Student Communications Manager

General Function

The Student Communications Manager is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing targeted communication strategies that engage and support existing students throughout their college journey—from post-enrollment to graduation or transfer. In close partnership with Student Affairs, this role focuses on delivering clear, consistent, and compelling messaging that drives student engagement, success, and retention. The Manager will also oversee the creation and maintenance of content and templates within the college’s newly implemented CRM system and collaborate with the communications and marketing team to integrate student-focused content into broader editorial initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Student relationship management tool liaison: Serve as lead for communications and marketing department within the student relationship management (or CRM) tool the college recently adopted and implemented. Regularly populate, update, and manage content and communication templates within the newly adopted CRM system to maintain consistent and high-quality messaging.
• Integrated student communications strategy: Work closely with the Director of Employee and Student Communications and Student Affairs to create and implement a comprehensive communications strategy to engage current students at every stage of the student lifecycle. Act as the primary communications liaison for student initiatives, working closely with Student Affairs and other stakeholders to align messaging with institutional goals.
• Multichannel content production: Develop and edit engaging content across various platforms—including emails, newsletters, social media, and digital channels—targeted at current students. Work closely with digital experience team to share across existing and future channels.
• Editorial coordination: Collaborate with the communications and marketing team to funnel student-related content and event information into the overall editorial planning process.
• Evaluate effectiveness: Monitor and assess the performance of student communication channels, using data and feedback to refine strategies and enhance engagement. Prepare regular reports on engagement metrics and campaign performance for Student Affairs and senior leadership.
• Implement enhancements: Identify and deploy new initiatives and digital tools that improve the student communication experience.
• Campaign planning: Partner with Student Affairs and the communications team to design and execute events and campaigns that promote student engagement and support academic success.
• Integrated messaging: Ensure all event-related communications align with the college’s overall messaging framework and are delivered through the appropriate channels.

• Brand management: Ensure consistency and quality in all communications, adhering to Central Piedmont brand guidelines, style and AP guidelines.
• 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, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field.
• 3 years in communications, marketing, or a related role, ideally with a focus on student or internal communications within higher education.

Additional Information

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Worker Characteristics:

• Proven ability to develop and execute multi-channel communication strategies that drive engagement and retention.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with experience tailoring content for diverse student audiences.
• Proficiency with CRM systems and content management, including template creation and updates.
• Strong analytical skills to measure communication effectiveness and adjust strategies accordingly.
• Excellent project management and cross-functional collaboration abilities.
• Experience within higher education, with an understanding of the student lifecycle and challenges.
• Familiarity with the latest trends in digital communications and engagement strategies targeting young adults.
Proficiency in analytics tools to measure and optimize communication strategies.