Executive Director, Strategic Communications - Northwest Florida State College

Job Description:

This position provides visionary leadership for NWF State College's Strategic Communications Division. The position is responsible for the development and implementation of a comprehensive, integrated, and strategic communications plan in support of the College's mission and to positively enhance NWF State College's brand, image, and awareness of its programs, services, initiatives, and planned activities. The individual filling this position is expected to play a positive role in assisting the College to manage change as necessary to effectively carry out its mission. The Executive Director of Strategic Communications is directly accountable to the President for the following duties and responsibilities.

• Oversee all brand messaging, design and creative execution through various communication vehicles such as print, television, direct mail, outdoor, radio, and digital media platforms. Manage all advertising and media placement for division initiatives within a specified budget. Provide strategic oversight for creative process and final creative product.

• Plan and implement the College's public relations strategy to maintain and advance the organization's position across the media and with relevant community stakeholders. Compose, research and edit communications materials including press pitches, press releases, policy talking points and white papers.

• Assist the President and Board of Trustees with the development and coordination of various materials and talking points.

• Maintain an active liaison relationship with all area media and represent NWF State College to the media. Coordinate with internal and external media community partners to provide leadership and effectively promote college-wide programs, services, and events. Handle ensuing media inquiries and requests to arrange interviews.

• Responsible for ensuring a comprehensive digital strategy including website management, search engine optimization, and social media.

• Write, edit, prepare bid specifications, and coordinate the customized distribution of college publications, including but not limited to, feature articles, catalogs, magazines, brochures, and the website. Serve as the Editor, with responsibility for content, layout and design, of the NWF State College President's Perspective newsletter and other NWFSC publications.

• Set and monitor standards for college-wide adherence to the NWF State College Graphics/Publications Standards and Style Guide Policy for non-instructional material. Review all non-instructional publications prepared by the College's in-house graphics department, as well as web content, to ensure responsible promotion of College messages and visual identity.

• Create and maintain a Strategic Communications Master Plan outlining current and comprehensive marketing, communications and recruitment initiatives including a unit plan with measurable goals and a strong commitment toward continuous improvement.

• Ensure the strategic communications division serves as the College's official photographer and videographer; maintain photo library and photographic archives.

• Plan and coordinate select special events for the College.

• Represent the College through internal and external speaking opportunities, as directed by the President.

• Participate in sensitive decision-making as part of the Safety Committee and coordinate crisis communication, as designated.

• Supervise Strategic Communications and Events Management personnel.

• Establish and manage the Strategic Communications budget in accordance with College policy.

• Co-Chair of the Graduation committee and oversee the College's Commencement.

• Serve as the primary liaison between the College and external marketing agencies, ensuring effective communication and alignment of goals, and overseeing the selection, contract negotiation, and performance evaluation of each agency to make sure they meet the strategic objectives and standards of the organization.

• Annual mandatory compliance training is required.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• College paid health insurance for employee, dependent coverage at employee's expense

• College paid basic life insurance for employee, additional coverage for employee and/or dependents at employee's expense

• College paid retirement with 3% employee contribution to the Florida Retirement System (FRS)

• Optional dental and vision insurance at employee's expense

• Sick and Annual (Vacation) Leave accrual

• Time off for designated holidays, winter break, and spring break

• 36-hour work week

• Free tickets to designated Mattie Kelly Arts Center and Raider Athletic events

Requirements:

• Minimum of 5 years' experience as a brand communicator; experience at a fast-paced entity required. (Higher education experience a plus.)

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

• Demonstrated excellence in professional written and oral communications required. Knowledge of Associate Press (AP) style guidelines.

• Demonstrated experience and knowledge of social media, mass media practices, and advertising markets.

• Demonstrated competency in emotional intelligence and situational awareness.

• Facilitate positive interaction with the College personnel and demonstrate a strong commitment to creating work products that meet the needs of the College.

• Demonstrated "We Can" attitude and demeanor that contributes to the advancement and progress of the College.

• General knowledge of printing processes.

• Ability to take initiative, act independently, handle multiple tasks simultaneously and prioritize. Detail oriented.

• Ability to think around problems and develop creative solutions.

• Ability to travel within the College's two-county district area.

• Assumes duties and responsibilities which require accessibility for College business during non-college operating hours and/or when off campus during regular duty hours.

Additional Information:

Classification: Administrative II

Location: Niceville

FLSA Status: Exempt

Application Deadline: Review of Applications will begin immediately. Position will remain open until filled.

Application Instructions:

All sections of the application must be completed.

Please provide a complete application package that includes all of the following:

• NWFSC Application.

• Resume.

• A cover letter explaining why you consider yourself qualified for this position.

• Copies of unofficial transcripts.

• After submitting your resume, the following page will allow you to upload additional documents. The maximum allowable size for uploading documents is 10 MB. Documents exceeding 10 MB must be scanned at a lower resolution or divided into separate documents to reduce file size.

If you are disabled and need accommodations in order to participate in the application/selection process, please notify Human Resources before the specified closeout date. All qualified persons will be considered on an equal basis. Any applicant's grievance should be addressed to the Human Resources Executive Director. Northwest Florida State College does not discriminate based on age, color, ethnicity, race, national origin, disability, marital status, pregnancy, religion, genetic information, sex, gender, or any other legally protected classification in its employment practices or its educational programs or activities. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, NWFSC strictly prohibits the discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities in job application procedures, hiring, firing, advancement, compensation, job training, and other terms and conditions of employment. Preference will be given to eligible veterans and spouses of veterans for Career Service positions. NWFSC is an Equal Access/Equal Opportunity Institution and a Drug Free Workplace.