Strategic Communications

Strategic Communications helps elevate the people, programs, research, partnerships and initiatives that advance Montclair’s mission and strengthen the University’s public reputation.

We support University-level storytelling, media relations, executive communications, crisis and issue communications, internal brand storytelling, faculty expert promotion and strategic consultation. Our work connects Montclair’s expertise, impact and momentum with key stakeholders including prospective students and families, faculty, staff, alumni, community partners, journalists, policymakers and the broader public.

How We Can Help

Strategic Communications works with campus partners to identify strong stories, shape messages, prepare for media opportunities and communicate clearly around high-impact University priorities.

We may support:

  • University news and feature stories
  • Media relations and press inquiries
  • Internal Communications 
  • Internal Brand Storytelling 
  • Faculty expert promotion
  • Media assets
  • Merit student achievement platform
  • Executive communications
  • Crisis and change communications
  • Strategic consultation

For strategic communications support, please use the Strategic Communications Request Form. 

Related Resources

Crisis and Change Communications

Some communications require careful planning because they involve sensitive issues, public visibility, reputational risk, urgent timing or impacts to multiple audiences. 

UCM supports crisis and change communications in coordination with University leadership and relevant campus partners. This work may include message development, audience planning, media response, internal communications coordination and channel strategy.

Contact UCM early when an issue may affect:

  • University reputation, including in advertising or sponsored content
  • Student, faculty or staff safety
  • Public trust
  • Media attention
  • Institutional policy or operations
  • Multiple campus audiences
  • External partners or community relationships

Strategic Consultation

For projects with broad audience impact or institutional visibility, UCM can provide a strategic communications consultation before a message, campaign, announcement or initiative is developed.

Strategic consultation may include:

  • Clarifying goals and audiences
  • Identifying communications risks
  • Shaping key messages
  • Recommending channels
  • Sequencing communications
  • Preparing leadership or stakeholder messaging
  • Aligning communications and marketing with University priorities

Early consultation helps ensure that communications are clear, coordinated and appropriate for the audience and moment.

Before You Submit a Request

The strongest requests include enough background for UCM to understand the story, audience, timing and strategic value. Please use the Collaboration Request Form. 

Be prepared to share:

  • What you need
  • Why the communication is needed
  • Who the audience is
  • When the communication is needed
  • Whether there is a firm deadline
  • Any draft copy, links, images or background materials
  • Any approvals already received or still needed
  • Whether the request is connected to a larger initiative, event, announcement or issue
  • Whether media attention, reputational sensitivity or leadership visibility is involved

Requests are reviewed based on strategic alignment, audience impact, timing, available resources and connection to University priorities.

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