Communications Strategist

Dutchess Community College•Poughkeepsie, NY

14h

About The Position

Dutchess Community College (DCC) is seeking a Communications Strategist to join their team. This role focuses on writing, editing, content development, and institutional storytelling to support College priorities. The Communications Strategist will research, interview, write, edit, and adapt content for various platforms including news, web, email, publications, and campaign materials. The position reports to the Associate Director, PR & Communications and collaborates with other departments like Creative & Brand and the Website Administrator. While media relations and department-wide messaging are handled by the Associate Director, and web governance by the Website Administrator, this role is crucial for producing and coordinating assigned written content.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, English, marketing, public relations or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
At least three years of professional experience in writing, editing, journalism, public relations, content development or marketing communications.
A portfolio of published or professional writing that demonstrates accuracy, range, voice and audience awareness.
Strong interviewing, research, factchecking, proofreading and copyediting skills, including familiarity with AP style or another established editorial standard.
The ability to manage several assignments and deadlines while coordinating reviews with subject-matter experts and College leaders.
Sound judgment, strong interpersonal communication and a collaborative approach to feedback and revision.

Nice To Haves

Experience in higher education, the public sector, a mission-driven organization or journalism serving varied communities.
Experience writing about academic programs, workforce education, enrollment, student success or community impact.
Familiarity with content management systems, email platforms, digital accessibility and search-informed writing.

Responsibilities

Contribute story ideas and support the editorial calendar for DCC Connects, Bird's Eye View and other assigned communications.
Work with the Associate Director, PR & Communications to prioritize assignments based on College goals, audience needs and available time.
Research, interview and write articles, profiles, program stories, announcements and other feature or news content.
Draft copy for selected web pages, email, print, advertising and social media needs as assigned.
Translate complex academic, workforce, enrollment and student-support information into clear, audience-centered language.
Edit and proofread assigned content for clarity, accuracy, tone, grammar, accessibility and consistency with the College's voice.
Confirm names, titles, dates, statistics, program information, links and other key facts before final approval.
Route drafts to the appropriate reviewers, incorporate approved changes and deliver final copy to the staff member responsible for publication.
Adapt approved content for selected channels when reuse adds clear value, rather than creating separate content for every channel by default.
Maintain a clear record of assignments, deadlines, review status and final files, and flag delays or conflicting requests early.
Coordinate with designers, photographers, videographers and web staff when a story or campaign requires their support.
Build working relationships across the College to identify useful stories and gather accurate information.
Support time-sensitive or executive communications when assigned by the Associate Director, PR & Communications.