Communications Specialist

Highland Community College•Freeport, IL

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Highland Community College seeks a Communications Specialist to join our Marketing & Community Relations team. This full-time position develops and executes strategic communications that promote the College's mission, programs, achievements, and initiatives. The Communications Specialist creates compelling content across multiple platforms, supports marketing and public relations efforts, strengthens Highland's brand, and engages both internal and external audiences. If you are a skilled communicator who enjoys storytelling, content creation, public relations, and building meaningful connections within a college community, we encourage you to apply!

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, English, or a related field; AND two (2) years of professional experience in writing, marketing, communications, or public relations; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Knowledge of communication principles, public relations practices, and marketing strategies.
Knowledge of higher education operations, programs, and emerging trends affecting colleges and universities.
Knowledge of English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, vocabulary, and professional writing standards.
Knowledge of interviewing techniques and information gathering methods.
Knowledge of utilizing data to support informed decision-making.
Knowledge of customer service principles and best practices.
Skill in writing and editing press releases, marketing materials, publications, website content, and other communications.
Skill in promoting programs, initiatives, and institutional accomplishments through various communication channels.
Skill in organizing and coordinating events, projects, and outreach activities.
Skill in photography, including composition, framing, lighting, color, and attention to detail.
Skill in working effectively with diverse groups of individuals.
Skill in maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information appropriately.
Skill in developing and maintaining positive working relationships with employees, students, media representatives, and community members.
Skill in operating computers and common software applications.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Strong organizational, time management, and project management abilities.
Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and professionalism.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in higher education, public relations, marketing, communications, journalism, or a related field is preferred.

Responsibilities

Write and edit news releases, promotional publications, and marketing materials for all College divisions and departments.
Capture, edit, and maintain a library of photography that supports College communications and marketing efforts.
Assist with the development, maintenance, and monitoring of the College's social media presence.
Create, update, and maintain content for the College website.
Support public relations activities and special events that promote the College and its programs.
Develop promotional materials, scripts, media packets, and other informational content.
Assist with writing, updating, and training staff on maintaining employee and student portal content.
Promote employee recognition programs, student engagement initiatives, and institutional culture.
Assist the Director of Marketing & Community Relations with emergency closure notifications and crisis communications.
Coordinate responses to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant disclosure of public records.
Assist with departmental budget tracking, invoice processing, expenditure monitoring, and payment coordination.
Maintain effective relationships with faculty, staff, students, community partners, and media representatives.
Occasionally work evening and/or weekend hours to support events and special projects.
Perform other duties as assigned.