Edit/Media Spec I E/W (Senior Communications Specialist - Government Relations )

Rutgers University

United States, New Jersey, New Brunswick

May 23, 2025

Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title	Edit/Media Spec I E/W (Senior Communications Specialist - Government Relations )
Job Category	URA-AFT Administrative
Department	State Government Relations
Overview	Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is a leading national research university and the State of New Jersey's preeminent, comprehensive public institution of higher education. As one of the largest employers in the State of New Jersey, Rutgers University is committed not only to the students and the State that we serve, but also to the faculty and staff who work on our campuses. For two consecutive years, Rutgers is ranked on Forbes' list of America's Best Large Employers. Rutgers holds #64 of 500 employers and is the #1 New Jersey employer on the publication's 2023 list. Rutgers' commitment to its employees includes maintaining and fostering a safe, diverse, and respectful workplace environment, creating employment opportunities for our nation's military veterans, and ensuring accessibility and accommodation for individuals with disabilities.
Posting Summary	Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Senior Communications Specialist - Government Relations for the Senior VP of Government Relations. Among the key duties of the position are the following: Develops plans to communicate Rutgers' prominence to State legislators, New Jersey's Congressional delegation, and other government stakeholders. Collaborates and consults with University Communications and Marketing on messaging and strategy. Works closely with Rutgers' Offices of State Government Relations and Federal Relations to coordinate each office's communication activities with key public sector stakeholders. Develops social media and website content for Rutgers Department of Government Relations. Develops promotional materials for government stakeholders. Assists with the planning and execution of events hosted by the Rutgers Department of Government Relations. Drafts op-eds and correspondence and ensures placement of positive Rutgers Government Relations stories in media publications. Advises on and implements political communications approaches that may be needed. Crafts and deliver key messages to political audiences. Prepares and/or edits confidential university documents, presentations, and talking points, as needed, as the only communications professional in the department. Records meeting minutes in coordination with the government relations team, and supports the work of the Legislative Engagement Task Force of the Board of Trustees.
FLSA	Exempt
Grade	05
Salary Details
Minimum Salary	65741.00
Mid Range Salary	81857.00
Maximum Salary	97972.00
Offer Information	The final salary offer will be determined by several factors, including the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.
Benefits	Rutgers offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. For details, please go to http://uhr.rutgers.edu/benefits/benefits-overview.
Position Status	Full Time
Working Hours (per week)
Standard Hours	37.50
Daily Work Shift	Day
Work Arrangement
Union Description	URA-AFT Administrative
Payroll Designation	PeopleSoft
Seniority Unit
Terms of Appointment	Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility	ABP

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (political science, communications, et al.) plus two years of experience in government, government relations, or communications or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience that demonstrates knowledge, skill, and understanding of communications related to a higher education institution, elected official, or government office.
Certifications/Licenses	A valid driver's license would be required for this position; Use of personal vehicle in order to travel for business demands.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities	Excellent written and oral communication skills. Working knowledge of Rutgers University, federal and New Jersey government, and the higher education landscape. Must be a strategic thinker, proven problem-solver, and an effective collaborator. Strong organizational, project management, and interpersonal skills and be able to work effectively under deadline pressure.
Preferred Qualifications	Experience leading communications efforts at an institution of higher education, large organization, or for an elected official or government office is preferred.
Equipment Utilized	Familiarity with social media platforms including but not limited to LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, Bluesky, YouTube, etc. Proficiency in image and video editing is necessary along with knowledge of analytic tools and platforms. Use of university computers, tablets, cell phones and mobile devices are required.
Physical Demands and Work Environment	Some evening and weekend work as well as intercampus travel may be required. The position will require the candidate to occasionally lift boxes that weigh up to 25 pounds.
Special Conditions	Clean Driving Record.

Posting Details

Posting Number	25ST1101
Posting Open Date	05/23/2025
Special Instructions to Applicants
Regional Campus	Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Home Location Campus	College Ave (RU-New Brunswick)
City	New Brunswick
State	NJ
Location Details

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we value diversity of background and opinion, and prohibit discrimination or harassment on the basis of any legally protected class in the areas of hiring, recruitment, promotion, transfer, demotion, training, compensation, pay, fringe benefits, layoff, termination or any other terms and conditions of employment. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement