Job Postings

Executive Director of Strategic Communications

Open Date: May 30, 2018
Open until filled

Northwest Florida State College
Niceville, FL

For more information contact:
Human Resources
Human Resources
(850) 729-5365
humanresources@nwfsc.edu

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. The Executive Director of Strategic Communications is directly accountable to the Vice President of College Advancement for the following duties and responsibilities. The individual filling this position is expected to play a positive role in helping the College manage change as necessary to effectively carryout its mission.

Duties and Responsibilities
• Oversee all brand messaging, design and creative execution through various communication vehicles such as print, television, direct mail, outdoor, radio, digital media platforms, collateral and special events. Manages all advertising and media placement for division initiatives within a specified budget. Provides 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.
• Serve as the publicist for the college president and Board of Trustees, to include the development and coordination of talking points, speeches, presentations, social media, OpEds, and other presidential communications.
• Serve as college spokesperson and maintain an active liaison relationship with all area media and/or assist designated college spokesperson to represent NWF State College to the media. Coordinate with internal and external media community partners to provide leadership to 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 (monthly) newsletter and other NWF 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; maintain photo library and photographic archives.
• Plan, coordinate, and support select special events for the college.
• Represent the college through internal and external speaking opportunities, as directed.
• Participate in sensitive decision-making as part of the Safety Committee and coordinate crisis communication, as designated. • Supervise strategic communications personnel.
• Establish and manage the strategic communications budget in accordance with college policy.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
• Master’s degree in marketing, public relations or related field required.
• Five years professional work experience as a brand communicator; experience at a fast-paced entity required. (Higher education experience a plus).
• 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. • General knowledge of printing process.
• Ability to take initiative, act independently, handle multiple tasks simultaneously and prioritize. Detail oriented.
• Ability to think around problems and come up with 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.

How to Apply
Please provide a complete application package that includes all of the following:
1. NWF State College Application.
2. Resume.
3. A cover letter explaining why you consider yourself qualified for this position.

Application Deadline: First review of applications will begin on June 22, 2018. Position will remain open until filled.