Director of Communications

Job Summary

The Director of Communications is responsible for the development of New River CTC’s communication strategy and contributes to the organizational strategic planning process.  The Director of Communications develops a communications plan, directly managing communications activities that promote, enhance, and protect New River CTC’s brand reputation.

Nature of Work

The Director of Communications is responsible for the development, integration, and implementation of a broad range of public relations activities related to the strategic direction and positioning of the College and its leadership.  This individual is an ambassador for the College.  The goal is to advance New River CTC’s position with relevant constituents, as well as to drive broader awareness and donor support.  The Director of Communications is responsible for varied and integrated communication products and services including newsletters and other print publications; website, Facebook, Twitter e-news and other online communications; media and public relations; and marketing.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Performs other functions as required or assigned. Also complies with all Policies and Standards.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an integrated strategic communications plan to advance New River CTC’s brand identity; broaden awareness of its programs and priorities; and increase the visibility of its programs across key stakeholder audiences


• Create marketing/public relations strategies that will allow the leadership to cultivate and enhance meaningful relationships with targeted, high-level external audiences, including the media and key influencers


• Work with the President’s Cabinet and staff to recognize internal and external communications opportunities and solutions, and define and execute appropriate strategies to support them


• Serve as the representative of the College in community and cultural affairs and support the College’s work with organizations outside of the College that have significant affiliation and prepare communication to sensitive external constituencies, i.e., state and national legislators, and community/business leaders


• Oversee development of all print communications including the annual report, marketing collateral materials and electronic communications including website and social media, managing relationships with associated vendors


• Serve as a spokesperson and lead point person on media interactions that help promote and/or impact the College


• Prioritize media opportunities, and prepare talking points, speeches, presentations and other supporting material as needed


• Actively engage, cultivate, and manage press relationships to ensure coverage surrounding programs, special events, public announcements, and other projects


• Oversee the day-to-day activities of the communications function including budgeting, planning and staff development


• Manage a communications team to support the development and execution of the communications strategy


• Establish and monitor staff performance and development goals, assign accountabilities, set objectives, establish priorities, and conduct annual performance appraisals


• Assist in developing marketing strategies for promotion of individual departments including theme concepts, advertising coordination and media relations.

Professional Development

• Compliance training is to be completed routinely and within deadlines.


• Participate in additional professional development opportunities through LinkedIn Learning and professional organization affiliations.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Demonstrated skill and comfort in proactively building relationships and in successfully positioning subject matter to achieve high-impact placements


• Creative and thoughtful on how new technologies can be utilized


• Innovative thinker, with a track record for translating strategic thinking into action plans and output


• Excellent judgment and creative problem-solving skills, including negotiation and conflict resolution skills


• Superior management skills: ability to influence and engage direct and indirect reports and peers


• Stature, gravitas, and confidence to gain credibility and respect for high-performing contacts


• Self-reliant and results oriented


• Ability to make decisions in a changing environment and anticipate future needs


• Excellent and persuasive communicator


• Energetic, flexible, collaborative and proactive; a team leader who can positively and productively impact both strategic and tactical finance, and administration initiatives


• Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal and presentation skills and the ability to effectively interface with senior management, Board of Governors, staff, faculty, and external community


• Ability to operate as an effective tactical as well as strategic thinker


• Passion for New River Community and Technical College’s mission


• Direct working relationship with staff, faculty and external community

Education

A combination of recent work experience coupled with education

Bachelor's degree - Related field - Required

Master's degree - Related field - Preferred

Experience

In addition to the knowledge/education, the following related work experience is typically required, for this position.  An equivalent combination of education and recent, related experience may be acceptable.

Work related experience:

Demonstrated experience and leadership in managing comprehensive strategic communications, media relations, and marketing program to advance an organization’s mission and goals. - 2+ years Required

Writing and editing experience, with a variety of print and online communications media. - 2+ years Required

Demonstrated experience in working closely with governmental officials, community leaders, and/or Board members. - 2+ years Required.

Supervisory experience 

Previous experience in a higher education institution may be preferred.

License or Certification

Driver's license to travel between campuses - Required

Expectations

Employees are expected to adhere to the Mission, Values and Vision of the College. Each employee’s position has attributes that contribute to the achievement of these goals.

MISSION

New River Community and Technical College provides accessible, affordable, quality education and workforce programs to meet the needs of the region it serves.

CORE VALUES

Shared values guide New River Community and Technical College in fulfilling its mission. These values influence thoughts, guide decisions, mold policies, and determine courses of action. New River CTC employees will demonstrate these values in our daily work and instill them in our students.

RESPECT

• Promote a culture of


• Recognize and celebrate the unique contributions and perspectives of all


• Involve a diverse range of voices and perspectives in decision-


• Ensure everyone feels they are an integral part of the College

HONESTY

• Communicate openly and


• Take responsibility for one’s


• Provide accurate and transparent reporting of


• Make decisions based on ethical

EDUCATION

• Encourage and support a culture of continuous


• Facilitate the sharing of


• Offer access to a diverse range of educational


• Encourage


• Regularly assess educational programs and supporting


• Cultivate a workforce of knowledgeable, competent, and skilled

COMMUNITY

• Actively engage with the local


• Partner with local businesses, organizations, and non-


• Meet the educational needs and interests of the local


• Encourage and facilitate civic engagement among students, staff, faculty, and administration.

VISION

New River Community and Technical College will improve students’ lives and will enrich communities as an increasingly integral part of the educational and economic landscape of southern West Virginia.