Employee Communications Manager

General Function

The Employee Communications Manager is responsible for developing and executing a strategic, integrated approach to internal communications that supports employee engagement, retention, and alignment with the college’s mission and priorities. This role serves as the primary liaison for internal communications efforts, working closely with departments such as Human Resources, IT, Safety & Security, and Facilities to ensure employees are informed, engaged, and connected to institutional goals.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Internal communications strategy: Building upon the existing employee communications strategy, this individual will refine and enhance communication channels, drive proactive engagement, and foster a more cohesive and effective internal communications framework. The Employee Communications Manager will also play a key role in engaging the college’s Extended Leadership Council, ensuring clear and consistent messaging across leadership and employee audiences.

• College intranet management: Assess the effectiveness of existing internal communication channels, identifying opportunities for improvement and innovation. Implement enhancements to ensure communications are timely, relevant, and accessible to all employees. Introduce new tools and strategies for engagement, such as interactive digital platforms, video updates, or mobile-friendly communications. Maintain and refine the intranet or other internal platforms to improve usability and accessibility for employees.
• Channel effectiveness: Evaluate the effectiveness of existing and new communication channels, making data-driven updates and measuring impact on a routine basis to enhance internal communications across the college.
• Content management: Create, edit, manage and oversee content for various internal communications channels, focusing on engagement and information dissemination in a timely manner.
• Editorial planning: Contribute to the editorial process, representing internal communications..
• Brand management: Ensure consistency and quality in all communications, adhering to Central Piedmont brand guidelines, style and AP guidelines.
• Collaboration and leadership engagement: Act as a strategic partner to department leaders, advising on best practices for internal messaging and change communications. Work closely with leadership to ensure alignment and transparency in college-wide initiatives and updates. Lead efforts to foster a culture of proactive, two-way communication between employees and leadership.
• Crisis management: Participates in crisis communication planning and response, as needed.
• Serves on committees as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements and Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Business, or a related field.
• 5 years of experience in internal communications, employee engagement, or a related field.

Additional Information

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Worker Characteristics:

• Proven experience developing and executing internal communications strategies that enhance engagement and retention.
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills with the ability to simplify complex topics for diverse employee audiences.
• Experience managing multiple communication channels, including intranet platforms, newsletters, and digital communications.
• Ability to assess communication effectiveness through data and feedback, implementing improvements as needed.
• Strong relationship-building skills and ability to collaborate across departments and leadership
• Excellent writing, editing, and messaging skills with an ability to translate complex information into clear, engaging content.
• Ability to manage sensitive information and navigate crisis communication situations.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.