Executive Director of Public Relations and Institutional Communications

Macomb Community College•Campus - To be determined by department, MI

About The Position

Provides strategic leadership for the College’s public relations, institutional communications and community-relations functions. Serves as a senior communications advisor to the President, executive leadership and Board of Trustees and as a primary spokesperson for the College. Leads integrated communication strategies that advance institutional priorities, strengthen internal and external engagement, protect the College’s reputation and ensure that Macomb Community College communicates with a clear, credible and consistent institutional voice.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, journalism, marketing, public affairs or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and directly related experience may be considered consistent with College policy.
At least seven years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications, public relations, media relations, executive communications or a related field.
At least three years of successful leadership or supervisory experience.
Experience advising senior executives, serving as a spokesperson and leading crisis or issues communications.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Professional accreditation.
Experience in higher education, government, the public sector or another complex, highly visible organization.

Responsibilities

Develop and lead an integrated institutional communications strategy aligned with the College’s mission, strategic priorities and commitment to student success; establish College-wide communication priorities, standards, protocols and measures of effectiveness.
Advise the President, executive leadership and Board of Trustees; anticipate communication needs and direct the development of speeches, presentations, correspondence, statements, talking points and other high-level communications concerning complex, sensitive or highly visible matters.
Serve as a primary College spokesperson and lead proactive and responsive media relations, issues monitoring and reputation management; build productive media relationships and prepare College leaders and subject-matter experts for interviews.
Develop and lead institutional storytelling that showcases student, alumni and employee success, demonstrates the College’s impact and strengthens its reputation in education, workforce development and community advancement.
Lead the communications component of crisis, emergency and high-risk institutional matters in coordination with College leadership and appropriate departments. Maintain crisis-response protocols, approval and escalation procedures, backup spokesperson coverage, communication templates and contact lists.
Develop and lead communication strategies for significant institutional initiatives, organizational changes and leadership decisions. Advise College leadership on explaining the purpose and impact of changes, anticipating stakeholder questions and concerns, providing feedback opportunities and supporting successful implementation.
Lead College-wide internal communications and communications that support employee engagement, connect employees with institutional priorities and strengthen communication between leadership and the College community.
Coordinate with Student Services, Marketing and other responsible departments to ensure students receive clear, timely and accessible communications about significant College developments, institutional changes and matters affecting their College experience. Provide editorial leadership and content governance for institutional channels.
Develop and maintain strategic relationships with community leaders, public officials, business and civic organizations and other constituencies important to the College. Oversee stakeholder relationship information, institutional sponsorships, community-facing communications and communication strategies supporting public-funding initiatives.
Work collaboratively with Marketing and departments across the College to coordinate messaging and maintain a consistent institutional voice. Provide guidance, training and resources to College communicators and leaders, and promote communications that are accurate, accessible, inclusive, legally appropriate and responsive to audience needs.
Coordinate with Legal Counsel and responsible offices on public records, privacy, regulatory requirements and legally sensitive matters.
Lead, develop and evaluate assigned staff; manage departmental budgets, consultants, agencies and vendors; establish goals and performance measures; and use research and analytics to assess effectiveness and continually improve communications practices and capabilities.