Director - Communications

Job Summary  

EDA Overview

Join the NJEDA and help lead New Jersey to sustainable economic growth, fostering equitable opportunities and vibrant communities. We offer hybrid work, a supportive culture, and robust benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and extensive wellness programs. Make a tangible impact and shape New Jersey's future with innovative economic development at NJEDA.

Job Overview

• Leads NJEDA’s Communications Department and oversees the development and execution of strategic communications and media relations, including internal and external messaging.
• Elevates NJEDA’s brand and reputation by proactively shaping public narratives, strengthening media relations, and guiding cross-agency messaging, and delivering executive-level content such as Chairman’s Remarks, CEO Reports, and op-eds.
• Manages and mentors a high-performing team (2–3 staff); leads internal communications strategy and alignment in close partnership with Government Affairs and the Director of Events and Marketing; ensures quality control of all internal messaging; and oversees the coordination and output of external marketing firms.
• Builds and maintains strong external relationships with the Governor’s Office, sister agencies, and key stakeholders; regularly engages with reporters, influencers, and industry leaders to enhance NJEDA’s visibility and amplify its mission.

$111,792 - $139,740

Note: The NJEDA currently offers a hybrid work schedule for up to 2 days of telecommute work from home. To participate, you will be required to have high speed home internet access and a managers approval. This program does not supersede the "New Jersey First Act", which requires newly hired NJEDA employees to establish and then maintain, principal residence in the State of New Jersey.

Duties  

Daily Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Serves as the primary media liaison and spokesperson, managing all press inquiries and media engagement. Ensures brand and message consistency across all internal and external communications, including digital platforms.
• Drafts and reviews press releases, speeches, editorials, statements, talking points, and executive communications.
• Supervises and mentors communications staff; assigns priorities, reviews deliverables, and supports professional growth.

Projects:

• Leads strategic communications for major initiatives, product launches, partnerships, and, as needed, crisis management.
• Develops and maintains relationships with press, public officials, and strategic partners to advance NJEDA's visibility.
• Coordinates communication strategies with internal departments and external consultants/agencies. Specifically, this includes working in close partnership with the Authority’s Government Affairs team to develop and execute communications for outreach events and stakeholder engagements, and the Marketing and Events team to manage external agencies and ensure delivery of high-quality marketing and PR assets.
• Identifies emerging trends in media, communications, and public affairs to guide innovation and increase reach.

Goals and Objectives:

• Increases NJEDA brand awareness and public understanding of programs. Enhances NJEDA’s public presence, reputation, and accessibility.
• Drives engagement through targeted messaging and multimedia storytelling.
• Delivers clear KPIs, including measurable monthly metrics on press coverage quality and quantity, message consistency, and campaign effectiveness.

Collaboration and Cross-Divisional Interaction:

• Partners closely with senior leadership, including the CEO, Dpeuty CEO, Chief of Staff and Executive Committee, to shape and deliver consistent messaging.
• Coordinates communications strategy with the Governor’s Office, local and state agencies, and external stakeholders.
• Maintains open communication and alignment across departments, ensuring transparency and synergy in messaging.

Reporting Structure:

• Reports directly to the Chief of Staff & Chief External Affairs Officer.
• Supervises a team of 2–3 communications professionals.
• Operates with high autonomy and strategic decision-making authorit
• Must complete annual self-assessment as required.
• Performs other duties and special projects, as assigned.

Skills and Qualifications

Technical Skills:

• Possesses expertise in media relations, crisis communication, speechwriting, and content development.
• Demonstrates strong understanding of New Jersey's media and political landscape.
• Has experience managing multimedia campaigns and cross-platform content.

Soft Skills:

• Thinks strategically and communicates persuasively with strong emotional intelligence.
• Leads under pressure, prioritizes competing demands, and drives results.
• Embodies a collaborative, adaptive, and proactive leadership style.
• EDA Leadership Profile
  • Talent Management: Acquires, develops, and manages high-performing teams.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partners effectively across boundaries and functions.
  • Vision-Driven Results: Drives a clear vision and strategic thinking for achieving results.
  • Innovation and Change: Encourages new ideas, opportunities for change, and motivates team members.

Certifications:

• N/A

Experience:

• Brings a minimum of 7–10 years of public affairs or strategic communications experience, ideally in government, policy, or economic development sectors.
• Advanced degree or industry specific certification may be substituted for 1 year of experience

Education:

• Holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Policy, Political Science, Journalism, or related field.

Software/Tools Proficiency:

• NJEDA utilizes Microsoft as the core application platform and proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite is preferred.
  

Additional Information

• Minimal physical demands and ability to work out normal business hours
• Travel expected when necessary for business operations

Certificates and Licenses Required

• Staff are required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essentials duties of the position.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job description. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope, general nature and level of work performed by job holders within this job.  This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the position.

Your employment at NJEDA is voluntary and subject to termination by you or NJEDA at will, with or without cause, or with or without notice, at any time.  Nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to conflict, eliminate or modify the employment-at-will status of NJEDA employees. 

This position is considered exempt and is excluded from minimum wage, overtime regulations, and other rights and protections afforded nonexempt workers under the FLSA.

NJEDA reserves the right to amend/revise this job description as necessary to meet current and changing business needs.

NJ SAME Program

 In accordance with P.L. 2021, c. 465 and P.L. 2021, 466, the SAME program was established to enable New Jersey State agencies to hire, promote, retain, and advance qualified individuals whose physical or mental impairments impact their abilities to participate in the hiring and promotion process for non-competitive and unclassified titles within the State workforce.

The SAME program allows candidates, who identify as having a significant disability, to apply for non-competitive and unclassified positions through a fast track hiring process. This program uses a fast-track process that permits people who are eligible for the program to request that the State appointing authority schedule with them a good faith interview. For more information about the SAME program and the Fast Track Hiring program, please Click Here.  If you have any questions, please email, or call the contact as indicated on the job vacancy announcement.

This posting open to eligible applicants regardless of SAME eligibility.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Position Requirements

• Foreign degrees/transcripts must be evaluated by a reputable evaluation service at your own expense and must be submitted prior to a start date. If this cannot be provided within 21 days of an offer the offer will be rescinded.
• Must comply with the “New Jersey First Act” which requires employees hired after September 1, 2011, to reside in New Jersey. Non-New Jersey resident employees must relocate to New Jersey within one year of their date of hire and provide proof of residency to Human Resources.
• Must complete an Outside Activity Questionnaire (disclosure of outside office or employment) on an annual basis.
• Must review the required NJ State Ethics Guidelines found on the state website.
• Selected candidates must be authorized to work in the United States per the Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services regulations. Note: The State of New Jersey does not provide sponsorship for citizenship to the United States.

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