Executive Director, Strategic Communcations - Northwest Florida State College

This position provides visionary leadership for NWF State College's Strategic Communications Division. The position is responsible for the development and implementation of a comprehensive, integrated, and strategic communications plan in support of the College's mission and to positively enhance NWF State College's brand, image, and awareness of its programs, services, initiatives, and planned activities. The individual filling this position is expected to play a positive role in assisting the College to manage change as necessary to effectively carry out its mission. The Executive Director of Strategic Communications is directly accountable to the Senior Vice President for the following duties and responsibilities.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Oversee all brand messaging, design and creative execution through various communication vehicles such as print, television, direct mail, outdoor, radio, and digital media platforms. Manage all advertising and media placement for division initiatives within a specified budget. Provide strategic oversight for creative process and final creative product.
• Develop and execute a marketing strategy that drives student recruitment and engagement consistent with the College's strategic goals.
• Plan and implement the College's public relations strategy to maintain and advance the organization's brand position across the media and with relevant community stakeholders. Compose, research and edit communications materials including press pitches, press releases, policy talking points and white papers.
• Manage and enhance the College website to ensure its effectiveness and drive increased online traffic.
• Assist the President with the development and coordination of various materials and talking points.
• Maintain an active liaison relationship with all area media and represent NWF State College to the media. Coordinate with internal and external media community partners to provide leadership and effectively promote college-wide programs, services, and events. Handle ensuing media inquiries and requests to arrange interviews.
• Responsible for ensuring a comprehensive digital strategy including website management, search engine optimization, and social media. Oversee the production of promotional, educational, and event-based videos for internal and external audiences across various platforms.
• Write, edit, prepare bid specifications, and coordinate the customized distribution of college publications, including but not limited to, feature articles, catalogs, magazines, brochures, and the website. Serve as the Editor, with responsibility for content, layout and design of NWFSC publications.
• Set and monitor standards for college-wide adherence to the NWF State College Graphics/Publications Standards and Style Guide Policy for non-instructional material. Review all non-instructional publications prepared by the College's in-house graphics department, as well as web content, to ensure responsible promotion of College messages and visual identity.
• Create and maintain a Strategic Communications Annual Program of Work outlining current and comprehensive marketing, communications and recruitment initiatives including a unit plan with measurable goals and a strong commitment toward continuous improvement.
• Ensure the strategic communications division serves as the College's official photographer and videographer and maintain photo library and photographic archives.
• Support College events to include sponsorships, event management, and public relations activities.
• Represent the College through internal and external speaking opportunities, as directed by the President.
• Participate in sensitive decision-making as part of the Safety Committee and coordinate crisis communication, as designated. Serve as the College's public information officer and coordinate crisis and emergency communication.
• Supervise Strategic Communications personnel.
• Establish and manage the Strategic Communications budget in accordance with College policy.
• Co-chair the Commencement Working Group and oversee the College's public-facing Commencement activities.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the College and external marketing/advertising agencies, ensuring effective communication and alignment of goals, and overseeing the selection, contract negotiation, and performance evaluation of each agency to make sure they meet the strategic objectives and standards of the organization.
• Annual mandatory compliance training is required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, life, and other benefits offered through the State Group Insurance plan.
• College paid retirement with 3% employee contribution to the Florida Retirement System (FRS)
• Sick and Annual (Vacation) Leave accrual
• Time off for designated holidays, winter break, and spring break
• 36-hour work week
• Free tickets to designated Mattie Kelly Arts Center and Raider Athletic events

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience as a brand communicator; experience at a fast-paced entity required. (Higher education experience a plus.)
• Master's degree in marketing, public relations or related field required.
• Demonstrated excellence in professional written and oral communications required. Knowledge of Associate Press (AP) style guidelines.
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge of social media, mass media practices, video production for digital platforms, and advertising markets.
• Demonstrated competency in emotional intelligence and situational awareness.
• Facilitate positive interaction with the College personnel and demonstrate a strong commitment to creating work products that meet the needs of the College.
• General knowledge of printing processes.
• Ability to take initiative, act independently, handle multiple tasks simultaneously and prioritize. Detail oriented.
• Ability to think around problems and develop creative solutions.
• Ability to travel as needed.
• Assumes duties and responsibilities which require accessibility for College business during non-college operating hours and/or when off campus during regular duty hours.

Classification: Administrative II

Grant Funded: No

Location: Niceville Campus

FLSA Status: Exempt

Application Deadline: Open until filled. Review of applications will begin immediately.