifications** + Master's Degree or JD highly preferred. + Equivalent experience of 10 years in policy, legal, or academic setting may substitute for advanced degree, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula. Classified Title: Executive Speech Writer Job Posting Title (Working Title): Chief Speech Writer, Leadership Communications, Office of the President Role/Level/Range: ATP/04/PG Starting Salary Range: $99,800 - $175,000 Annually (Commensurate w/exp.) Employee group: Full Time Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm Exempt Status: Exempt Location: Hybrid/Homewood Campus Department name: ​​​​​​​President Office of Personnel area: University Administration Equal Opportunity Employer: Johns Hopkins University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other occupationally irrelevant criteria. The university promotes affirmative action for minorities, women, disabled persons, and veterans.