Assistant Vice President, Communications

Job Posting Location:

Claremont, CA

Job Posting Title:

Assistant Vice President, Communications

Job Description:

FOR EXTERNAL APPLICANTS: Pomona College has retained the Executive Search Firm, The Ward Group, to lead the search efforts. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to: info@wardgroup.com and reference “Pomona College” in the subject line. If you are an internal applicant, please apply here.

ABOUT POMONA COLLEGE: Located near Los Angeles, California, Pomona College is widely regarded as one of the nation's premier liberal arts colleges. Established in 1887, Pomona College is known for small classes, a challenging curriculum, close relationships between students and faculty, and a range of student research and leadership opportunities. Pomona is a member of The Claremont Colleges.

JOB PURPOSE: The AVP of Communications serves as a member of the College’s senior communications team. They will create and implement data-informed strategies to promote the institution’s achievements, distinctions and leadership across owned media, as well as to local, regional, national, and international news media; play a collaborative role in crisis and issues management and acts as college spokesperson; direct emergency management communications; manage internal campus communications; oversee creation and distribution of digital content of news and events, including material for college-level social media channels.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Reporting directly to the Chief Communications Officer, the AVP, Communications performs the following essential duties and responsibilities:

• The AVP manages the news team responsible for web content, media relations and has a dotted line overseeing social media content. The AVP leads a team in developing, coordinating and implementing communication initiatives that promote the College’s reputation regionally, nationally and internationally to a wide range of audiences.

• The AVP also will help guide internal and executive communication plans and products as well as serving as a key spokesperson for the college for media and public Must be able to quick adjust priorities and respond to immediate needs.

• Partners with Chief Communications Officer on crisis response including on strategy, messaging and response.

• Manages the editor of the Pomona College Alumni Magazine - ensuring alignment of editorial strategy with College objectives and goals as well as audience interests.

• Significant responsibilities include advancing op-eds, traditional media outreach such as releases, pitches, appearances and advisories, social media for news and thought-leadership, and media events. Planning for promotions of key events, ranging from public speakers to orientation and commencement, and overseeing social media planning and proactive media placement plans are included in the responsibilities.

• The AVP works with communications managers in admissions, advancement and other key departments to coordinate efforts, maximize efficiencies and advance key initiatives for the college. This person also serves as a key liaison with colleagues at the other Claremont Colleges.

• Lead and supervise the Communications department staff in editorial and media relations, partners with Chief Communications Officer on emergency communications to achieve overall success for the College, including collaborative planning and development of media, social media and video strategies promoting the College’s interests, web strategies for planned site developments, and effective publications.

• Provide clear direction and oversight of related department activities in order to develop and achieve annual goals, including assisting with budgeting, planning and staff development.  Responsible for monitoring and evaluating direct reports. Maintain an efficient, collegial, and proactive work environment in the Communications Office.

• Drive the College’s content strategy development as part of a team to ensure a balance of content that addressed the core strategic aims of the College. Must stay up to date on effective use of video, social media and other elements of an integrated communications strategy. Identify, develop and implement measurable communication initiatives that promote the College’s reputation regionally, nationally and internationally to a wide range of audiences, both internal and external. 

• Identify, develop, implement, and assess a wide variety of strategic communication initiatives, including news and public relations activities, media relations, social media engagement, Web and other digital commu