Director, Public Relations

Director, Public Relations

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Job Title: Director, Public Relations

Department: OCM Administration

Campus

Location:

Main Campus

FLSA Status: Exempt/ Salaried

Position Type/ Work Schedule

• 2080 Hours per year
• 12 Months per year
• 40 Hours per week (Estimated)

Colorado College is a nationally recognized, residential liberal arts college with 2,300 students from around the world. Employees set the stage for student success by bringing their diverse experience and knowledge to the table. The college actively promotes a dynamic and inclusive environment in which students and employees of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives can learn and work.

The Director of Public Relations is a hands‑on leader responsible for shaping public perception and strengthening affinity for Colorado College. This role oversees the promotional and community relations aspects of public relations while managing leaders in media relations and storytelling/content marketing. As a strategic advisor and skilled practitioner, the Director drives an integrated PR strategy across owned, shared, and earned media channels, ensuring the College's brand and reputation are proactively protected and elevated.

The position combines high‑level strategy with direct execution of messaging, content development, and major public relations initiatives in collaboration with campus partners and senior leadership.

• Lead a proactive, narrative‑driven public relations strategy that elevates the Colorado College brand across owned, shared, and earned media platforms.
• Shape and steward the college's public positioning in alignment with its mission, values, and strategic priorities.
• Oversee the public rollout of new programs in close collaboration with senior marketing, communications, and creative leaders.
• Lead institutional storytelling and reputation‑focused communications across owned, earned, and shared media platforms.
• Partner with the others in OCM to ensure consistency of message frameworks and timing across internal and external audiences.
• Serve as a member of the leadership team, working collaboratively with other to ensure aligned planning, resource coordination, and shared accountability for institutional communications outcomes.
• Develop and oversee an integrated content strategy to drive audience engagement, community building, and advocacy.
• Ensure timely, high‑quality updates and storytelling across the college's website, digital channels, and flagship publications.
• Guide the creation of cohesive brand narratives, owned content calendars, and distribution strategies across platforms.
• Contribute directly to the development of content and messaging as a hands‑on leader.
• Serve as lead on flashpoint issues communications and response strategy under the direction of the VP.
• Partner with campus stakeholders and partners to anticipate, monitor, and respond to reputational risks.
• Lead proactive community relations efforts, including institutional participation in local partnerships and public forums.
• Oversee development and execution of key brand activations and integration of branding at signature events, in collaboration with OCM and College events colleagues.
• Establish and track KPIs related to public relations, content performance, reputation‑building, and community engagement.
• Regularly report on outcomes and return on investment (ROI) to VP, informing strategic refinement and demonstrating impact.
• Use data to optimize messaging, distribution strategies, and stakeholder engagement.
• Lead, mentor, and manage members of PR team.
• Promote cross‑functional team collaboration, integration, and alignment across the Communications and Marketing division and beyond.
• Contribute to divisional planning, special initiatives, or presidential priorities as needed / requested.
• Stay abreast of higher education trends, audience behavior, and the evolving media landscape.

• Bachelor's degree in a related field
• 7 years of experience in a related field with at least 5 years of supervisory or managerial experience

One year of relevant work experience may be substituted for one year of required education (OR)…