What are the responsibilities and job description for the Public Affairs and Marketing - Director of Communications position at Hope College?
Position Title
Public Affairs and Marketing - Director of Communications
Classification Title
Administrative Full Time (.75-1.0 FTE)
Benefits Eligibility
Benefits Eligibility
Department
Public Affairs & Marketing
Job Description
Overview:
Lead Hope College’s storytelling and editorial strategy. As a key member of the Public Affairs and Marketing team, you’ll shape how we share Hope’s story with our community and beyond while ensuring brand consistency and excellence in all communications. The ideal candidate will be an experienced communications leader who can elevate Hope College’s brand while maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Impact Areas:
- Brand storytelling and consistency
- Media relations and public relations
- Publication management
- Strategic communications planning
- Cross-departmental collaboration
- Crisis communication
- Content strategy and development
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership
- Serve on the Public Affairs and Marketing leadership and management team
- Partner with the director of public affairs and marketing, director of creative services, and director of digital communications on integrated strategy
- Direct and supervise the Communication Services team, including sports information and digital asset management
- Lead institutional media relations and serve as college spokesperson, especially during critical events
- Guide national media strategy in collaboration with an external agency
Editorial Strategy
- Serve as editor-in-chief of News from Hope College magazine
- Create and coordinate development of stories about institutional and individual achievements and announcements about public-facing campus activities
- Spearhead content creation and serve as primary copywriter for major institutional campaigns, focusing on Admissions, Alumni, Philanthropy, and presidential communications
- Develop compelling narratives that showcase Hope’s mission and achievements
- Manage crisis communications and reputation management
Team & Project Management
- Build and mentor a high-performing communications team, including student assistants and freelance writers as needed
- Oversee project timelines, budgets, and quality standards
- Foster collaboration between Public Affairs and Marketing and campus departments
- Stay current with higher education marketing and communications trends
Work Environment:
- Fast-paced, collaborative team setting
- Occasional evening and weekend availability for events and crisis management
- A mix of strategic planning and hands-on content creation
- Cross-departmental collaboration with diverse stakeholders
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- Expertise and experience in writing and editing
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or related field
- 5 years of communications and/or project management experience
- 3 years of team leadership experience
- Proven track record in content strategy and editorial management
- Experience with media relations and digital communications platforms
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
- Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities
- Demonstrated crisis management experience Shares a commitment to the Christian faith and supports the mission of Hope College
Preferred Qualifications:
- News media or journalism background
- Experience with media monitoring tools and social media to track and pitch stories
- Higher education marketing experience
Physical Demands
This position requires remaining in a sitting or standing position for frequent periods of time; uses office machinery such as a computers, printers, copy machines; Occasionally involves moving items over 10 pounds; frequently will move between different offices/workspaces/buildings; and requires effective communication abilities. In the case of temporary or permanent condition(s) that require(s) accommodation(s), reasonable accommodation(s) may be requested.
Pre-employment Screenings
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check. Some positions may have position specific requirements, such as education/licensure/certification verification, a physical, drug screening, credit checks and/or transportation record review.
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
2023-274SR
Job Posting Open Date
02/25/2025
Job Posting Close Date
03/21/2025
Open Until Filled
No
Is this position available for sponsorship
No
Special Instructions to Applicants
Documents Needed to Apply
Required Documents
Optional Documents
- Resume
- Cover Letter
