Director of Public Relations & Marketing

Description

Job Description:

The Director of Public Relations and Marketing is responsible for leading the college’s marketing, branding, public relations, and communications strategies to enhance visibility, engagement, and enrollment. Reporting to the President, the Director oversees all marketing initiatives, ensuring alignment with the institution’s mission and strategic goals. 

This role includes managing digital and traditional marketing efforts, public relations, crisis communication, social media, and branding.  This position plays a vital role in shaping the public perception of the college and engaging prospective students, alumni, and the community through innovative marketing and communications strategies. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy.

Primary Job Responsibilities:

Strategic Marketing & Communications

• Develop, implement, and evaluate strategic plans for marketing, communications, advertising, public relations, and crisis management.
• Oversee external publicity efforts, including press releases, feature articles, public service announcements, and media relations to enhance brand awareness.
• Provide expert marketing, public relations, and communications support to all college departments and divisions.
• Develop and maintain SEARK’s branding guidelines to ensure consistency across all marketing material and communicate the brand to internal and external constituents.
• Work with the President and senior leadership to create official marketing and communication strategies that reflect institutional priorities.
• Serve as the college’s Public Information Officer and the primary media contact.

Digital & Social Media Management

• Manage and create content for all college social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
• Keep the news on the college’s website and sharepoint up to date in concert with the IT Director.
• Manage SEARK’s digital signage on Hazel St. to promote events and initiatives.

Advertising & Recruitment Support

• Plan and oversee the public relations and advertising budget to maximize outreach and engagement.
• Negotiate with service vendors to optimize advertising strategies across print, digital, radio, email, and social media platforms.
• Design and produce graphics and advertisements for recruitment and digital marketing campaigns.
• Manage email marketing efforts through the CRM Recruit system, working with the Recruitment team to generate and nurture prospective student leads.

Internal & External Communications

• Serve as the primary contact for campus-wide updates and communications to faculty and staff via email.
• Create and review internal and external flyers for campus events across all departments.
• Prepare educational materials for academic programs and community education campaigns that align with the college’s mission.
• Assist the IT Director as a Formstack Administrator to support online forms and communication needs.

Leadership & Supervision

• Supervise the Communications Coordinator at SEARK to ensure cohesive messaging and content alignment.
• Provide training and leadership on best practices for marketing and communications strategies.
• Represent the Marketing Department in key campus initiatives, including serving on the Executive Leadership Team.

Performs Other Duties as Assigned

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills:

• Strong understanding of marketing functions, including research, planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Experience in social media management, digital advertising, and public relations.
• Exceptional journalistic writing and editing skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in marketing technology, including CRM systems, website management, and email marketing tools.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field.
• At least two years of experience in marketing, content management, advertising, or media relations.
• Demonstrated expertise in digital marketing campaigns and brand enhancement strategies.

OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field.
• Experience in higher education marketing, student recruitment, and retention strategies.
• Ability to analyze trends and implement data-driven marketing strategies.
• Knowledge of graphic design tools and content management systems.

Salary:  Commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Benefits: Southeast Arkansas College provides options for health insurance, dental and vision insurance, and offers a choice of retirement plan options with employer contributions ranging from 10% to 15% depending upon the plan selected. The College also provides a tuition waiver for the employee and dependents.

Application Deadline:  Interviews are to begin immediately.  Incomplete applications may not be considered.Interviews begin immediately. 

Application Procedure:

All candidates must apply online at https://www.seark.edu/careers.  Click 'Start Application' to complete the online applications.  Interested individuals should submit a completed Southeast Arkansas College Employment Application.  Please note:  All transcripts, certifications, and other credentials should be uploaded with your Resume and Cover Letter.  Paper documents will not be accepted.

Required Applicant Documents:

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume
3. College Transcripts (Please note:  Official transcripts are required upon offer of employment.)
4. Certifications, licensures, or other credentials (Please note:  Official copies will be required upon offer of employment.

All drivers operating a state vehicle or private vehicle on State Business shall participate in the Arkansas State Vehicle Safety Program, and must maintain a valid Arkansas driver's license in accordance with the requirements of all applicable Arkansas State Laws.