Director of Strategic Communications

Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination Statement                                    

In addition to its commitment to a harassment-free educational and working environment, the College is an equal employment opportunity employer. The College is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees and complies with all applicable state and federal laws on the matter. The College does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including gender, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition or medical leave, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by law. The College also prohibits the harassment of any employee on any of these bases.

Location:

Claremont, CA

Job Posting Title:

Director of Strategic Communications

Job Details and Requirement:

BASIC FUNCTION:

The Director of Strategic Communications is responsible for the development and execution of external CMC and brand communications in line with the College’s strategy including proactive reputation management, stakeholder engagement, thought leadership, executive visible leadership, issues and crisis management, media relations, and sustainability initiatives. The role will work across the College helping to integrate the mission and amplify the accomplishments of the College, faculty and students. The Director of Strategic Communications proactively establishes CMC and its leaders and faculty as thought leaders with external stakeholders, key opinion leaders, and NGOs, and works closely with the TCCS for crisis and issues response. The Director of Strategic Communications will also play a role in driving the global reputation agenda.

The Director of Strategic Communications must be an experienced strategic initiatives and communications leader with strong project management, communications, interpersonal and judgment skills, and have an advanced understanding of the mission and strategies of the College including student journalism within a university environment, as well as extensive experience working with a range of partners and stakeholders including students, donors, alumni, parents, faculty, professional staff, and senior leaders. This is a critical role in advancing strategic priorities, ensuring proactive planning and implementation of communication strategies as an integral part of divisional initiatives. The Director of Strategic Communications will exercise considerable discretion and judgment while serving as the key strategist, connector, integrator and “air traffic controller” for the AVP and leadership team, connecting diverse work streams across the College to advance projects, and seeking to reduce silos with external partners. 

We are interested in candidates who have demonstrated experience engaging with diversity through activities such as fostering an inclusive environment, working with students and staff from diverse backgrounds, or incorporating diverse perspectives in their work.

Reports to the Associate Vice President/Chief Strategic Communications Officer.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Drive the long- and short-term external communications strategy, objectives and programs to further our mission – including enhancing the reputation, elevating positioning, leading external communications, providing strategic counsel, leading media strategy, directing story development, establishing a proactive news bureau, conducting community outreach, and partnering with external organizations and partners.

• Oversee strategic communications to multiple audiences and constituencies for long-term initiatives, often in collaboration and coordination with other College departments to ensure alignment and coherence of messaging.

• Lead crisis/issues communication strategy to minimize situations that can be threatening and or financially damaging to the College, overseeing divisional crisis communications for both immediate, emergency responses and longer-term postvention needs.

• Anticipate problems, critical issues, and opportunities as they arise and advise the AVP accordingly.

• Oversee large, often cross-functional, College-wide projects or initiatives, bringing together important stakeholders and helping to drive decisions according to the College’s priorities. Ensure timely and effective completion of pro