Description

The Director of Communications & Public Relations will be a part of the Division of Institutional Advancement and report to the Vice President of Institutional Advancement. This individual will be a strategic thinker and storyteller who will work in a highly collaborative role alongside the Director of Brand Identity.The Director of Communications & Public Relations will manage the creation of marketing campaigns and messages that positively raise the public image of the college. The Director of Communications & Public Relations will ensure that college brand & content is consistent, well-timed, and newsworthy. This individual will work alongside divisions and departments to develop an overall communications strategy to achieve strategic goals and objectives. The Director of Communications & Public Relations will establish media relationships, arrange interviews, craft public statements, handle emergency communications, write talking points for executives and leadership, create press kits, centralize and manage social media communications, travel as necessary to connect with key stakeholders and cover key events, and other necessary duties.

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:

• Strong and effective communication, interpersonal, and public speaking skills.
• Solid critical-thinking skills.
• Expert skills in writing, proofreading, and copy editing.
• Thorough knowledge of media relations and public relations.
• Knowledge of Tuscaloosa-area media.
• Strong knowledge of Higher Educational environment.
• Ability to work in a team environment; must be collegial and supportive of shared goals.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously and adhere to deadlines.
• Ability to manage a department budget.
• Ability to interpret policy, procedures, and data.
• Ability to shoot and edit photography and video to support storytelling across digital platforms.
• Ability to navigate, create, segment and send email campaigns through ConstantContact email marketing software.
• Sound judgment and decision-making skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in the field of communications, public relations or related field required; Master’s degree preferred but not disqualifying.
• Three to five (3-5) years of notable work experience in organizational or higher education communications.
• Proven experience in both writing and editing all types of content including executive messaging.
• Proven experience as an organizational spokesperson.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage internal and external communications among key stakeholder groups.
• Utilize digital media to stay on top of cutting-edge strategies.
• Strongly advocate on behalf of the college and its constituents across various media channels and vehicles.
• Exhibit persuasive storytelling via strong speaking and writing skills.
• Manage multiple campaigns and projects while adhering to deadlines.
• Perform research.
• Write and submit press releases and media alerts.
• Formulate brand stories that help promote Stillman College .
• Develop PR plan(s).
• Publish visually branded content to social media and institutional website.