What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Director for Communications and Public Relations position at Arkansas Tech University?
Application Deadline: May 15, 2025
Salary: $53,000
About Arkansas Tech:
Founded in 1909, Arkansas Tech University is a comprehensive public institution with a rich history, maintaining regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and classification as a Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) level III institution. ATU was ranked the No. 1 regional public university in Arkansas by U.S. News and World Report in 2021-22 and 2022-23 and CollegeNET recognizes ATU as the No. 1 institution in Arkansas on its Social Mobility Index. Since 2019, Arkansas Tech has been the host institution for the prestigious Arkansas Governor’s School. The 559-acre Russellville campus, located in the scenic Arkansas River Valley between the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, is just one hour from the capital city of Little Rock. Russellville features a charming blend of historic and modern architecture as well as the recreational opportunities provided by Lake Dardanelle and several state parks. Offering more than 100 undergraduate degree programs and more than 40 graduate degree and certificate programs across five academic colleges and two campuses, Arkansas Tech strives to provide a solid educational foundation for life-long learning to a diverse community.
Position Summary:
The Associate Director for Communications and Public Relations supports the university's recruitment and enrollment goals by leading strategic communication and public relations efforts. Key responsibilities include creating and executing communication plans, analyzing data to inform decisions, updating website content, producing reports, and training admissions staff. This role also oversees recruitment events, campus visit experiences for prospective families, and other duties as assigned by the Director of Admissions.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Lead the development and execution of comprehensive communication strategies across multiple platforms (e.g., newsletters, member portals, webpages), and provide strategic oversight for signature programs and high-impact events.
Manage and enhance the university's client relationship management systems to track engagement and strengthen connections with prospective students, families, and key stakeholders.
Collaborate on the planning and delivery of new and ongoing departmental recruitment events, ensuring alignment with institutional enrollment goals.
Evaluate and implement policies and workflows related to key software systems (e.g., Slate CRM, Banner, Argos) to improve efficiency and support the enrollment funnel.
Optimize CRM-driven marketing and event registration processes; conduct post-campaign/event analyses to identify trends, measure effectiveness, and inform future strategies.
Contribute actively to a collaborative and fast-paced team environment, supporting cross-functional initiatives and department-wide goals.
Monitor current trends and issues affecting prospective students and families; represent the university on relevant campus committees and task forces.
Provide support for daily recruitment operations, including responding to inquiries from prospective students and families and assisting with administrative functions.
Leverage data analytics to refine recruitment strategies, monitor performance metrics, and guide decision-making across communication and engagement initiatives.
Direct the execution of timely, relevant electronic communications to external audiences, ensuring content aligns with recruitment priorities and institutional branding.
Supervise and support the Coordinator for Campus Visits and the Coordinator for Events and Family Engagement, providing guidance, feedback, and professional development.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Proven experience in project management and the use of software systems such as Slate CRM, Banner, and Argos.
Proficiency in word processing, office productivity tools, scheduling, organization, and professional presentation development.
Intermediate to advanced knowledge of spreadsheets and databases, with the ability to manage and interpret complex data sets.
Demonstrated office management experience, including staff hiring, training, supervision, and performance assessment.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to collect, interpret, and act on data to inform strategy and improve outcomes.
Willingness and ability to research, adopt, and apply emerging technologies to support departmental and institutional goals.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, along with a high level of professionalism and customer service orientation.
Minimum Requirements:
A bachelor's degree is required. Supervisory experience.
Three years of experience in university recruitment and admissions or a closely related function.
Preferred Qualifications:
Master's degree.
Proficiency in the use of CRM software.
Coordinator level supervisory experience.
Work Location, Environment, and Physical Demands:
Russellville, AR
What to Submit:
Resume.
Letter of Interest.
Reference List.
To be considered for the position of Associate Director for Communications and Public Relations, all applications must be received and processed through our applicant tracking system Cornerstone prior to the closing date on May 15, 2025 before 6:00 pm central time.
Please go to https://atu.csod.com/ats/careersite/search.aspx?site=1&c=atu to
Salary : $53,000
