Director of Communications, Marketing & Events - Communications Specialist 3

Director of Communications, Marketing & Events - Communications Specialist 3

Reporting to the Vice President of Advancement, Communications, and External Relations, the Director of Communications, Marketing & Events provides leadership and operational direction for Riverland Community College's marketing, branding, communications, and events functions. This position manages the implementation and execution of the Comprehensive Marketing Plan, integrates efforts across departments, and ensures all messaging aligns with the college's brand, mission and vision.

The Director is responsible for institutional, program-specific, alumni, and internal/external communications, while actively supporting student recruitment and retention initiatives. As the college's key communicator and a vital member of the crisis response team, this role serves as the primary contact for emergency and severe weather communication, emergency planning, and messaging, as well as provides leadership for public-facing messaging at the institutional level, including media relations activities.

The Director of Communications, Marketing & Events works collaboratively with the marketing team to operationalize the marketing, branding and communication strategy across web, digital media, design, video, PR, and event functions. This position is responsible for managing key college events and has direct responsibility for media relations, sponsor ships, branding, communication policy development, and data/information requests. The Director helps develop content, advises faculty and staff on marketing strategy, and provides high-level messaging guidance for public, media, and governmental communications at the campus, system, and community levels.

This position operates with institutional strategy, priorities, and standards established by the Vice President of Advancement, Communications, and External Relations.

Principal Responsibilities:

• In collaboration with the Vice President of Advancement, Communications & External Relations develop, execute, and provide ongoing management of the comprehensive marketing and communication plan in alignment with institutional strategy and priorities.
• Manage marketing and communication department budget, policies, and activities, incorporating full-cycle project management of the marketing and communication function at Riverland Community College.
• Coordinate and support campus events and community outreach events through collaboration with the Strategic Enrollment Committee, Advancement, Academics, and Student Affairs to impact student engagement, community engagement, and enrollment.
• Guide and coordinate all public communications, media relations, and emergency communications.
• Perform other duties as assigned to ensure the smooth functioning of the department and maintain the reputation of the organization(s) as a viable business partner.

Salary Range: $32.97 - $48.60 / $68,841.00 - $

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum of three (3) years work experience OR a bachelor's degree and two (2) years work experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• The degree must be within any of the following disciplines: communications, journalism, marketing or public relations or related.
• Demonstrated experience in managing a comprehensive marketing and communication plan for a large institution or organization.
• Demonstrated event management experience.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in written and oral communication.
• Technical knowledge in writing/editing, photography/videography, graphic design, website content management, social media platforms, marketing, and project management.
• Experience with crisis management and drafting and communicating public relation statements.

Preferred

Qualification:

• Master's degree in communications, journalism, marketing or public relations or related.
• 10+ years of professional experience in marketing, public relations, or similar field.
• Extensive experience in developing and implementing marketing plans, public relations, special events, graphic design, social media management, photography, videography, and printing, with demonstrated people skills and expertise in planning, writing, editing, designing, production methods, media relations, management, crisis media management, and organizational development.
• Experience with consumer marketing strategy, strategic advertising, and branding.
• Experience in higher education enrollment management.
• Understanding of the Minnesota State system (organization, leadership, culture).
• Bilingual/multilingual fluent in Spanish, Karen, Karenni, Somali, Pohnpeian, French, Nuer, Anuak, or other languages that reflect our student body, workforce, and communities.
• Demonstrated experience working with multicultural and underserved populations.

Other Requirements:

• A complete online application will include a letter of interest and a resume/curriculum vitae.
• All internal applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will be offered an initial interview.
• This…