The Eagleton Institute of Politics is seeking a Public Relations Specialist II to coordinate the Institute's internal and external communications strategies and platforms. Reporting to the Director, the Public Relations Specialist II is responsible for helping to further the Eagleton Institute of Politics’ mission by executing strategic communication plans that promote the Institute’s research exploring emerging topics in American politics, expert commentary and analysis in the news, development priorities, student success, and alumni involvement.

Responsibilties

• Coordinates Eagleton’s public profile and relationships with key audiences through targeted outreach and strategic Institute-wide communications plans.
• Coordinates the Institute’s communications team, supervising graphic design and communication interns.
• Serves as the primary liaison to the media for the Institute and builds relationships across traditional and new media, both here in NJ and nationally, in order to increase awareness of and engagement with Eagleton’s research, education, and public service resources.
• The Eagleton Institute is a collaborative team. On occasion, all members are asked to participate in Institute-wide and/or cross-team projects.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a BA in Communications, Journalism, Digital Communications, Political Science, or a related field as well as two years of work experience in the political or communications field, including as a journalist or a communications specialist for a non-profit organization, elected official, or government entity.
• Must have excellent writing, editing, proofreading, and verbal communications skills.
• Creativity and excellent organizational skills are a must.
• Demonstrated digital media marketing skills and the ability to identify and master new communications tools quickly are required.
• Must have strong interpersonal skills and be comfortable meeting and working with a broad range of people — from high-level public officials to media representatives to vendor staff to students — in a variety of highly visible settings.
• Must be able to independently manage multiple tasks and short deadlines in high-stress situations.
• Must be very organized, efficient and detail oriented.
• Must be comfortable working for an organization that is political yet non-partisan and straddles the worlds of politics and academia.
• Thorough grounding in U.S. and New Jersey politics and government is essential, whether through coursework, professional experience, or personal involvement. Because Eagleton’s research and programs focus on American politics, the incumbent should understand the relevant positions, processes and relationships and be aware of sensitive political issues.
• Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite or other basic photo editing tools, CiviCRM, social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.
• Must also know how to use social media management tools like Hootsuite and Buffer.