The Director of Communication and External Relations is responsible for effectively developing, leading, and implementing a broad range of communications, marketing, and public relations activities in support of the strategic direction and positioning of the College. Employee will develop a comprehensive communications and marketing plan, along with brand standards, that promotes, enhances, and protects the College’s brand reputation. Direct all media relations, including crisis communication, for the College to ensure accurate and timely coverage of events and news and the dissemination of information to print and broadcast media sources, digital, social media and website to the general public, and specialized target groups. Serve as Public Information Officer (PIO) for the College and provide communications counsel to the leadership team, including media crisis management. Employee must be able to work independently, manage multiple responsibilities and possess the ability to work under stress to meet competing deadlines. This position may require travel, including overnight, working irregular hours including weekends as needed
1. Manage and provide day-to-day oversight of communications, external relations and marketing staff and operations, including planning, developing, and producing campaigns, assigning staff to projects, directing market research and industry trend analysis and executing brand standards and management strategies;
2. Plan, develop, and implement effective strategic communications and public relations plan for the College to enhance the College’s prominence among key audiences;
3. Direct and manage the development, editing and dissemination of various communications and large-scale publications (i.e., news releases, feature articles, alumni profile stories, news stories, reports, op-eds, quotes, and other communications to the web, e-news and other online communications) that highlight the goals, objectives, policies, partnerships, program activities and accomplishments of the College’s faculty, staff, students and alumni;
4. Direct and manage the development and maintenance of the College’s website and electronic marketing to ensure the design and content achieve the appropriate public relations goals.
5. Direct, coordinate, and procure mass media advertising, including radio, television, newspaper, magazines, social media networks, podcasts, and websites;
6. Direct and manage the development, distribution, and maintenance of all print and electronic collateral materials and internal/external messaging including, but not limited to, newsletters, e-blasts, announcements, brochures, annual reports, program collateral, donor appeals, and published reports via Constant Contacts;
7. Manages crises communications to inform and mitigate news events and coverage; facilitate public safety information during an emergency or natural disasters.
8. Direct all media relations such as news interviews, news conferences, ceremonies, webinars weather alerts and crisis management for the College to ensure accurate and timely coverage of events and news;
9. Develop and maintain a media contact list and build strong relationships with the media to advance the College’s position with relevant constituents, as well as to drive broader awareness and donor support for the College;
10. Direct social media strategy and content development, draft and post content and act as community manager by monitoring all the College’s social media pages and YouTube channels;
11. Manage the Campus Communications’ Team, inclusive of faculty, staff and students, and host bi-weekly and/or monthly meetings;
12. Prepare talking points, scripts, PSAs and narratives for leadership and administrators;
13. Interview administrators, faculty and staff to proactively seek relevant campus news within divisions and departments and report; write and photograph daily campus events;
14. Partner with Institutional Advancement team members to develop content for multiple fundraising outreach efforts, launch campaign, track campaign performance and analytics, media coverage and support a creative culture of philanthropy;
15. Work with a contracted graphic designer to develop, draft and finalize documents and collateral materials for administration, programs, events, fundraisers, etc.;
16. Work with Information Technology to post content and news stories to the website and Coordinate website/webpage updates—ensure that new and consistent information (articles, links, stories, events, and other content) is regularly posted and updated;
17. Serve as liaison with media and handle requests for interviews, statements, responses, etc.;
18. Foster relationship with digital, print and broadcast reporters and key stakeholders;
19. All other duties assigned by the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Services.
Master’s degree in Communications, Marketing, and Journalism or in a related field, along with five years or more experience preferably in higher education. Passion for Tougaloo College’s mission.
1. Passion for Tougaloo College’s mission.
2. Champion for higher education with a passion for creativity in a fast-paced work environment.
3. Ability to balance strategic development and day-to-day operation responsibilities.
4. Expert interpersonal skills and the ability to think strategically.
5. Ability to research, plan, prepare and execute an idea with creativity and an eye for detail
6. Extensive successful writing and editing experience (internally and externally focused) with a variety of print and online communications media.
7. Maturity and excellent judgment; a leader who can positively and productively serve as a unifying force and position communications discussions at both the strategic and tactical levels.
8. Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills and the ability to effectively interface with different constituents.
9. Demonstrated ability to handle complex tasks, manage time effectively, work independently, work effectively as an effective leader and team member, make sound judgements, formulate plans, carry out objectives, interact effectively with various constituent and be flexible.
10. Knowledge of principles of communications and public relations and its role in advancing an organizational agenda and the theories, practices, and techniques of marking, branding and advertising.
11. Demonstrated skill and comfort in proactively building relationships with top tier reporters and editors, and in successfully positioning subject matter with the media to achieve high-impact placements.
12. Strong attention to detail with a keen eye for grammatical errors.
13. Experience securing local and national press.
14. Highly organized and able to prioritize under pressure.
15. Intimate experience and knowledge in Constant Contacts and Sprout Social is a plus.
16. Skilled in methods and techniques of preparing and disseminating news releases and securing media placements.
17. Skilled in design content and production of marketing and public relations materials.
The above listings of duties and responsibilities are not exhaustive and are subject to review and change. Other duties may be performed as assigned.
In order to apply for a position, click the Employment Application link and complete the form.
Physical Address:
Tougaloo College
Attention: Director of Human Resources
500 West County Line Road
Tougaloo, MS 39174
TOUGALOO COLLEGE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
EMPLOYER
ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, AGE,
NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, DISABILITY, CITIZENSHIP, VETERAN STATUS, GENETIC
INFORMATION, GENDER IDENTITY; OR ANY OTHER LEGALLY PROTECTED STATUS. THE COLLEGE
PROHIBITS SEXUAL HARASSMENT, INCLUDING SEXUAL VIOLENCE.