Executive Director of Communications

Executive Director of Communications

Job ID 1547

July 20, 2023

Department: Communications

Employee Group: https://www.grcc.edu/faculty-staff/human-resources/employee-groups-resources/employee-groups/meet-confer

Schedule: 40 hours/52 weeks, Exempt

Compensation: $100,000/year

Benefits: Generous Benefit Package; https://www.grcc.edu/faculty-staff/human-resources/benefits-insurance/medical-plans/new-hire-benefit-enrollment

Reports to: Vice President for College Advancement

Posting Closes: Open Until Filled, First review on August 3, 2023

SUMMARY

The Executive Director of Communications provides strategic leadership and direction to the Communications and Web Content and Strategy teams. The purpose of this position is to provide effective and efficient management of the GRCC brand. Primary responsibilities include developing and implementing a strategic vision to guide department work that is interconnected with the college's mission, vision and values; creating a team-oriented work space for the development and growth of team member proficiencies; fostering collaborative relationships with external and internal partners; understanding the interconnectedness of the college's advertising, marketing, promotions and public relations campaigns, and executing tactical implementation of this work to advance the college's visibility in the West Michigan community; being in tune with emerging industry trends to identify opportunities for improvement and department growth areas, while at the same time being intentional in the development of work processes that allow for the continuous evolution of department work; serving as a liaison between the college, and campus constituents and the West Michigan community regarding college-wide communications initiatives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Spokesperson for the College

• Set a strategic direction for the communications and web content and strategy departments, and the GRCC brand.

• Provide leadership for the strategic development of communications department advertising, marketing, promotions and public relations campaigns.

• Assess, guide, and strengthen the capacity of the Communications Department to address the marketing and public relations needs of the college.

• Responsible for the development and implementation of the College's communication plan, which includes all public relations, marketing and advertising activities, and crisis communications.

• Provide senior level public relations counseling to President, Board of Trustees, and Cabinet.

• Participate in strategic college-wide planning and leadership as part of the Cabinet and Strategic Leadership Team.

• Use a systems management approach to create effective and efficient work processes that are foundational in nature, but easily adaptable in a continuous improvement environment.

• Provide copy/speech writing, and editing/proofreading support to the president.

• Oversee communications department operations ' including, but not limited to, copy writing, graphic design, photography and video.

• Oversee the web content and strategy department operations, including, but not limited to website and digital signage branding and the continuous improvement of website features, content, information architecture, and data collection and analysis to support the institutional goals of the college, including the areas of recruitment, retention, and institutional storytelling.

• Advise, guide, and deploy crisis communications during college emergencies, or other instances when the dissemination of information critical to college operations is necessary.

• Oversee grcc.edu as the college's website owner, developing and implementing a strategic plan, in collaboration with the information technology department, that incorporates a continuous cycle of improvement for the site's operational practices, processes and systems.

• Oversee, in collaboration with the information technology department, the expansion of operational practices, processes and systems for college websites that encompass all areas under GRCC's web portfolio.

• Manage the web content policy and a college-wide editorial board.

• Understand the nuances of today's media landscape, be able to anticipate their needs, and maintain positive relationships with local, state and national media partners.

• Responsible for the development and management of the department's annual budget.

• Use best practice project management principles to guide department work, including the development of systems and integration of new tactics, as necessary.

• Facilitate the development, and expansion, of campus resources for communications department operations, including, but not limited to, GRCC brand, editorial and training guides, and policies.

• Responsible for researching and collecting information from legal, state-mandated policy, and published data and information.

• Support college-wide accessibility initiatives.

• Serve on various cross-college teams and committees.

• Represent the College at various community events.

• Regular attendance during normal scheduled hours is required. Being present is essential for serving customers and performing the essential functions of this position.

• This role is a Campus Security Authority (CSA). CSAs will be trained and responsible for reporting Clery Reportable Crimes to Campus Police as required by the Clery Act.

• Other duties as assigned by supervisor or College president.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Education Credentials

• Bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, marketing or related field required.

Work Experience

• Minimum of five years in a management/leadership role in public relations, marketing or communications.
• \ APR certification preferred.
• Prior experience in higher education setting desired.

Skills

• Must have networking skills and be involved in the community and connected to community leaders.
• Must have strong project management organizational skills, ability to work under pressure, ability to juggle several projects at once, and to meet deadlines.
• Must be self-confident, open minded, and accessible to both internal and external customers.
• Must possess advanced copywriting, editing and proofreading skills.
• Must possess strong oral/written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Must possess strong facilitation skills.

Physical Demands

• The position requires long periods of sitting, standing, reading and writing, listening and speaking.

Mental Demands

• Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently both verbally and in writing.
• Must be able to effectively manage high stress issues and concerns.
• Must be comfortable with public speaking.
• Must understand what the media wants and needs.
• Understanding of the mission of community colleges.
• Must possess an inquisitive and intuitive nature, and be a good listener, to understand external and internal community needs and actively engage these entities with communications department work.
• Must be a positive 'people person' with the ability to manage high-stress situations, and use conflict-resolution tactics to diffuse differences of perspective/opinion.
• Must possess technology competence, proficiency in database management systems and related communications support software.

Working Conditions

• GRCC will comply with any mandated health and safety requirements. Compliance information is available on our http://www.grcc.edu/policies.
• Must be able to work flexible hours (i.e. evenings and night) including occasional weekends.
• Position requires local travel on a regular basis for community events and engagement.

METHOD OF APPLICATION

GRCC is only accepting online applications for this position athttps://www.grcc.edu/jobs. Submit a cover letter and resume. The opportunity to apply for this position will close at the end of the day on the close date referenced at the top of this job posting. Individuals with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Grand Rapids Community College is an equal opportunity employer. Visa sponsorship is not available.

HIRING PROCESS

GRCC uses an Evidence Based Selection Process, where we make data driven hiring decisions to help mitigate bias throughout the hiring process. As part of this process, candidates will participate in assessments (cognitive and behavioral), reference checks and interviews.

NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

Grand Rapids Community College creates an inclusive learning and working environment that recognizes the value and dignity of each person. It is the policy and practice of GRCC to provide equal educational and employment opportunities regardless of age, race, color, religion, marital status, sex/gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, height, weight, national origin, disability, political affiliation, familial status, veteran status or genetics in all programs, activities, services, employment and advancement including admissions to, access to, treatment in, or compensation in employment as required by state and federal law. GRCC is committed to reviewing all aspects of GRCC programs, activities, services and employment, including recruitment, selection, retention and promotion to identify and eliminate barriers in order to prevent discrimination on the basis of the listed protected characteristics. The college will not tolerate any form of retaliation against any person for bringing charges of discrimination or participating in an investigation. Further information may be obtained from the EEO Office or the Office of General Counsel, 143 Bostwick Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3295.

To apply, please visit: https://apptrkr.com/4755226

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