Executive Director, Communications

Executive Director, Communications

We are searching for an experienced Executive Director, Communications at our Goldsmith Campus - Westchester campus.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities :

Under the direction of the Vice President of Marketing and Communications, the Executive Director of Communications provides leadership and management of core Communications functions at Otis College including internal and executive communications, crisis communications, content marketing, and external and media relations. The incumbent will work collaboratively with departmental staff to shape public relations campaigns and internal communications efforts for Otis College that expand its visibility among internal stakeholders, prospective students, friends of the college, and external partners. The candidate will work closely with the Vice President of Marketing and Communications and the Director of Marketing on the planning, production, and strategic positioning of key college publications including the Otis College Report on the Creative Economy, which has chronicled the scope, and impact of creative industries in Los Angeles and California since 2007. This position serves as a backup for the Vice President when needed, representing the department as required for internal and external events. This position is part of the Otis College Emergency Response Team (ERT). The specific responsibilities are noted in the ERT Plan for the college which can be obtained from the Safety and Security office

CORE DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES :

Strategic Communications & Public Relations : Implements strategic communications campaigns that engage prospective students, parents, and community members. Leads the planning and execution of internal and executive communications for the college and provides guidance on crisis communications in partnership with the Vice President and external consultants. Develops College-wide short-term and long-range communication plans and manages community emails. Oversees public relations programs and projects in collaboration with external vendors and serves as the primary media relations representative for the college. Builds strong working relationships with academic departments and arts, culture, and education writers and media. (30%)

Publications : Leads the planning, editing, and distribution of promotional email newsletters and admissions viewbooks. Directly supervises Editorial Director and freelance writers creating content for current and future college publications including annual reports. Leads the development, editing, and production of the Otis College Report on the Creative Economy in partnership with the Vice President, a third party economics firm, and Institutional Advancement (30%) Content Marketing : Partners with the Vice President of Marketing and Director of Marketing on editorial web content strategy including blog stories and news features that engage current and prospective students, parents, donors, and industry while increasing broad visibility of the Otis College brand. (25%) Budget & Resource Management : Develops and administers budget for communications functions of the College. Establishes regular reporting schedule and deliverables for communications programs to demonstrate effectiveness of core efforts for Vice President and senior leadership. Utilizes data to guide communications and PR efforts. (10%)

Performs other related duties as assigned. Must be responsive to work-related phone calls and emails during non-business hours on occasion. (5%)

• Performs other related duties as assigned. Must be responsive to work-related phone calls and emails during non-business hours on occasion.

Required Qualifications :

Bachelor's degree required in English, Communications, Journalism, Marketing or related field. A minimum of 8 years of experience in strategic communications, public relations, or related fields including leadership roles in managing staff. Familiarity with marketing best practices. Well versed in strategic communications best practices including internal communications, media relations, crisis communications, and public relations. Excellent written and verbal communication skills including the production of editorial and short form copy. Accustomed to working with diverse stakeholders in a fast-paced environment. Strong time and project management skills and a keen attention to detail. Capacity and willingness to adapt quickly to changing needs and priorities. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Applications, Adobe Suite, and familiarity with PR database applications (Cision, Meltwater etc.).

PREFERRED SKILLS and EXPERIENCE :

Experience working in higher education, nonprofit, or similar settings preferred but not required.

FLSA Status : Exempt

Compensation Type : Annual Salary

Salary Range : 120,913.00 - 151,558.00

Our company provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.