Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of a comprehensive strategic communications plan aligned with the college’s mission, vision, and values. The Director provides primary leadership for the institution’s media relations and crisis communications efforts, serving as the college’s chief media spokesperson and managing relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets to enhance the college’s visibility, reputation, and public presence.
• Oversee the creation and distribution of key communications materials, including press releases, media statements, and institutional announcements, ensuring consistent and effective messaging across all channels. The Director will direct crisis communications planning and response, coordinating timely, accurate, and strategic communications during issues management and high-priority situations.
• - 25% - Newsroom and Content Oversight - Oversee and manage the College’s newsroom to ensure fresh, engaging content is produced and shared. Supervise the creation of news releases, media advisories, op-eds, and feature stories. Ensure that all materials reflect the College’s values, achievements, and events. Maintain a steady flow of new content that appeals to different audience segments, including the media, students, faculty, and the general public. Ensures that content aligns with institutional goals and emerging trends in higher education media. Guides strategic communication efforts around key institutional events, leadership initiatives, and crisis communication. - (Essential)
• - 25% - Media Relations and Public Outreach - Serve as the College’s media spokesperson and build strong relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets. Actively generate media coverage that reflects the College’s key initiatives and achievements. Engage with media to position the College as an expert resource, proactively pitching stories and securing interviews with faculty and leadership.
• - 20% - Leadership Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement - Collaborate with senior leadership and engage with key stakeholders to align communication efforts and foster valuable partnerships. Engage with potential partners, donors, and key community stakeholders to create new opportunities for collaboration and support. Participate in strategic planning sessions and assist in shaping communication strategies that support long-term objectives. Plays a major role in shaping the College’s overall public relations and media strategy to reinforce institutional messaging. Cultivates high-level relationships with external partners and stakeholders, aligning partnerships with the College’s long-term goals and strategic priorities.
• - 30% - Crisis Communications - A key area of responsibility for this role is leading the college’s crisis communications and emergency communications efforts. The Director develops and implements crisis communications protocols, coordinates timely and accurate communications during emergencies and high-profile incidents, and works closely with campus leadership, emergency management personnel, and external agencies to ensure consistent messaging and effective information dissemination. This role also supports emergency preparedness planning, media response coordination, and post-incident communications strategies to protect and maintain public trust in the institution.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or a related field relevant to the position duties, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Seven years of experience in media relations, public relations, or journalism.
• Two years of supervisory experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Google drives/folders/forms, Adobe Acrobat, Web Editing, and social media applications or any combination of productivity programs applicable to position responsibilities.

Preferred

• Master’s degree or other professional certifications.
• Higher education experience. Accreditation in Public Relations (APR). Network of contacts with local, regional, national, and international media outlets and journalists.

Benefits

• We also offer a generous compensation and benefits package.