Manager, Communications

Position Summary

We are seeking a Manager, Communications, to be a key member of our communications team. The Manager, Communications will be responsible for developing and executing comprehensive communication plans that enhance the college's visibility, engagement, and success among students, employees, within the community and the broader education landscape. The ideal candidate will possess developing leadership skills, a broad understanding of brand reputation, messaging strategies, executive communications, crisis management, internal communications, media relations, strategic planning, analytics, project management, process improvement, budget management, client relations, team development, and agency management.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Experience in internal communications, media relations, etc.

Broad understanding of communications and media trends, principles, strategies, and tactics, with expertise in innovative messaging strategies to deploy an effective omni-channel approach.

Experience in collaborating to strategically manage crisis situations by anticipating, preventing, and responding to media issues and crises and turning them to the benefit of the organization.

Strong analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data, analyze market trends, and draw actionable insights.

Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and work with stakeholders at all levels.

Proven ability to execute, meet deadlines, and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Requirements

Normal physical job functions performed within a standard office environment. Reasonable accommodation may be made to individuals with physical challenges to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or associate degree and equivalent experience in communications, public relations, English, journalism, marketing, business or related field. Official transcripts will be required.

Three (3) years of experience in communications, public relations, media relations, independently or with the support of an outside agency.

Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, resource allocation, timeline management, and project management.

Bilingual or multilingual preferred.

• Will be subject to a criminal background check.  Some positions may be subject to a fingerprint check.

Key Responsibilities

Build Communications Strategy & Plan – Leverage Brand strategy, key priorities, and best practices to form a cohesive, integrated Communications strategy and plan recommendation for senior management (Chancellor / L2 / L3). Lead all proactive and reactive PR and Communications activities to build brand reputation and drive preference. Additionally, this leader will partner with Marketing, Digital and Events teams to coordinate media relations and issues management protocols across all facilities and departments.

Messaging Strategy Innovation – Provide the organization with leadership in how best to leverage relevant Communications and media trends to ensure that the brand messages are breaking through the clutter, reaching the right targets at the most opportune moments by effectively deploying an omni-channel approach, while effectively shaping and managing the dialogue in the brand's favor.

Executive Communications – Establish a strategy and lead plan for an executive leadership visibility and thought leadership program. This will involve developing messaging strategies / platforms, identifying speaking opportunities with the media and at industry events, developing white papers, etc. Support the development of internal and external communications for the Chancellor / L2 and Board Trustees (internal messages / meetings, Board communications, media interviews).

Crisis / Issues Management – Partner with The Business Continuity Office in formalizing a rapid response system, anticipating issues, and prepare for / prevent issues from emerging in media coverage. When possible, strategically turn crisis situations for the benefit of the organization. Effective Crisis Management will require establishing appropriate response teams, consulting with Risk, Compliance and Legal, training spokespeople, crafting messages for all critical stakeholders, and evaluating response effectiveness, post-crisis. Where necessary, provide 24 / 7 on-the-ground support to corporate and facility leaders.

Internal Communications – Optimize and steward internal communication strategy to effectively amplify company-wide and division specific distribution, positive storytelling, employer brand awareness, morale, and message consistency.

Media Relations – Develop and maintain strong relationships with key local, regional and national media. Track and build relationships with important online media outlets. Oversee handling of key media queries and identify opportunities for media interviews with key faculty, staff and executive management.

Project Management - Plan, execute and oversee the successful completion of various projects within the organization. Defining project objectives, create detailed project plans and allocate resources effectively to ensure project goals are met on time and within budget.

Budget Management – Monitor budgets for various areas and projects, ensuring adherence to college guidelines and targets.

Client Relations - Build and maintain strong, positive relationships with internal clients. Responsibilities include being the primary point of contact for clients, addressing their inquiries and concerns promptly, and ensuring exceptional customer service at all times.

Brand Ambassador - Serves as an advocate and gatekeeper for the Dallas College Brand and makes sure other team members embrace this stewardship.

Completes required Dallas College Professional Development training hours per academic year.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Salary : $53,000