Assistant Director, Communications

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Weekly Work Hours

40

Compensation Range

Staff Range N07

Salary Minimum

$75,000.00 Annually

FLSA

United States of America (Exempt)

Position Type

Staff

Position Summary 

The Assistant Director, Communications will be responsible for developing and executing comprehensive communication plans that enhance the college's visibility, engagement, and success among students, employees, within the community and the broader education landscape. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional leadership skills, a broad understanding of brand reputation, messaging strategies, executive communications, crisis management, internal communications, media relations, strategic planning, analytics, project management, process improvement, budget management, client relations, team development, and agency management. 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Proven experience in internal communications, media relations, etc. 

• Deep understanding of communications and media trends, principles, strategies, and tactics, with expertise in innovative messaging strategies to deploy an effective omni-channel approach. 

• Experience in collaborating to strategically manage crisis situations by anticipating, preventing, and responding to media issues and crises and turning them to the benefit of the organization. 

• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data, analyze market trends, and draw actionable insights. 

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and work with stakeholders at all levels. 

• Proven ability to execute, meet deadlines, and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. 

Physical Requirements   

Normal physical job functions performed within a standard office environment. Reasonable accommodation may be made to individuals with physical challenges to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.  

Minimum Qualifications  

• Bachelor's degree or associate degree and equivalent experience in communications, public relations, English, journalism, marketing, business or related field. Official transcripts will be required.   

• Five (5) years of experience in communications, public relations, media relations, independently or with the support of an outside agency.  

• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, resource allocation, timeline management, project management and personnel supervision.  

• Extensive knowledge of developing and executing proactive and reactive integrated communications strategies.  

• Bilingual preferred.

  

Key Responsibilities 

• Build Communications Strategy & Plan – Leverage Brand strategy, key priorities, and best practices to form a cohesive, integrated Communications strategy and plan recommendation for senior management (Chancellor/L2/L3). Lead all proactive and reactive PR and Communications activities to build brand reputation and drive preference. Additionally, this leader will partner with Marketing, Digital and Events teams to coordinate media relations and issues management protocols across all facilities and departments.  

• Messaging Strategy Innovation – Provide the organization with leadership in how best to leverage relevant Communications and media trends to ensure that the brand messages are breaking through the clutter, reaching the right targets at the most opportune moments by effectively deploying an omni-channel approach, while effectively shaping and managing the dialogue in the brand's favor.  

• Executive Communications – Establish a strategy and lead plan for an executive leadership visibility and thought leadership program. This will involve developing messaging strategies/platforms, identifying speaking opportunities with the media and at industry events, developing white papers, etc. Support the development of internal and external communications for the Chancellor/L2 and Board Trustees (internal messages/meetings, Board communications, media interviews).  

• Crisis /Issues Management – Partner with The Business Continuity Office in formalizing a rapid response system, anticipating issues, and prepare for/prevent issues from emerging in media coverage. When possible, strategically turn crisi