Public Relations and Marketing Manager

The mission of Wytheville Community College is dedicated to facilitating student success and fostering excellence through teaching while providing personal development, lifelong career growth, community leadership, economic advancement, and cultural enrichment for the citizens of the counties of Bland, Carroll, Grayson, Smyth, and Wythe and the city of Galax.

To achieve this mission and to fulfill its role as an educational leader and partner, Wytheville Community College commits to a student-centered environment by:

• providing programs and courses in occupational-technical education, college transfer education, general education, developmental education, distance education, continuing education, and workforce development;
• utilizing a broad range of instructional technologies, methods, materials, and facilities that are designed to meet the diverse needs of students;
• offering a supportive, comprehensive program of student development services that contribute to student persistence, success, and citizenship;
• fueling regional and state economic development by forging partnerships with businesses, industries, public agencies, civic groups, public schools, and other institutions of higher education not only within the service region but throughout the Commonwealth;
• promoting Appalachian Culture and cultural opportunities of Southwest Virginia;
• promoting accessibility; promoting affordability; and ensuring quality in all programs and services.

The Public Relations and Marketing Manager is responsible for overseeing aspects of the Colleges communications and marketing efforts. This includes developing and implementing effective marketing strategies, writing and editing grant proposals, and managing media relations to enhance the organizations public image.

The role involves planning and executing events that align with WCCs mission and goals while promoting a positive public presence. Additionally, the manager will create and oversee social media content to engage with target audiences and maintain a consistent online presence.

As the primary point of contact for public information, the manager ensures clear and effective communication across all platforms.

Primary Responsibilities

• Media Relations: Develops and maintains positive relationships with media outlets in the Colleges service region. Works with the Director of Institutional Advancement to respond to media requests and inquiries as well as provide news releases.
• Event Coordination: Assists in planning and coordinating college activities and events and fund-raising activities for the WCC Educational Foundation, Inc. and its entities.
• Marketing and Advertising: Plans and implements community and college-wide information and marketing programs through the preparation and dissemination of a variety of informational materials including: advertising campaigns, special marketing products and publications, and image-building promotions.
• Social Media: Manages and provides the content and analytics of the Colleges social media accounts.
• Grant Writing: Assists the Director of Institutional Advancement with grant writing and editing.
• Public Information: Assists the Director of Institutional Advancement in managing day-to-day communications for the College and assists with crisis communications during critical situations.
• Content Management: Works cooperatively with the colleges Webmaster to coordinate college digital photography services for use with the college website, campus documents and publications.

Other Duties & Responsibilities

• Assists with writing speeches and prepares other communications for college personnel as requested.
• Represents WCC at community and civic organization events as needed.
• Represents the WCC Educational Foundation, Inc. and its entities at community events as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Institutional Advancement.

Special Assignments

• May be required to perform other duties as assigned.
• May be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.

KSA's/Required Qualifications

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Marketing and public relations experience.
• Experience with social media management.
• Proficiency in a number of relevant software programs.
• Proven ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and ability to work under tight deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Creative thinking and problem-solving skills.

Additional Considerations

• Positive attitude and proactive approach to projects.
• Ability to interact positively and professionally with students and co-workers.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to participate in professional growth activities such as seminars, classes, and workshops relevant to the positions job description.
• Operation of a State Vehicle Yes.
• Supervises Employees No.
• Required Travel May be required to travel to other WCC offsite locations and to events and training within the state of Virginia.