Project Manager, Strategic Communications and Design

Overview

The Project Manager will play a pivotal role in developing and executing communications, design, and engagement initiatives across University Life. This position supports the coordination and management of high-impact, cross-functional projects that align with divisional and university priorities, including major programs and events, task forces and working groups, educational opportunity rollouts, strategic planning, policy/process development, and progress monitoring. Oversee the development and execution of centralized communications, branding, and design strategies across the Division and its centers. The Project Manager will create and implement effective communication plans, develop engaging graphics and written content for email, website, social media, and program promotion, and ensure alignment with organizational goals and brand standards. Manage project schedules, budgets, and staffing plans, including producing reports, dashboards, agendas, and meeting minutes to support project teams and enhance engagement through strategic communication and design. The Project Manager also supports cross-functional teams by strengthening communication workflows, enhancing partner engagement, and building sustainable systems for project execution and tracking. Manage a portfolio that includes large-scale design and communications projects that extend across the Division of University Life and functional areas (e.g., communications, education), including annual initiatives and priority projects such as NYU Portraits, MLK Week, End-of-Year Student Life Celebrations, student convenings, focus groups, inclusive policy development, fundraising, task forces/working groups, etc. Monitor, analyze, and communicate results on impact metrics on a regular, ongoing basis, and will engage in necessary administrative coordination to manage project workflows and create lasting design and communications processes across the team.

Responsibilities

Required Education: Bachelor's Degree in Higher Education Administration, Communications, Media Arts and Design, Digital Media, Public Administration, Social Work, Organizational Development, Sociology, Business Administration, or a related discipline.

Required Experience: 5+ years relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. Must include experience with project management, conducting research, administering academic or organizational programs, and managing budgets. Requires strong organizational skills and experience collaborating across partners. Experience developing communications plans and strong branding and graphic design skills to engage constituents effectively.

Preferred Experience: 1+ years experience working in a higher education environment

Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities: Strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to prioritize and manage up and across. Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to develop and sustain effective relationships in support of organizational goals. Ability to work and communicate with diverse internal and external partners in individual and group settings. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong proficiency with the Adobe Suite, word processing, spreadsheet and presentation applications, and various social media platforms. Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality, discretion, and attention to detail. Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities in a deadline-driven, fast-paced environment. Experience with content management systems (CMS) and assessment databases. Ability to generate compelling written and visual content that engages and motivates diverse audiences via events, programs, website, newsletter, social media, etc.