Director of Communications

New River Community and Technical College•Beaver, WV

About The Position

Serving as a member of the President’s Cabinet and reporting to the Associate Vice President of External Affairs, the Director of Communications is responsible for the development of New River CTC’s communication strategy and contributes to the organizational strategic planning process. This position develops a communications plan, directly managing communications activities that promote, enhance, and protect New River CTC’s brand reputation. The successful candidate is responsible for the development, integration, and implementation of a broad range of public relations activities relative to the strategic direction and positioning of the College and its leadership. This individual is an ambassador for the College. The goal is to advance New River CTC’s position with relevant constituents, as well as to drive broader awareness and donor support. The Director of Communications is responsible for varied and integrated communication products and services including customer relations management software, newsletters, and other print publications; website, Facebook, X and other online communications; media and public relations; and marketing.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree - Required
Demonstrated experience and leadership in managing a comprehensive strategic communication, media relations, and marketing program to advance an organization's mission and goals. 2 yrs + required
Writing and editing experience, with a variety of print and online communications media. 2 yrs + required
Demonstrated experience in working closely with governmental officials, community leaders, and or Board members. 2 yrs + preferred
Valid drivers license required

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree - Preferred
Supervisory experience in higher education institution may be preferred. 2 yrs + preferred

Responsibilities

Develop and implement an integrated strategic communications plan to advance New River CTC’s brand identity; broaden awareness of its programs and priorities; and increase the visibility of its programs across key stakeholder audiences.
Create marketing/public relations strategies that will allow the leadership to cultivate and enhance meaningful relationships with targeted, high-level external audiences, including the media and key influencers.
Work with the President’s Cabinet and staff to recognize internal and external communications opportunities and solutions and define and execute appropriate strategies to support them.
Serve as the representative of the College in community and cultural affairs and support the College’s work with organizations outside of the College that have significant affiliation and prepare communication to sensitive external constituencies, i.e., state, and national legislators, and community/business leaders.
Oversee development of all print communications including the annual report, marketing collateral materials and electronic communications including website and social media; manage relationships with associated vendors.
Serve as spokesperson and lead point person on media interactions that help promote and/or impact the College.
Prioritize media opportunities, and prepare talking points, speeches, presentations, and other supporting material as needed.
Actively engage, cultivate, and manage press relationships to ensure coverage surrounding programs, special events, public announcements, and other projects
Oversee the day-to-day activities of the communications function including budgeting, planning and staff development.
Manage a communications team to support the development and execution of the communications strategy.
Establish and monitor staff performance and development goals, assign accountabilities, set objectives, establish priorities, and conduct annual performance appraisals.
Assist in developing marketing strategies for promotion of individual departments including theme concepts, advertising coordination and media relations.
Maintain communication with print and broadcast media.
Maintain a constant voice in the media to educate the public about New River.
Establish and maintain excellent rapport with media representatives, executives in other professions, and college administrators.
Organize news conferences and arrange coverage of media events and prepare informational packets for media.
Develop and maintain liaison relationship with purchasing and outside vendors regarding bid specifications for printed publications, commercials, etc. produced by outside vendors.