Description

The Strategic Communications Director is the communications officer for the College and advises the President and senior leadership on all matters about communications, marketing, public relations, and brand management. 

The Strategic Communications Director will manage the creation of marketing campaigns and messages that positively raise the public image of the College. The Director 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 Strategic Communications Director 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.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• 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.
• Develop public relations plan(s)
• Publish visually branded content.
• Contribute to the overall success of the College by performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the President.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EDUCATION REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in the field of communications, public relations, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred but not disqualifying.
• Five to seven (5-7) years of work experience in organizational or higher educational communications
• Experience in both writing and editing all types of content including executive messaging.
• Expertise in issues management and crisis communications 
•  ability to adapt to changing communication technologies and trends. 
• experience with media outlets including issuing press releases.
• Experience in writing corporate communications, advertising, and marketing materials, including materials suitable for current or potential donors.
• Understanding of the use and impact of social media outlets 
•  Experience using online news feeds and other communication channels that capture social opinion. 
• Strong writing skills for all mediums including web, social media, video, news, and recruitment materials. 
•  Intermediate experience with web content management software 
• Experience with direct electronic communications (e.g., video conferencing)
• Experience as an organizational spokesperson.
• 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
• Strong 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 lead and inspire staff.
• Ability to interpret policy, procedures, and data.
• Ability to shoot and edit photography and video to support storytelling across digital platforms.
• Strong work ethic
• Sound judgment and decision-making skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences.

Stillman College is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate unlawfully in employment matters on the basis of race, religion, gender, color, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, or any other category protected by law.

Review of applications will begin immediately and remain open until the position is filled.