Director of Strategic Communications

Montgomery College

14d•Hybrid

About The Position

Montgomery College, Central Services Campus, has an immediate need for a Full-time Director of Strategic Communications in the Department of Marketing and Communications within the Advancement and Community Engagement Division. The work schedule is 5 days/40 hours. This is a Non-Bargaining, Exempt, grade 37 administrative position. Montgomery College promotes and creates a working and learning environment rooted in the basic tenets of fairness, belonging, and inclusiveness. This position is eligible for telework up to two days a week. This eligibility is subject to change based on the needs of the unit. The Director of Strategic Communications serves as one of Montgomery College’s senior communications’ professionals, responsible for supporting and advancing the thought leadership, credibility, and reputation of the College and its president. This role leads the implementation, refinement, and ongoing execution of the College’s communications strategy, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities, presidential objectives, integrated marketing plan, and the College’s brand. Reporting to the Associate Senior Vice President for Marketing and Communications in the Advancement and Community Engagement division, the Director oversees presidential communications, media relations, and public relations. The position provides high-level support to the president and senior leadership, while managing high-volume, time-sensitive, and often confidential communications—including newsletters, reports, speeches, and mission-critical correspondence with key audiences such as the Board of Trustees, elected officials, MC Foundation and PIC MC Foundation board members, employees, students, donors, and community partners. The Director supervises the Media Relations and Public Relations Director and the Media Relations and Spanish Language Media Coordinator, and works closely with Marketing and Communications, Development, Alumni Relations, and Community Engagement colleagues, as well as with the President’s Office (including the Chiefs of Staff and Government Relations), Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Administrative and Fiscal Services. The Director also serves as the chief speechwriter for the president of Montgomery College, and oversees contracts and related work with any external public relations or media partners.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field.
Seven years of progressively responsible communications experience, including senior-level leadership in higher education or similarly mission-driven organizations.
Five years of supervisory experience managing communications teams.
Five years of executive speechwriting experience for a CEO or president.
Experience managing high-stakes executive communications, including confidential and time-sensitive correspondence.
Demonstrated experience serving as part of a cross-collaborative crisis communications team.
Demonstrated success in media relations, editorial strategy, and strategic communications planning.
The equivalent combination of education, training, certification and/or experience that provides the required knowledge and expertise to perform the essential functions of the job may be considered.
Eligible applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States and not require employer visa sponsorship

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in communications, journalism, or public relations
Experience working in a higher education environment.

Responsibilities

Lead the implementation of the College’s communications strategy, ensuring goals and tactics are executed, measured, and refined over time.
Serve as the internal champion for maintaining alignment between communications activities and institutional strategy.
Advance the president’s and College’s reputation as higher education thought leaders through strategic positioning, creative storytelling, editorial calendars, and high-quality speeches, op-eds, features, reports, and presentations.
Provide direct support to the president on messaging and visibility opportunities.
Establish and manage annual editorial calendars that leverage timely news, events, and trends within and external to the College.
Ensure integration across owned and earned media platforms, including management of the College’s online newsroom.
Direct media engagement strategies in English and Spanish.
Build strong media relationships to expand coverage from local to regional and national levels, positioning Montgomery College as a trusted voice in higher education.
Partner with the ASVP on crisis communications and sensitive issues management, as well as collaborate with Public Safety and Emergency Management to ensure coordinated, transparent responses.
Oversee development and timely delivery of newsletters, reports, and other essential communications for critical internal and external audiences, including the Board of Trustees, elected officials, MC Foundation, and PIC MC boards, students, and employees.
Ensure accuracy, discretion, and alignment with institutional priorities.
Partner with Marketing and Communications colleagues to align enrollment, brand, and digital strategies.
Collaborate with Development, Alumni Relations, and Community Engagement to support fundraising and partnership engagement.
Work closely with the President’s Office, Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Administrative and Fiscal Services to integrate communications priorities across divisions.
Build and sustain strong internal relationships to surface positive stories and ensure the timely flow of information for presidential and institutional communications opportunities.
Leverage creative and tech-savvy approaches, including new and emerging media, to amplify the College’s voice, enhance engagement, and increase reach.
Supervise, mentor, and evaluate staff, and foster innovation, accountability, and professional growth within the communications team.
Oversee media monitoring, email/newsletter analytics, and communications performance metrics.
Provide regular reports to college leadership and refine strategies based on insights.
Perform other duties as assigned