Communications Manager, Operations and Sustainability

The Office of Sustainability and the Operations Division are central administrative units that work together to advance Tufts University’s institutional goals across its four campuses. The Office of Sustainability leads the university’s strategic approach to sustainability by articulating vision, promoting organizational change, and tracking progress toward equitable, resilient, and responsible resource stewardship. A core focus of the office is connecting institutional challenges with education and research to foster collective problem solving and prepare resilient leaders.

The Operations Division directs essential services and infrastructure that support the daily functioning and long-term development of the university, including campus planning, facilities and grounds, dining, mail services, public and environmental safety, waste management, and construction and renovation projects. Through reliable, innovative, and high-quality services, Operations supports a safe, functional, and sustainable campus environment.

Together, the Office of Sustainability and the Operations Division collaborate to integrate sustainability goals into campus operations, planning, and decision-making, translating institutional priorities into measurable, real-world outcomes across Tufts’ campuses.

The Communications Manager, Operations and Sustainability provides strategic leadership for two independent groups: the Operations Division and the Office of Sustainability. This role advances Tufts University's mission by developing and executing integrated communications strategies that deliver clear, timely, and engaging messaging about operational activities and sustainability initiatives. This person oversees content creation across digital and print channels and drives storytelling that connects campus operations and sustainability goals. The position also manages budgets, staff, and vendors, serves as liaison to University Communications and Marketing (UCM), and represents both offices on relevant committees.

• Strategy and Planning: Develop and implement coordinated communications strategies for Operations and Sustainability, including annual plans and proactive calendars aligned with university objectives.
• Content Development and Channel Management: Create and oversee high-quality print and online materials, websites, social media, and email campaigns for both offices; ensure accessibility and brand consistency. Partner with UCM Internal Communications to ensure messages about Operations and Sustainability are clear, timely, and targeted through the most effective channels.
• Education and Storytelling: Produce educational content explaining operational processes and sustainability initiatives; develop guides, FAQs, and narrative-driven stories highlighting impact; train students on how to effectively communicate. Work with UCM to identity relevant stories for publication in university publications and channels, including Tufts Magazine, Tufts Now, and Tufts socials.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Representation: Serve as liaison to UCM; represent Operations and Sustainability on university-wide committees and working groups, including the Internal Communications Group
• Leadership, Budget and Vendor Management: Hire, train, and manage staff and student workers; oversee budgets and external vendors for both offices. Participate as a full member of each office’s team, attending staff meetings, contributing to planning discussions, and collaborating on decisions that advance operational and sustainability goals.
• Measurement and Reporting: Evaluate effectiveness of communications strategies; present reports to leadership and recommend improvements.

Basic Requirements:
Knowledge and experience typically acquired by:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field.
• 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications, including digital channels and social media.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills; ability to translate technical and sustainability information into clear, accessible language.
• Experience in crisis/urgent communications and proactive media management.
• Strong project management skills with ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Familiarity with accessibility standards for web and digital content (WCAG/Section 508).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree and experience in higher education or complex organizations.
• Knowledge of sustainability, facilities operations, and campus planning.
• Supervisory experience leading professional staff and students.
• Experience managing vendors and consultants; budgeting and resource planning.

Special Work Schedule Requirements:

• Hybrid work environment.
• Occasional on-call or after-hours support may be required for urgent communications, outages, or emergencies.
• Frequent deadlines and multiple concurrent tasks; regular contact with diverse campus stakeholders.