Executive Director of Communications and External Relations

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Working Title:

Executive Director of Communications and External Relations

Institution:

Minnesota State College Southeast

Classification Title:

Information Officer 3

Bargaining Unit / Union:

214: Minnesota Association of Professional Employees

City:

Red WingMSSE - Winona Campus

FLSA:

Non Job Exempt

Full Time / Part Time:

Full time

Employment Condition:

Classified - Unlimited

Salary Range:

$40.26 - $58.20

Job Description

The Executive Director of Communications and External Relations at Minnesota State College Southeast serves as the chief public information officer and lead marketing strategist, reporting to the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives. This role provides college-wide leadership in strategic communications to enhance the College’s visibility, reputation, and alignment with institutional goals. The Director oversees external relations—including marketing, branding, media, government, and community engagement—and ensures consistent communication across digital, print, and media platforms while safeguarding the College’s brand voice. Responsibilities include managing storytelling, social media, website content, internal messaging, and earned media to promote student, staff, and community achievements. As the primary crisis communication coordinator, the Director advises the President and Cabinet on sensitive issues such as legal matters, Title IX, protests, or emergencies, crafting clear, timely messages. Acting as a strategic advisor, the Director develops key communications in collaboration with campus leadership and manages confidential information, often coordinating with stakeholders at various levels.

PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide strategic leadership in Communications, Engagement, Marketing, and External Relations Provide executive leadership and strategic direction for all College communications, marketing, and external relations to position Minnesota State College Southeast as a regional leader in higher education. Lead the development and execution of integrated, institution-wide communication and marketing plans aligned with the College’s mission, strategic plan, and enrollment goals. Collaborate with the Vice President of Student Success and the Enrollment Management Team to implement a comprehensive strategic marketing and communications plan to support reaching recruitment, enrollment, and retention goals of the College. Serve as the College’s primary spokesperson, overseeing all media relations activities including press releases, interviews, crisis response messaging, and public announcements. Collaborate closely with the President and Cabinet to ensure communication strategies effectively support institutional priorities, reputation management, and outreach initiatives. Guide the creation and delivery of compelling messaging across all internal and external platforms, including website content, email communications, social media, print publications, monthly earned media and public/media relations. Oversee the College’s brand identity and storytelling strategies, ensuring alignment of tone, voice, and visual identity across all channels and departments. Evaluate the effectiveness of marketing and communication strategies through key performance indicators, audience engagement data, and market research; use findings to refine and enhance outreach. Direct the development and enforcement of communication policies, brand standards, and style guidelines to ensure consistent and professional messaging. Lead and participate in the College’s strategic planning process, ensuring communications and public relations are embedded in institutional goal-setting and implementation efforts. Serve as the primary liaison with Minnesota State system communications staff, coordinate response to system initiatives including Outstanding Faculty nominations, Economic Impact initiatives, State Fair presence, and others. Monitor external trends, issues, and opportunities that could impact the College's reputation or operations and advise senior leadership accordingly. Build and sustain strong relationships with media, government entities, industry, and community partners to amplify the College’s visibility and influence. Direct the planning and execution of high-profile College events, including messaging, run-of-show scripting, photography, videography, and communications coordination. Lead the College’s crisis communications efforts, providing timely, accurate, and strategic messaging during incidents that impact safety, operations, or reputation, and ensure effective dissemination of information through appropriate internal and external