What are the responsibilities and job description for the Vice President, Strategic Communications position at InsideHigherEd?
Position Number : SE1105.00000
Position Title :
Vice President, Strategic Communications
Job Type : Administrator
FT / PT : Full-Time
Employee Class Description :
A2-Executive Staff
General Position Description :
Provides senior leadership and vision for the development and implementation of multi-channel communication strategies that enhance the visibility and reputation of the Valencia College brand. Oversees marketing, media relations, internal and external communications to ensure consistent messaging across all audiences and channels.
Grade : 2052
Exemption Status : Exempt
Posting Number : S2941P
Location(s) :
Orlando, FL 32811 - West Campus
Number of Vacancies :
Posting Start Date :
01 / 27 / 2025
Open Until Filled :
Quicklink for Posting :
https : / / valenciacollege.peopleadmin.com / postings / 37789
Description of Job Function :
1. Leads and executes comprehensive communication plans to support the college’s goals and strategic impact plan. Collaborates with key stakeholders to implement communication strategies to build awareness of the college’s mission, programs, services, and initiatives and enhance its public image.
Description of Job Function :
2. Provides strategic oversight of all marketing and branding initiatives including press releases, media kits, public relations campaigns, social media, and other materials. Ensures the college’s brand is consistently represented across all communications and marketing materials.
Description of Job Function :
3. Oversees a multi-channel student marketing strategy to engage priority audiences and attract enrollment, clearly communicating the college’s commitment to affordability, accessibility, and high-quality educational opportunities.
Description of Job Function :
4. Oversees the college’s social media strategy across platforms (e.g., Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, etc.) to strengthen the institution’s online presence and engage with prospective students, alumni, community leaders and partners, and other key stakeholders.
Description of Job Function :
5. Monitors return on investment (ROI) as well as other metrics and analytics to report results to key stakeholders.
Description of Job Function :
6. Establishes internal communication strategies and practices to ensure clear and timely information flow within the college; oversees internal communication tools and resources and evaluates their effectiveness.
Description of Job Function :
7. Builds and cultivates relationships with local, regional, and national media to enhance the college’s visibility, reputation, and ability to respond effectively in times of crisis or opportunity.
Description of Job Function :
8. Anticipate potential risks or crises and helps develop or refine the college’s crisis communication plan. Coordinates media training, tabletop exercises, and simulations to ensure that spokespeople and staff are prepared for emergencies.
Description of Job Function :
9. Leads and guides the Communications and Marketing teams, provides professional development opportunities and mentorship, and fosters a positive and collaborative team environment.
Description of Job Function :
10. Serves as primary advisor to the College President and all members of the senior leadership team and Valencia College Foundation in matters of internal and external communications, including crisis communications.
Description of Job Function :
11. Monitors news, media, and social media. Ensures the timely, accurate, and sensitive handling of issues and responding as appropriate to mitigate potential reputational risks.
Description of Job Function :
12. Provides direction for special events that promote the college and supports colleagues with public speaking, presentations, articles, and programs.
Description of Job Function :
13. Develops and manages assigned budgets.
Description of Job Function :
14. Other related assigned responsibilities as determined by the President.
Drivers License Requirement :
Not Applicable
Required Minimum Education :
Bachelor’s Degree from a regionally accredited institution, or any equivalent combination of related education, training, and / or experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions.
Required Field of Study :
Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or closely related field.
Other Required Qualifications :
Six-eight (6-8) years of progressive experience with developing and leading strategic communication initiatives; experience managing multiple teams.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :
Demonstrates leadership in marketing, communication, planning, organization, and management.
Understand college organizational goals, objectives, policies, and procedures, with a commitment to the mission of the college.
Ability to travel between campuses or off-site meetings.
Knowledge and understanding of brand and enrollment marketing and communications within a higher education environment.
Understanding of public relations, branding, and messaging to ensure consistent and accurate communication aligned with organizational goals.
Expertise in leveraging social media for storytelling, engagement, and brand building and ability to analyze social media metrics to inform decision-making and strategy refinement.
Skill in tactful management and communication of organizational change.
Knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, and standards for the management and disclosure of public information.
Ability to quickly develop clear and concise crisis messages that can be disseminated through multiple channels (e.g., press releases, social media, campus-wide alerts, media interviews) while ensuring alignment with college values and priorities.
Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
Ability to work tactfully and collaboratively as part of a team and build strong professional relationships at the college and in the community.
Demonstrated skill in managing multiple projects and personnel relationships, prioritizing competing demands, and meeting deadlines.
Strong ability to craft clear, compelling, and professional content for press releases, op-eds, media pitches, and responses to media inquiries.
General Working Conditions :
This job primarily operates in a professional office environment. The employee will routinely operate standard office equipment including but not limited to computers, keyboards, mouse, phones, photocopiers, printers, scanners, filing cabinets and fax machines. While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.
Typical physical competencies include but are not limited to frequently remaining stationary, moving, reaching, positioning self and occasionally ascending / descending, lifting / moving objects weighing between 5-15 pounds. This job also entails frequently communicating, discerning, and exchanging information, detecting and perceiving objects up close, at a distance, and the ability to adjust focus. Cognitive abilities include but are not limited to frequently using discretion, judgment, reasoning, memory, learning, maintaining confidentiality, comprehension, problem solving, and decision-making.
The typical work environment, physical and cognitive demands listed above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The College has a process to identify and make available reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
