Job Information
Grand Rapids Community College Executive Director of Communications in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Executive Director of Communications
Executive Director of Communications
Job ID 1547
July 20, 2023
Department: Communications
Employee Group: https://www.grcc.edu/faculty-staff/human-resources/employee-groups-resources/employee-groups/meet-confer
Schedule: 40 hours/52 weeks, Exempt
Compensation: $100,000/year
Benefits: Generous Benefit Package; https://www.grcc.edu/faculty-staff/human-resources/benefits-insurance/medical-plans/new-hire-benefit-enrollment
Reports to: Vice President for College Advancement
Posting Closes: Open Until Filled, First review on August 3, 2023
SUMMARY
The Executive Director of Communications provides strategic leadership and direction to the Communications and Web Content and Strategy teams. The purpose of this position is to provide effective and efficient management of the GRCC brand. Primary responsibilities include developing and implementing a strategic vision to guide department work that is interconnected with the college's mission, vision and values; creating a team-oriented work space for the development and growth of team member proficiencies; fostering collaborative relationships with external and internal partners; understanding the interconnectedness of the college's advertising, marketing, promotions and public relations campaigns, and executing tactical implementation of this work to advance the college's visibility in the West Michigan community; being in tune with emerging industry trends to identify opportunities for improvement and department growth areas, while at the same time being intentional in the development of work processes that allow for the continuous evolution of department work; serving as a liaison between the college, and campus constituents and the West Michigan community regarding college-wide communications initiatives.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• Spokesperson for the College
• Set a strategic direction for the communications and web content and strategy departments, and the GRCC brand.
• Provide leadership for the strategic development of communications department advertising, marketing, promotions and public relations campaigns.
• Assess, guide, and strengthen the capacity of the Communications Department to address the marketing and public relations needs of the college.
• Responsible for the development and implementation of the College's communication plan, which includes all public relations, marketing and advertising activities, and crisis communications.
• Provide senior level public relations counseling to President, Board of Trustees, and Cabinet.
• Participate in strategic college-wide planning and leadership as part of the Cabinet and Strategic Leadership Team.
• Use a systems management approach to create effective and efficient work processes that are foundational in nature, but easily adaptable in a continuous improvement environment.
• Provide copy/speech writing, and editing/proofreading support to the president.
• Oversee communications department operations ' including, but not limited to, copy writing, graphic design, photography and video.
• Oversee the web content and strategy department operations, including, but not limited to website and digital signage branding and the continuous improvement of website features, content, information architecture, and data collection and analysis to support the institutional goals of the college, including the areas of recruitment, retention, and institutional storytelling.
• Advise, guide, and deploy crisis communications during college emergencies, or other instances when the dissemination of information critical to college operations is necessary.
• Oversee grcc.edu as the college's website owner, developing and implementing