Communications Specialist

C001 New Jersey Institute of Technology; United States; Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 134,000; Full time

Job summary

New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) in Newark, NJ is seeking a Communications Specialist to develop and deliver strategic communications for the NJTPA. You will write, edit, and coordinate media and digital content for diverse audiences.

The role emphasizes exceptional writing, organization, and translating technical information into accessible language, with a hybrid schedule and potential remote time.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, media studies, English, or a related field.
• One to three years of relevant professional experience in communications, public information, media, public relations, or a closely related field.
• Strong writing and editing skills.

Responsibilities

• Write and edit communications materials including press releases, newsletters, publications, reports, talking points, speeches, website content, social media posts, and scripts for video or podcast projects.
• Assist with media relations activities including preparing media materials, responding to inquiries, maintaining media lists, and supporting interviews or press briefings.
• Create digital and multimedia content for the website, social media channels, newsletters, and other communication platforms.
• Assist with development, scripting, scheduling, recording, and preparation of content for podcast episodes and other audio-based communications.
• Support Board and Committee communications including preparing agendas, briefing materials, talking points, minutes, presentations, and follow up materials.
• Prepare presentations, graphics, and materials for agency programs, events, and special initiatives.
• Help maintain messaging consistency across agency communications.
• Translate technical information into clear, public-friendly language.

Skills

Strong writing and editing skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications/public relations/journalism/marketing/media studies/English

Job description

Title: Communications Specialist

Reports To: Director of Communications and Public Affairs

Position Summary:

Under the direction of the Director of Communications and Public Affairs, the Editor will be responsible for developing, coordinating, and delivering strategic communications that inform the public, stakeholders, and partner agencies about the NJTPA’s plans, programs, and accomplishments. This includes writing and editing a wide range of materials, coordinating media and digital communications, supporting Board and Committee communications, and assisting with multimedia and podcast content. The ideal candidate is an exceptional writer and editor, highly organized, detail oriented, and capable of translating technical information into clear and accessible communications. This is a hybrid position based in Newark, NJ with the option to work remotely part of the time.

Essential Functions:

• Write and edit communications materials including press releases, newsletters, publications, reports, talking points, speeches, website content, social media posts, and scripts for video or podcast projects.
• Assist with media relations activities including preparing media materials, responding to inquiries, maintaining media lists, and supporting interviews or press briefings.
• Work with staff in the Communications and Public Affairs division to create digital and multimedia content for the website, social media channels, newsletters, and other communication platforms.
• Assist with development, scripting, scheduling, recording, and preparation of content for podcast episodes and other audio-based communications.
• Support Board and Committee communications including preparing agendas, briefing materials, talking points, minutes, presentations, and follow up materials.
• Assist with preparing presentations, graphics, and materials for agency programs, events, and special initiatives.
• Help maintain consistency in messaging, branding, and style across agency communications.
• Translate technical or program related information into clear, public friendly language.

Additional Functions:

• Work with staff throughout the agency to identify relevant data, findings, and information from studies or programs and prepare these for use in communications materials.
• Work with the Outreach division, as needed, to assist with communications needs related to NJTPA programs such as Street Smart NJ, UpNext North Jersey, and other agency initiatives.
• Provide administrative and communications support to the Director of Communications and Public Affairs for committee activities and meeting preparation.
• Monitor transportation related news, trends, and opportunities for proactive communications.

Pre-Requisite Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited college with a bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, media studies, English, or a related field.
• One to three years of relevant professional experience in communications, public information, media, public relations, or a closely related field.
• Strong writing and editing skills.
• At the university’s discretion, the education and experience prerequisites may be exempted where the candidate can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the university an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with multimedia and podcast production including scheduling, scripting, recording, editing, distribution, and analytics.
• Demonstrated project management and organizational skills including experience supporting committee or meeting preparation.
• Experience with WordPress website content management system.
• Knowledge of government, transportation, communications strategy, or public affairs.

Department: NJTPA

At the university's discretion, the education and experience prerequisites may be exempted where the candidate can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the university an equivalent combination of education and experience specifically preparing the candidate for success in the position.

Union: Professional Staff Association (PSA)

Range: Professional Staff -25

Compensation: $71,938.82 - $134,163.00

NJIT considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

This pay range represents base pay only and excludes any additional items such as incentives, bonuses, or other items.

To learn more about the comprehensive benefits NJIT offers for this position, please visit our benefits page: https://hr.njit.edu/health-benefits.

FLSA: Exempt

Time Type: Full time

Pay Rate: Salary

Additional Information:

As an EEO employer NJIT is committed to building a diverse and inclusive teaching, research, and working environment and strongly encourages applications from individuals with disabilities, minorities, veterans, and women.

Employment at NJIT is subject to the provisions of New Jersey First Act which mandates new employees, who are not NJ residents, to establish primary residence in New Jersey within one year of their appointment to certain positions.

The law does not apply to any individual employed at NJIT on a temporary or per semester basis as a visiting or adjunct professor, teacher, lecturer, researcher or administrator.

For more information on the act please click here.

If special accommodations are needed in applying for a position, please visit the Department of Human Resources located in Fenster Hall, 5th Floor, University Heights, Newark, NJ 07102 or call [phone].

If you have questions, please email the Human Resources Department at [e-mail].

Information regarding NJIT campus security, personal safety, and fire safety including topics such as, disciplinary procedures, crime prevention, NJIT Police law enforcement authority, crime reporting policies, and crime statistics for the most recent three year period is available on the NJIT Department of Public Safety here.

NJIT is an E-Verify employer and uses E-Verify to confirm work authorization of each new hire.

When you work at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), you become part of a dynamic and innovative community dedicated to advancing education, research, and technological excellence.

Recognized as New Jersey’s premier public polytechnic university, NJIT serves a diverse population of over 12,000 students across six colleges and schools, offering a forward-thinking academic environment in the heart of Newark, just minutes from New York City.

At NJIT, we are committed to fostering a workplace culture rooted in inclusion, collaboration, and excellence.

Employees are empowered to grow professionally, contribute to meaningful work, and support a mission that shapes the future of technology, education, and research.

Learn more about what we offer here!