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

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.