Project Communications Specialist

Position Overview Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a skilled Project Communications Specialist for the University Finance Administration (UFA) Project Management Office (PMO) team. The specialist will support the planning and execution of project communications, reporting to the Senior Manager, Change Management. The role uses established procedures to develop, coordinate, and execute strategic internal communications in partnership with key stakeholders and manages all aspects of internal communication platforms, including website, e‑mail, and MS Teams, in support of initiatives and projects. Key Responsibilities Creates creative and sophisticated communications for university projects, incorporating key initiative/project messages to build awareness and understanding while promoting the changes and benefits of initiatives. Plans, prepares, and disseminates information designed to keep staff, faculty, and senior executives informed of pertinent aspects of initiatives and projects. Collaborates with project managers and key stakeholders to assess needs and effectiveness, and coordinates communications for initiatives and projects. Assesses, develops, and applies appropriate metrics to measure the impact of communications. Evaluates new and emerging communication channels and opportunities for compatibility with initiative needs. Stays up‑to‑date on recent trends and best practices and provides recommendations to inform communications planning. Manages communications for initiatives and projects effectively, from concept through launch and delivery, including establishing timelines and prioritizing competing initiatives. Qualifications Minimum: Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience demonstrating knowledge, skill, and understanding of communications and public relations. Three (3) to five (5) years of experience in communications, public relations, or a related field. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Demonstrated capability to write, edit, and proofread high‑quality copy using standard style guides such as The Chicago Manual of Style, The Associated Press Stylebook, and the Rutgers Editorial Style Guide. Strong command of MS Office and working knowledge of platforms such as Qualtrics, Prezi, YouTube, Constant Contact, Eventbrite, SharePoint, and Mentimeter. Proactive communication skills and ability to work with limited supervision. Attention to detail, organizational skills, responsiveness, and dependability. Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment while maintaining quality and meeting deadlines. Embodies UFA guiding principles of support, collaboration, understanding and trust, how we work, strategic alignment, and accountability. Maintains a professional demeanor, positive disposition, internal motivation, and manages confidential information. Preferred Qualifications: Experience at a higher‑education institution, project management office, and/or financial organization. Compensation and Benefits Salary: $40 per hour (non‑exempt, hourly, temporary staff). Final salary may be adjusted based on qualifications, experience, market benchmarks, and internal equity. Benefits (for eligible employees): Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage; paid vacation, holidays, and leave programs; competitive retirement benefits including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax‑deferred savings options; educational benefits for employees and dependents (when applicable); life insurance; employee discount programs. Work Hours and Status Part‑time; up to 19.5 hours per week; hybrid work arrangement may be available. 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, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr Rutgers University