Director of Communications

Essential Function:

Provides leadership for the college’s public relations services. The Director of Communications will be responsible for internal and external communications, a comprehensive and integrated communications strategy in parallel to the college marketing strategy; and, public relations in support of the institution, enhancing the image of the college.

Responsibilities:

1. Work with various campus constituencies, including members of the administrative team, deans, faculty, staff and students to develop and produce effective communications materials, and electronic media production. 
2. Identify, develop and manage a strategic, internal and external communication plan of action for the college, and evaluate for effectiveness. 
3. Develop written communications, messaging and content and advise senior leadership on communications strategies. 
4. Provide campus leadership in organizing a positive public opinion climate for the college. 
5. Develop, manage, and implement ongoing planning and execution of the college public relations, communications, media and related special events. 
6. Manage integrated communication in collaboration with marketing staff and the institutional strategic plan. 
7. Attend campus and community events representing and promoting the college. 
8. Recommend new techniques, best practices and approaches to increase the effectiveness of the college’s communication plan. 
9. Serve as the institution’s chief public relations officer and official liaison 
10. Work closely with the President’s Cabinet in all aspects of institutional communications. 
11. Provide leadership and direct support on crisis communications, working closely with the crisis communications team and senior leadership. 
12. Responsible for overseeing the preparation of budgets and monitoring the expenditures. 
13. Supervises recommendation for the selection, evaluation, promotion and termination for all staff in Communications staff. 
14. Assumes liaison role with Academic Affairs, Student Affairs and Business Services in coordination of institutional priorities. 
15. Serves on appropriate college committees. 
16. Support and communicate the mission and vision of the college. 
17. Performs other duties as assigned by the Vice President of Business Services.

Education:

Master’s degree required. Five to seven years management experience in Communications, Public Relations, or related Higher Education experience required. Community College experience preferred.

Experience:

Minimum of 5-7 years of professional experience in Communications, Public Relations or related Higher Education experienced required, crisis communications and public relations including 3-5 years in a strategic communications leadership role, supervising a marketing/public relations team of professionals. Experience in working with governmental agencies and elected officials to advocate for college needs. Demonstrated expertise with emerging communications and public relations trends, best practices, and social media. Demonstrated experience implementing effective integrated branding, public relations, digital/online, media and communications principles and strategies. Demonstrated effective fiscal management, policy development, directing department operations and staff development.

Knowledge:

Strong working knowledge of best practices and current techniques related to Communications, Public Relations, Media, Public Administration and Governmental Affairs. Knowledge of principles and practices with government local/ State/Federal to advocate for colleges initiatives. Understanding of and commitment to the mission of community colleges.

Skills:

Demonstrated organization and interpersonal skills. The ability to lead and motivate, and to manage multiple projects and assignments with excellent organization,delivery, creativity, planning and attention to detail in collaboration with others. Superior written, editing, verbal communication skills and analytical research skills.Demonstrated excellence in communications, public relations and media skills.

Annual base salary of $118,000 with full benefits package.