Executive Director of Communications and Marketing

Job ID 1611

December 12, 2023

Department: Communications

Employee Group: Meet & Confer 

Schedule: 40 hours/52 weeks, Exempt 

Compensation: $100,000/year

Benefits: Generous Benefit Package; Full Time

Reports to: Vice President for College Advancement 

Posting Closes: Open Until Filled, First Review on January 8, 2024

SUMMARY

The Executive Director of Communications and Marketing provides strategic leadership and direction to the communications, graphics and web and digital strategy teams.  The Executive Director of communications and marketing is a key leadership role responsible for developing and executing comprehensive communications, marketing and branding strategies to enhance the reputation, visibility, and brand of Grand Rapids Community College; while growing the applicant pipeline. This position will lead a dynamic communications, graphics and web and digital strategy teams, while working collaboratively with various departments to ensure consistent and effective communication and marketing deliverables internally and externally.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

• Strategic Planning 
  • Develop and implement a strategic communications plan that encompasses media relations, crisis communications, brand identity, brand messaging, and recruitment and retention marketing, and is aligned with the college¿s mission, vision, values and goals. 
  • Collaborate with senior leadership to integrate communications strategies into overall institutional planning. 
• Media Relations
  • Act as a spokesperson for the College and serve as the primary media contact.
  • Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets. 
  • Develop, from start to finish, press releases and manage media inquiries. 
  • Execute a strategic media pitching plan to highlight institutional priorities and elevate media coverage.
• Internal Communications
  • Oversee internal communication efforts to ensure staff, faculty and students are well-informed about institutional initiatives, achievements and news. 
  • Implement strategies to enhance internal communication channels and employee engagement. 
• Content Development
  • Lead content creation for various platforms, including the GRCC website, social media, newsletters, and other communication materials. 
  • Ensure content is compelling, accurate, and aligned with College messaging. 
• Crisis Communication 
  • Responsible for the development and implementation of the College¿s crisis communication plan to respond effectively to potential challenges or crises. 
  • Act as a key spokesperson during a crisis situation, providing timely and accurate information. 
• Brand Management 
  • Safeguard and enhance the College¿s brand and image. 
  • Develop and enforce brand guidelines across all communication channels. 
• Community Engagement 
  • Foster positive relationships with community partners, stakeholders, and alumni. 
  • Organize and support events that promote the College within the community. 
• Website Management
  • 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. 
  • Manage the web content policy and a college-wide editorial board.
• Supervision and Leadership
  • Lead, mentor, and inspire the communications, graphics and web and digital strategy teams, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment. 
  • Manage department budgets and resources effectively. 
  • Provide senior level public relations counseling to the President, Board of Trustees and Cabinet. 
  • Participate as a standing member of the Strategic Leadership Team, the Emergency Planning Team, Presidents Cabinet and other groups, as assigned. 
  • Provide copy and speech writing as well as editing and proofreading support to the President. 
  • Oversee communications department operations ¿ including, but not limited to, copy writing, graphic design, photography and video.
  • Oversee the web and digital 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.
• Other Responsibilities 
  • 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 

• Bachelors 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.
• Must have a strong understanding of and experience with web and digital strategy and print and digital advertising. 
• 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 policies website.
• 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 at https://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.