Job Description

Position Summary

 

The Director of Communications will be an outgoing, creative, business-minded, and detail-oriented individual to develop and execute the organization's marketing and communications activities. The Director of Communications will adhere to the policies as specified by the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees and the Drake State Community and Technical College Faculty and Staff Handbook.

SALARY

Appropriate placement on the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees 

Salary Schedule C2

Salary Range $77,611 - $120,346 (12 Month, Administrative, Exempt)

Work Hours : 8:00 am - 5:30 pm Monday - Thursday and 8:00 am - 12:00 pm Friday

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

 

The Director of Communications shall perform the duties as specified in conformity with policies established by the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees and the J.F. Drake State Community and Technical College Faculty and Staff Handbook.

• Develop and implement comprehensive, strategic marketing and public/community relations plan to enhance Drake State’s image and position within the marketplace and the general public, and facilitate internal and external communications


• Support college departments and initiatives with effective Public Relations and marketing activities


• Manage Drake State’s brand/image including logo use, consistent and cohesive graphic design, and use of corporate standards


• Supervise communications staff including managing work assignments to ensure the department is responsive, organized, and effective


• Oversee development and production of all college-branded communications including printed materials, advertising, newsletters, collateral, direct mail, etc.


• Responsible for editorial direction, design, production, and distribution of all Drake State’s publications (e.g. College Catalog and Student Handbook)


• Develop and implement year-round advertising and promotional campaigns to support college enrollment, events, new programs, etc.


• Curate and distribute student success profiles, including graduate success stories


• Manage Drake State’s website including text/photo updates, sitemap changes, regular review of analytics/functionality/design


• Manage Drake State’s social media accounts including content creation, calendar planning, social listening, customer service responses, and regular review of analytics, and engaged audience


• Actively and continually seek positive media coverage, serve as Public Information Officer for the college and facilitate media interviews with Drake State representatives in coordination with the President


• Prepare and oversee a Public Relations crisis communications plan in coordination with Director of Operations/Safety and the President’s Office


• Manage marketing databases to include alumni and community supporters


• Provide guidance and support to Development Office staff to help achieve Drake State Foundation goals


• Prepare and manage the communications budget


• Responsible for the achievement of marketing/communications/public relations mission and goals; ensure that evaluation systems are in place related to these goals and objectives and report progress to the President


• Assist the President by preparing newspaper editorial/guest columns/presentations, etc.


• Represent Drake State as a member of professional organizations


• Manage solicitations from community agencies and organizations for table sponsorships and advertisements


• Represent the college at various community events


• Travel as required in the performance of job duties


• Assist with day-to-day office functions and administrative tasks as needed in Drake State’s collaborative work environment


• Retain and submit documentation as requested to support accreditation efforts


• Perform other work-related responsibilities as assigned by the Dean of Students and/or President

 

Qualifications

 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of an earned Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field, from a regionally accredited institution  


• Minimum of 3-5 years   of full-time experience in a Public Relations/Communications/Marketing position


• Demonstrated skills in administration, communication, management and community leadership, and resource development


• Strong work ethic and ability to work independently


• Exceptional writing skills with experience in all types of writing


• Polished oral communication and interpersonal skills; ability to make effective informal or formal presentations to varied constituency groups


• Media relations experience including demonstrated earned media and strong sense of professionalism and judgement in response to media inquiries


• Project management experience with ability to coordinate between external agencies and vendors


• Ability to develop and apply sound Public Relations or advertising strategy to achieve organizational goals


• Strong knowledge and experience in website administration and evaluation using analytics


• Strong knowledge and use of social media and analytics, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube; ability to learn and adapt to new media


• Accuracy, timeliness, high attention to detail and strong organizational skills essential


• Ability to analyze budgetary information and statistical and technical data


• Flexibility, teamwork, and positive “can-do” attitude essential; high degree of initiative

 

PREFERED QUALIFICATIONS

• Public Relations/Marketing experience in higher education


• Intermediate to advanced skills in word processing, spreadsheets, database management, and presentation software


• Familiarity with digital advertising through agencies or third parties

 

DESIRED PROFILE 

Preference will be given to candidates who can demonstrate through their experience and accomplishments:

• Understanding of and commitment to the philosophy and mission of a community and technical college


• Sensitivity and commitment to cultural diversity


• Ability to handle multiple tasks and various situations in a calm and professional manner


• Ability to work well under pressure and deadlines


• Membership in professional public relations/marketing organization


• Ability to think strategically with fresh, innovative ideas and ability to implement


• Strong creative organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines


• Demonstrated success in marketing and/or public relations


• Commitment to teaching and learning, where recent high school graduates, adult students, and non-traditional students are involved

 

Application Procedures/Additional Information

 

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications and must submit a complete application packet through the NEOED on-line application system to be considered. A complete application consists of the following:

• An on-line application


• Current resume


• Copy of unofficial college transcripts (Transcript must confirm applicant meets educational requirements.)

Application materials must provide documentation that the applicant meets all minimum qualifications.

Please Note: If an applicant submits more than one application packet, only the most recently submitted application packet will be reviewed.

Background Check Requirement

In accordance with Alabama Community College System Policy and guidelines, the applicant chosen for employment will be required to sign a consent form and agree to a criminal background check. Employment will be contingent upon the receipt of a clearance notification from the criminal background check.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications as indicated on this vacancy notice and must submit a completed application packet in order to be considered for this position. Complete application files must be received no later than the application deadline. Applicants who fail to submit all required information will be disqualified. Only applications received during the open period of this announcement will be considered. Applicants must travel at their own expense. Finalists will be required to provide official transcripts that are mailed directly to the Office of Human Resources at Drake State Community and Technical College from the institution(s) granting the credits.

All applicants must have an on-line and completed application packet by the deadline date. All applications received will be screened and interviews scheduled by appointment only. All applicants must adhere to the College’s prescribed interview schedule and must travel at their own expense. Applicants must demonstrate written proficiency in English as part of the on-campus interview process. Drake State Community and Technical College is an active participant in the Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify). E-Verify electronically confirms an employee’s eligibility to work in the United States as required by the Department of Homeland Security.

Drake State Community and Technical College is an equal opportunity employer. It is the official policy of the Alabama Community College System, that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, disability, gender, religion, creed, national origin, or age, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program, activity, or employment. Drake State will make reasonable accommodations for qualified disabled applicants or employees. Drake State reserves the right to withdraw this job announcement at any time prior to awarding. Drake State compiles information about safety and security and publishes an annual report. This report can be found on the website by accessing the crime and safety report link. The link can be found on the Drake State home page by clicking the “About Drake State” tab and then selecting the “Campus Security Report” link. A copy can also be obtained by contacting the Director of Operations at 256-551-5210.

The College reserves the right to fill the position within (120) days of the job announcement stated closing date or to not fill the position due to budgetary or operational considerations. Further, the College reserves the right to fill more than one position in the same job classification should another vacancy occur during the search process.

Salary/Compensation: $77,611 - $120,346 per year

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