Job Req ID:  113694

Executive Speech Writer

We are seeking a talented and experienced Executive Speechwriter who will serve as the primary writer and editorial gatekeeper for the Dean of the Medical Faculty and CEO of Johns Hopkins Medicine (Dean/CEO). The Executive Speechwriter will have a passion for crafting compelling narratives and thrives in dynamic environments where creativity and strategic vision can make a tangible impact. In this pivotal role, the Executive Speechwriter will spearhead the strategic messaging of the Office of the Dean/CEO, shaping the thought leadership platform of one of the world's leading medical institutions.


A leader in shaping the narrative and thought leadership of Johns Hopkins Medicine and an integral member of the Office of the Dean and CEO, the Executive Speechwriter works directly with senior administrators to develop and implement communications strategies that align with the institution's vision and priorities. With innovative thinking and fresh, engaging content, the Executive Speechwriter takes initiative on assignments, is collaborative, demonstrates effective organizational and communication skills, and exercises discretion and sound editorial judgement.


The Executive Speechwriter reports to the Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to the Dean/CEO. In this role, works closely with Communications personnel across Johns Hopkins Medicine and Johns Hopkins University. Serving as the liaison between the university and medicine communications offices, the Executive Speechwriter collaborates on various communication materials, including staff communications, leadership blogs, media relations, executive communications, presentations, formal speeches, newsletters, statements of opinion, and public letters. Their primary focus is to articulate the vision and ideas of the Dean/CEO effectively.


Specific Duties & Responsibilities

  • Produce high-quality content to support Dean/CEO’s communications, including speeches, presentations, correspondence, op-eds, video scripts, and social media posts, ensuring alignment with intended audience and feedback from senior leaders.
  • Collaborate with senior administrators to plan and implement communication strategies, ensuring accuracy and coherence in external promotions, announcements, and mass communications authored by the Dean/CEO.
  • Align institutional and executive communications to convey a clear strategic vision and tone for the organizational culture in partnership with Communications personnel.
  • Independently conceptualize content, conduct research, interview subject matter experts, and fact-check communications across various platforms.
  • Enhance the Dean/CEO's visibility with local and international audiences, advancing their position as a global leader in healthcare.
  • Vet and pursue media opportunities in collaboration with the Media Relations team, including public appearances and op-eds.
  • Develop and implement communications that are informative, accurate, timely, and persuasive through relationships with subject matter experts.
  • Ensure adherence to institutional brand and key messages, maintaining consistency in style, tone, and accuracy across all materials.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to align messaging with institutional mission, strategic plan, and initiatives.
  • Manage the review and approval of strategic communications related to development and fundraising initiatives.
  • Review and edit drafts of talking points to reflect the voice and priorities of the Dean/CEO.
  • Develop and sustain contacts with leadership, faculty, staff, and other constituents to facilitate communication efforts.
  • Manage correspondence and maintain calendars for the Dean/CEO, including communications, public relations, and events.
  • Contribute to the development of the annual communications plan for the Dean/CEO.
  • Own the execution and optimization of speaker engagement requests, ensuring clear information for successful speaking opportunities.
  • Monitor key issues and trends in academic medicine and healthcare to incorporate relevant topics into content development.


Special Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

  • Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with meticulous attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Proven ability to thrive in fast-paced, collaborative environments and deliver high-quality work under tight deadlines.
  • Demonstrated leadership capabilities, including the capacity to take initiative and effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Experience maintaining confidentiality and exercising discretion in sensitive matters.
  • Proficiency in engaging with senior executives of large academic medical centers, healthcare organizations, or corporations to drive communication strategies for both internal and external audiences.
  • Knowledgeable about high-level external and internal communication strategies and tactics, enabling effective engagement with stakeholders across various channels.


Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in related field.
  • Seven years progressively responsible related experience required.


Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's Degree.
  • Experience including a background in academic medicine, healthcare, or with a large Fortune 500 Company, with a focus on supervising and implementing effective internal communications plans and strategies, as well as editing and directing high-quality internal publications.

 


 

Classified Title: Executive Speech Writer 
Role/Level/Range: ATP/04/PG  
Starting Salary Range: $98,800 - $173,300 Annually ($173,300 targeted; Commensurate with experience) 
Employee group: Full Time 
Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM 
Exempt Status: Exempt 
Location: Hybrid/School of Medicine Campus 
Department name: ​​​​​​​SOM Admin Exec Off Gen Administration  
Personnel area: School of Medicine 

 

 

Total Rewards
The referenced salary range is based on Johns Hopkins University’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level. Johns Hopkins offers a total rewards package that supports our employees' health, life, career and retirement. More information can be found here: https://hr.jhu.edu/benefits-worklife/.

Please refer to the job description above to see which forms of equivalency are permitted for this position. If permitted, equivalencies will follow these guidelines: JHU Equivalency Formula: 30 undergraduate degree credits (semester hours) or 18 graduate degree credits may substitute for one year of experience. Additional related experience may substitute for required education on the same basis. For jobs where equivalency is permitted, up to two years of non-related college course work may be applied towards the total minimum education/experience required for the respective job.

**Applicants who do not meet the posted requirements but are completing their final academic semester/quarter will be considered eligible for employment and may be asked to provide additional information confirming their academic completion date.

The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check. Johns Hopkins is committed to hiring individuals with a justice-involved background, consistent with applicable policies and current practice. A prior criminal history does not automatically preclude candidates from employment at Johns Hopkins University. In accordance with applicable law, the university will review, on an individual basis, the date of a candidate's conviction, the nature of the conviction and how the conviction relates to an essential job-related qualification or function.

The Johns Hopkins University values diversity, equity and inclusion and advances these through our key strategic framework, the JHU Roadmap on Diversity and Inclusion.

Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

EEO is the Law:
https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf

Accommodation Information
If you are interested in applying for employment with The Johns Hopkins University and require special assistance or accommodation during any part of the pre-employment process, please contact the Talent Acquisition Office at jhurecruitment@jhu.edu. For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711. For more information about workplace accommodations or accessibility at Johns Hopkins University, please visit https://accessibility.jhu.edu/.

Johns Hopkins has mandated COVID-19 and influenza vaccines, as applicable. The COVID-19 vaccine does not apply to positions located in the State of Florida. Exceptions to the COVID and flu vaccine requirements may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons. Requests for an exception must be submitted to the JHU vaccination registry. For additional information, applicants for SOM positions should visit https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine/ and all other JHU applicants should visit https://covidinfo.jhu.edu/health-safety/covid-vaccination-information/.

The following additional provisions may apply, depending upon campus. Your recruiter will advise accordingly.

The pre-employment physical for positions in clinical areas, laboratories, working with research subjects, or involving community contact requires documentation of immune status against Rubella (German measles), Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B and documentation of having received the Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccination. This may include documentation of having two (2) MMR vaccines; two (2) Varicella vaccines; or antibody status to these diseases from laboratory testing. Blood tests for immunities to these diseases are ordinarily included in the pre-employment physical exam except for those employees who provide results of blood tests or immunization documentation from their own health care providers. Any vaccinations required for these diseases will be given at no cost in our Occupational Health office.

Hybrid: On-site 3-4 days a week